A quasi-experimental mixed-method pilot study to check the efficacy of the “SOUND” active and passive music-based intervention on mental wellbeing and residual cognition of older people with dementia and dementia professionals’ burnout: a research protocol

Abstract

PurposeThe SOUND method offers an innovative blended intervention based on music circle-activities and cognitive stimulation approaches which was co-designed by musicians, health professionals, older people with dementia, family caregivers and researchers, for its application in dementia settings. The purpose of the paper is to describe the detailed procedure of the quasi-experimental pilot study.MethodThe experimental phase of SOUND uses a mixed-method design encompassing qualitative and quantitative observations, cognitive testing, self-report and interviewer-assisted questionnaires to investigate the effectiveness of the intervention for 45 people with dementia and 45 professionals (15 in every study country: Italy, Portugal, Romania).ResultsThe pilot study will be the first implementation of the SOUND intervention aiming to investigate the feasibility and preliminary effects of the method.ConclusionThe novelty of SOUND is its multicomponent method, including the most evidenced features for improving the wellbeing of participants.

The design and implementation of a novel music-based curriculum for dementia care professionals: The experience of SOUND in Italy, Portugal and Romania

“…Further studies are needed that show the potentialities disclosed by the use of music in residential and semi-residential care settings. The impact of the SOUND training on OPD’s well-being, mood, behavior, and cognition has already been tested through a quasi-experimental mixed-method research protocol [ 30 ] and the results (that will be reported in another paper) will hopefully contribute to increase the knowledge on the effects of music in the dementia care and shed light on the need of training.…”