Developing a handbook for neurological choir facilitators: Manualising practice within a person-centred approach

Abstract

Introduction This practice-based doctoral action research investigates the CeleBRation Choir and Sing Up Rodney, two “neurological choirs” or singing groups for adults with an acquired neurological conditions that impact communication abilities and social connectedness. Internationally, therapeutic choirs tend to cater for participants with a single diagnosis. The CeleBRation Choir, founded in 2009 by the University of Auckland Centre for Brain Research, and Sing Up Rodney, founded 2017, have an inclusive philosophy, valued by participants and emulated by other practitioners across the motu. Research Summary Action research methodology was selected as a pragmatic means of investigating and improving practice. This paradigm allows questions and methods to evolve as the study unfolds through iterative cycles of plan-implement-review. Five main cycles and one spin-off cycle have been completed: (1) audio-visual analysis (AVA) of in-person and online choir sessions, (Spin-Off Cycle 1S) qualitative document analysis (QDA) of documentation and publications. (2) manualisation through thematic analysis of the AVA and QDA findings, (3) manual testing with a locum practitioner, (4) manual testing with other neurological choir and aphasia choir facilitators, and (5) implementation analysis through choir member interviews and volunteer team focus groups. The main output of the study is a handbook (a participant-preferred term, rather than manual) for neurological choirs facilitated by a music therapist, speech-language therapist, or other practitioners with appropriate skills. The handbook is structured around the VOCCAL Framework, an original, flexible protocol encompassing Vision, Outcomes, Conventions, Communities, Administration and Leadership. Future Directions Plans are underway to publish the Handbook in digital and hard copy formats. The research findings and recommendations will be disseminated through journal and newsletter articles, presentations, workshops, and social media.