Evaluation of the music group in HMP Wealstun

Researchers: Dr Martin Webber, Dr Mark Hardy

Funder: Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust

Duration: March 2015 to December 2015

Background

There is a growing body of research evidence suggesting that artistic activities can contribute to the achievement of positive outcomes in both mental health and criminal justice settings. These can include outcomes such as symptom reduction, recovery, improved behaviour or rehabilitation. In clinical practice, art therapy is well-established as a means of enabling communication, the expression of feelings and emotional or psychological change. Within prison populations, artistic interventions have been used on a more intermittent basis, often with individuals who are quite dangerous as a basis for promoting engagement, involvement, positive relationships and change.

Additionally, in mainstream prison settings, there is increased recognition of the need to address mental health problems caused by the situation that prisoners find themselves in. Also recognised is the part that non-traditional approaches may play in supplementing clinical practices. Music in particular can impact on mood. As such it is potentially beneficial for individuals experiencing mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. Actually playing musical instruments has been associated with improved wellbeing and self-esteem, particularly for depression.

The music group at HMP Wealstun is one such example. Its stated aims include symptom management and reduction; as well as practical skills development. These aims are facilitated by the provision of music lessons to prisoners on the Primary Care Mental Health Team's caseload. This is a well-intentioned initiative with potential to contribute positively to clinical and organisational objectives. However, its effects have yet to be established.

Aims and objectives

This project aims to:

evaluate the mental health and social outcomes of the music group
evaluate the extent to which the music group is achieving its purpose at HMP Wealstun

Methods

The evaluation will use the secondary analysis of routinely collected outcome data and a series of qualitative focus groups to collect data on the effectiveness of the music scheme.

Secondary analysis - Measures of depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7) are taken weekly from participants of the music group to monitor their mental health. These measures will be supplemented with a measure of the social climate of the prison, the Essen Climate Evaluation Schema (EssenCES). EssenCES has been validated for use in forensic psychiatric wards and high secure hospitals. As the social climate is a more stable phenomena, this will be measured at monthly intervals for a period of six months to obtain prisoners’ perceptions about changes over time. Data will be analysed by ANOVA trend analysis to identify change in the outcomes over time for participants of the music group.

Focus Groups - In addition to the analysis of outcome data, the evaluation will include a qualitative component. We will undertake two focus groups with participants. These will gain:

an understanding of the perceptions of prisoners regarding the reasons they attend the group
any benefits they perceive themselves as experiencing as a consequence.

These groups will be audio-recorded and transcribed in full for analysis. We will undertake a thematic analysis to highlight the prominent themes of importance to the music group participants.