Figure 1
Artlink sessions with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. (Images reproduced with permission from Artlink and Cherry Road).
Table 1
Timeline of data collection.
| July 2017 | Aug. 2017 | Sept. 2017 | Oct. 2017 | Nov. 2017 | Dec. 2017 | Jan. 2018 | Feb. 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reflective Diaries | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Interviews | X | X | X |
Table 2
Reflective diary template and interview questions.
| Reflective Diary | Interview Schedule |
|---|---|
| 1. Benefit and Impact | 1. Artlink Sessions |
| 1.1 Describe the dynamic (key exciting moments) in today’s Artlink session. 1.2 What did you learn about your service user/carer/artist in today’s Artlink session? | 1.1 Can you describe the Artlink sessions at Cherry Road? 1.2 What are the principles underpinning your work? 1.3 How do you experience the Artlink sessions? 1.4 What do you get out of working with the service users/carers/artists? 1.5 How do you think the service users experience the Artlink sessions? 1.6 What does art and being creative mean to you? 1.7 How is art used in the Artlink sessions? 1.8 Do you think of yourself as creative? |
| 2. Transformative Moments | 2. Collaboration and Shared Learning |
| 2.1 Describe the key interactions in the Artlink session. Were they between you and your service user? Between others in the session? 2.2 At what point did you stop thinking about what you were involved in and just participate? | 2.1 What conversations take place between the artists and the carers about the Artlink sessions? |
| 3. Learning and Self Development | 3. Impact |
| 3.1 Use three words to describe what you learnt today. 3.2 Has the Artlink session helped you to think differently about your work/service user, or to change anything? | 3.1 What is the impact of the sessions? 3.2 What leads to impact? 3.3 What have you learnt from what is happening in the sessions? 3.4 How do you think the work of the artists can be translated to other professional practice? |
| 4. Research Process | |
| 4.1 What is your experience of being involved in the research process? |
Table 3
Reflective Diary Entries: Three Key Words from Artlink Sessions.
| Artists | Carers |
|---|---|
| Perceive, Process, Pause | Be in Moment |
| Time is Fluid | Slow, Silent, Calmness |
| Stillness is Important | Patience with Violet* |
| Plans can Change | Accepting Routine Changes |
| Timing to Nicola* | Routine, Reassurance, Flowing |
| Repetitive Movements Time-Concept | Experience the Moment |
| Everything Changes Daily | Relationships Moving Forward |