Improvisation in Paediatric Healthcare: Small Things Dance Collective at Alder Hey Children's Hospital
Explore the significance of improvisation in paediatric healthcare through the innovative arts for health program at Alder Hey Children's Hospital. Small Things Dance Collective, in partnership with the hospital, uses improvisation and contact improvisation to engage patients in various art forms, offering a unique approach to healing and well-being.
- Improvisation
- Paediatric healthcare
- Small Things Dance Collective
- Arts for health
- Alder Hey Childrens Hospital
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The Significance of Improvisation in Paediatric Healthcare: The from where you are project by Small Things Dance Collective and Alder Hey Children s Hospital Lisa Dowler, Cath Hawkins, Vicky Charnock, Lorna O Brien, Helen Traynor and Kellie Rixon MBE
Alder Hey Childrens Hospital Alder Hey Children s Hospital in Liverpool is one of the largest and busiest children s hospital in Europe. We treat over 200,000 patients a year and employ 2,500 staff. The hospital is a top performing Trust, rated excellent by the Independent Healthcare Commission.
Alder Hey Arts Alder Hey Arts formed in 2002, chaired by Dr Jane Ratcliffe. This group advises and supports arts projects Alder Hey has been developing an innovative and pioneering arts for health programme since 2005 when arts organisations were invited to work in partnership with the hospital, known as Cultural Champions. It is participatory, patient centred and patient led. We consult with patients and families to develop the programme. We have been awarded Investing in Children Membership each year since 2010.
Alder Hey Arts We work with approximately 2,000 patients directly each year and deliver over 200 workshops in all art forms: dance, music, digital arts, storytelling, animation, creative writing, performance and visual arts. We work across all areas of the hospital from A&E, waiting rooms, wards and clinics. We also deliver projects in our community sites. Many of our projects focus on supporting long term patients and their families.
We introduced dance and movement sessions in 2006, when Lisa was working initially with the local dance agency. Sessions were open house, with all patients invited to attend. Patients experienced many benefits: having fun, partaking in physical exercise, sense of belonging to a group, combating the effects of isolation. Whilst popular and successful for those who attended, we quickly realised that many patients were unable to leave their ward or bed to attend.
Small Things Dance Collective Artist-led organisation founded in 2002, with a commitment to creating process-oriented new work. We work with Improvisation and Contact Improvisation and value spontaneous, non-stylised movement described by Helen Poynor as, a process orientated approach to movement based on the natural structure of the body rather than a stylised vocabulary, practising in any condition - that is one s personal condition (physical, mental and emotional) - and the conditions in the environment in which one is working. Poynor, H (2005)
from where you are pilot project Developed out of a desire to document and evaluate our one to one sessions Our company Small Things Collective received funding in 2008 from Lottery Awards for All and EHU to research the effects of our practice Research question- An investigation of measures to evaluate the practice of dance improvisation, on the neuro- medical and oncology wards of Alder Hey Children s Hospital Devised observation sheet
Somatic approaches One way of facilitating the release of muscular tension and a sense of well-being is through refined touch. We use non-directive touch, which is about listening, being with, not doing to, a meeting place. Very different to other touch qualities experienced in the hospital. We also approach the sessions playfully. Working creatively relates to a basic human urge to play. Play is part of a child s developmental journey, how they learn, through the senses, about themselves and their relationship to the world. This work can help regain a sense of self as well as re- establishing movement patterns that have been damaged as well as new pathways.
Matthew was not feeling great and not very enthusiastic, but once the balls came out and the stretchy cloth, he really enjoyed throwing, pulling and tugging. Cath really got him involved and moving about and smiling. Just the simplicity of the balloons made all the difference, not just for Matthew, but for me too! Mum of oncology patient aged 7.
Sarah loved the session and is already asking when the next one is. Movement to music is fun and I don t think the children see it as therapy although it is and therefore very beneficial in their rehabilitation Mother Sarah clearly benefits from the dance sessions, in gaining a sense of movement. Using the hoist for speed and access of different movement/levels. She visibly enjoys her participation giving self esteem and positive body image in what she is able to achieve. These sessions are invaluable to Sarah. Julie Sellers, Senior Play Specialist
from where you are 2011-13 Continuing ward based weekly sessions Hospital film and performance project Invisible Duets CPD opportunities, apprenticeships and workshops Creating an evidence base, quantitative and qualitative research Supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and the Big Lottery Fund, Edge Hill University s REF IF, Alder Hey Children s Hospital, PH Holt Foundation and Warrington Borough Council
Ward based weekly sessions Each week Small Things have two artists resident at the hospital. We work across three wards currently, including Cardiac, Neuromedical and Orthopaedic. This work and its development has been supported by the Hospital Play Specialists. In 2012 we spent six sessions at the Dewi Jones Unit, a closed acute psychiatric unit as well as other wards across the hospital. Within our weekly sessions we incorporate our research and apprentices.
Dewi Jones Unit Think its very relaxing and has strangely given me more confidence, so thank you!
Enjoy doing cartwheels over elastic and being outside.
Invisible Duets The difficulty with this subject is explaining in words how dance in paediatric healthcare actually works and what is achieved by this multi-sensory activity. Film with some background information illustrates this most easily, particularly when absorbed engagement by all participants is illustrated. Only by writing in professional journals and discussing it at conferences is the potential of such innovative activity to reach the audience which can develop it. Dr Jane Ratcliffe, Consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care, Alder Hey
Invisible Duets To capture and make visible transformative creative interaction To collaboratively develop engaging participatory practice To continue researching performance in environments
Performing in a shared bay on the Neuromedical ward
Following the childrens interest, audience responsive performance
Somatics and Technology Conference, Chichester University, June 2012
International Conference: Sustainable Creativity in Healthcare, Arts Care 21st Anniversary, Belfast, May 2012
Collaborators Dancers on film Lisa Dowler and children on the Neuromedical ward Film and images June Gersten- Roberts Live performers Lisa Dowler and Cath Hawkins Costume and images Paula Hampson Soundscore Philip Jeck featuring cello by Georgina Aasgaard and voices of children and young people on Neuromedical
CPD and apprentices For the last two years of the project we have had 8 apprentices accompanying us for 5 days each. They have the opportunity to observe and also participate as appropriate. We offer open evening dance and health sessions, mainly exploring improvisation and somatic practice. Healthful Dancing retreat is in its third year with the addition of a symposium this year.
Listening to experience ad hearing just how far reaching these practices can go has been inspiring and encouraging. Dance and Health session participant I feel this will support my work as I am less experienced in this field and seeing and hearing from other professionals allowed me to see the paths in which I can take when working in this way. Apprentice My perception has greatly changed as I become more aware of the individual, person centred approach to this work. Apprentice
Healthful Dancing Retreat "Honestly, it was better than I imagined. Guest artist's were fabulous. I enjoyed the opportunity to be creative both indoors and out. I also felt part of a group and that I was heard when I spoke. Healthful Dancing 2012 participant "I have learnt lots of new ideas to take with me into healthcare settings. Healthful Dancing 2012 participant
Hospital Play Specialists Helen Traynor, Hospital Play Specialist on the Neurology ward at Alder Hey hospital for 18 years. I have also been working on the Pain team assessing pain in children with complex needs for the last 7 years. Role of Hospital Pain Service.
Role of Hospital Play Specialist on the Neuromedical Ward To provide appropriate play activities according to the child s development To prepare children for medical procedures To provide distraction/support while medical procedures take place To facilitate external agencies working with children (e.g. dance artists) To carry out teaching sessions To refer patients to other agencies (internal and external) To support families
Collaborative Working on the Neuromedical Ward Patients with complex needs who are unable to communicate verbally Agitated and have stiffness of their limbs Somatic practice observed significant improvement less stiffness, decreased heart rate, improved mood and general well being Long term patients often many months work carried out on a weekly basis, noticeable changes in body language/posture On request from Physiotherapist one patient had somatic work before therapy session - easier to work with her as limbs more relaxed
The role of the Play Specialist on the cardiac ward Cardiac ward: 20 bedded ward with day case heart procedures and open heart surgery Play facilitated & structured Preparation for procedures blood tests, theatre visits, chest drain removal, operations Distraction therapy bubbles, books, relaxation, techniques Advocate for the patient
Collaborative working on the Cardiac Ward Patients who have a Fontan operation longer post operative recovery Chest drains in for up to 6 weeks pain / anxiety Patients need to be mobile as soon as possible chest infections / drain fluid We wanted to reduce anxieties about mobilising We wanted to reduce parental anxieties of their child s capabilities
Case Study Sarah 2 years old, 2 chest drains sit out on a chair, anxious about standing & walking Joint session play specialist & cath and apprentice Sam engrossed in the session
Artist as researcher When discussing approaches to art-based research, expressive arts pioneer Shaun McNiff states, I have also consistently found that trying to fit my experience into another s theoretical framework results in missing opportunities for experiencing the experience in a new way. (2010:64) In designing our research we utilised a practitioner-researcher model, considering our practice, as a life-long mode of research. (2010:63), an active process which is not merely in the pursuit of theory, but a fluid and evolving growth of embodied knowledge through praxis. The move towards quantitative research was a response to our experience of practicing in a clinical context, to speak to clinicians in a meaningful language, not a move away from narrative.
"I liked the ball game because it was funny and the way we were catching the balls, heading it and it hit the telly! I liked playing with the ribbons and tickling myself with the feathers and I liked Iggy the squid. I liked the music on the iPad and I would like to do it again. I liked stretching the stretchy stuff and the big bouncy ball and the one that lights up."
"Danny had open heart surgery five days ago. He has managed to stand himself up but hadn't walked since before his operation. Today he has played with some balls and musical instruments and managed to walk across the room with your help. Thankyou so much, Danny had a fantastic time." "I found this very good for my son. Who doesn't speak to any of the nurses and finds it hard to trust anyone after a traumatic time two years ago. He really got into this and didn't stop talking, he was really happy and it made his hospital stay fun." "Felt great, really relaxing, took all the weight(big sigh), feel like I can move again, soothed my pain, feel like I'm loose again"
Designing the Somatic Dance and Pain Study In consultation with the hospital s Research Department, the hospital pain service and play specialists, we created sheets to allow us to collect data which included a pain assessment before and after sessions and narratives of patients, caregivers staff and artists. We utilise age appropriate validated pain assessment tools FLACC (2 months- 7 years), FACES (older children/teenagers who can assess own pain), PPP (patients with complex needs/non-verbal) and CRIES (33 weeks gestation-2 months)
Scores out of 10 for 4 patients post- surgery aged 14 months to 14 years Absolutely fantastic!! My son who is 14 years old has just had major heart surgery and Lisa and Cath did a brilliant job relaxing him. Thank you! First attempt of mobilising, was wheeled to the play area Took a few steps to sit on a chair, was very anxious about moving. During the session he was smiling and enjoying what he was doing, doing things without realising e.g. stood up to blow a feather across the table/ reaching up to drop feathers from a height. He walked back to his room after the session. Play Specialist After the session the nurse came to discuss his pain medication. His mum said he didn't seem in pain, so they decided not to give him his scheduled medication. Artist
Scores out of 10 for 6 patients post surgery aged 11-17 She has been struggling to sleep and has been very restless. This has been excellent for her, relaxed her a lot and she fell asleep. When she woke her pain had gone. Mother She looks very chilled out and her body very relaxed. Mother Mum said she was very quiet, yet this changed as we worked with her. She began to chat and tell us about her many surgeries. She visibly relaxed as we used the body balls and hands on. Artist Although one participant who had come off her pain medication that day, did not change her pain score she said, I feel relaxed, it was a nice experience.
Findings Neuromedical Cathheld Henry s hand and rolled a soft ball on his arms. I held his feet, gently listening here. When we first touched him his heart rate went up, showing his anxiety. However very quickly he relaxed and his heart rate dropped significantly. His face softened as did the high tone of his legs. His feet became heavy and the tension in his ankles reduced. Cath noticed the same at his wrists. He fell into a deep sleep after being very unsettled. Artist He s having real sleep, not drug induced, when his stats fall too far and he can t be roused. Mum I explored Abby s responses to different touch qualities. She settled with a weighted touch around her back. I later traced her bones in her arms and legs. Both parents felt she looked much calmer and more relaxed. Previously she had been vomiting her feeds. She was on a feed while we worked together and she managed to keep it down. Artist She s not fighting, she looks much more settled. Dad
Summary of Research 92% of participants so far have experienced reduced pain or their perception of their pain has changed. This is further supported by their narratives. Nature of improvisation, meeting, connecting, listening deeply to another person, to their subtle dances that shifts awareness and experience for participant and practitioner.
Summary: The significance of Improvisation in Paediatric Healthcare The spaces we create and inhabit are both bodily and metaphysical. Accompanying another on in their journey of imagination is transformative. Being at ease and excited in not knowing, working without structure allows us to navigate a bustling ward, flow in, between and around with sensitivity. This instinctive knowing, tracking significance is what we do and it fits well within acute medical settings when often things are unknown and medical practitioners are also relying on instinct and experimentation. Small Things have in many ways improvised our relationships and development of our work, in response to the context and professional relationships we have forged. However as Stephen Levine states, Improvisation, then, cannot be understood as self-expression, doing whatever one feels in the moment .Spontaneity is what characterises an act that is an appropriate response to what is given .a response that meets the prior situation in a way that allows us maximum freedom within the framework that is provided to us. (Levine, S 2013) An improviser doesn't know what's going to happen next, but they know what's going to happen next is going to be their life at that moment. They're committed to it, you know; they're adventurers in that way. (Zaporah, R 2013)
References Levine, S K(2013) Expecting the Unexpected: Improvisation in Arts-based Research Journal of Applied Arts and Health, Vol 4 No 1 pp 97-104 McNiff, S (2010) Arts-Based Research, Shambahla Poynor, H (2005) Breathing Space-Artists Exploring Health ,Animated Spring 2005, pp15-19 Zaporah, R (2013) Contact Quarterly
