Evaluation of a Choir as a Non-Medical Intervention for Children with Asthma: BreathStars. Issue 2 (2nd April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bowden, Louise; Long, Tony; Henry, Heather
• Is Part Of: Comprehensive child & adolescent nursing. Volume 43:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 128
• Page End: 141
• Publication Date: 2020-04-02
• Subjects: Asthma -- children -- singing -- impact -- BreathStars asset-based approach -- social prescribing; Pediatric nursing -- Periodicals; Adolescence -- Nursing -- Periodicals; Pediatric Nursing; Pediatrics; Periodicals; 610.7362
• DOI: 10.1080/24694193.2019.1607629
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2469-4193

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A shift in the current health policy has seen heightened focus on non-medical interventions which can be delivered out with formal health-care settings, to complement and enhance the clinical care of people with long-term conditions. Asthma is a common long-term condition managed by pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Recent research activity has focused on the use of singing for respiratory health due to its similarity with the more well-known intervention of breathing exercises. The aim of this study was to determine if singing improved breathing in children with asthma. A realist evaluation study design with a mixed methods approach was adopted to evaluate a singing group for children aged 7–12. Results obtained through framework analysis of the data indicated notable improvement in asthma control with the added impact on self-esteem. Enjoyment of the singing group within a family centered approach was seen as a positive alongside the community benefit of wider asthma education. Lessons can be learnt from this evaluation which could inform future initiatives relevant to the current agenda of asset-based approaches such as social prescribing within the context of the current devolution of the health and social care budget in the North West of England.