Creativity During COVID-19: Evaluating an Online TimeSlips Storytelling Program for People Living With Dementia During Quarantine in Colombia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Since its first implementation in 1998, evidence has been presented of the positive impact of the TimeSlips storytelling method for people with dementia in long-term care (LTC) settings. This article extends this evidence in important new directions: it is the longest TimeSlips study to date and the first to evaluate the feasibility of online delivery of the method (in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19] quarantine) and the impact of this on the personhood, quality of life, and psychological well-being of Spanish-speaking participants in non-LTC settings in the Global South.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Trained facilitators provided weekly, 1-hr TimeSlips sessions via Zoom over 32 consecutive weeks to 8 participants with dementia. Semistructured interviews of participants and care partners were conducted within 1 week of the final intervention. Thematic analysis evaluated the resultant qualitative data.

RESULTS

This online implementation of the TimeSlips creative expression (CE) method reinforced key facets of participants' personhood (self-expression and self-perception, which led in turn to increased care partner appreciation), had a positive impact on key domains of quality of life (mood, energy levels, and cognitive function), and stimulated a key aspect of psychological well-being (the formation and maintenance of social ties).

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS

The online delivery of the TimeSlips method to participants who remain in their own homes is feasible and effective. Future research should compare the benefits of online versus face-to-face delivery of this CE method.

Integrative medicine considerations for convalescence from mild-to-moderate COVID-19 disease

The majority of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 have mild-to-moderate COVID-19 disease. Convalescence from mild-to-moderate (MtoM) COVID-19 disease may be supported by integrative medicine strategies. Integrative Medicine (IM) is defined as healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. Integrative medicine strategies that may support recovery from MtoM COVID-19 are proposed given their clinically studied effects in related conditions. Adoption of an anti-inflammatory diet, supplementation with vitamin D, glutathione, melatonin, Cordyceps, Astragalus and garlic have potential utility. Osteopathic manipulation, Qigong, breathing exercises and aerobic exercise may support pulmonary recovery. Stress reduction, environmental optimization, creative expression and aromatherapy can provide healing support and minimize enduring trauma. These modalities would benefit from clinical trials in people recovering from COVID-19 infection.