Abstract WP92: Healing Strokes: Virtually Improving Stroke Survivors And Caregivers’ Well-being Through Student-run Art Therapy Support Group

• Published in: Stroke (1970) Vol. 53; no. Suppl_1
• Main Authors: Kim, Soo Hyun, Burgon, Sierra M, Song, Andrew J, Hernandez Gonzalez, Elaine M, Xue, Athena, Yip, Elaina, Pike, Brittany, Muccini, Julie, Stroshane, Lauren, Hsieh, Vivian, Vora, Nirali
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.02.2022
• ISSN: 0039-2499; 1524-4628
• DOI: 10.1161/str.53.suppl_1.WP92

Abstract only Background: Depression and anxiety impact recovery and quality of life in 1 in 3 stroke survivors. Caregivers also experience burnout. Creative art-based therapy boosts feelings of accomplishment, self-esteem, and neuroplasticity by stimulating diverse brain regions. Few outpatient art therapy programs exist for stroke survivors and caregivers, limited further during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to implement an outpatient, student-run virtual art therapy curriculum using a patient-carer team approach to foster a supportive peer community, reduce depressive symptoms in survivors, and increase relief for caregivers. Methods: A multidisciplinary team of stroke physician, nurse, occupational therapist, clinic managers, and undergraduate student volunteers created an evidenced-based art therapy curriculum feasible for stroke survivors. An art educator trained volunteers in empathetic communication, teaching techniques, and patient privacy. Participants pre-registered for weekly 1 hour classes held via video conference and received art materials by mail. We administered surveys at initial registration and quarterly. An institutional grant provided funding. Results: From September 2020 - July 2021, Healing Strokes hosted 30 classes using the curriculum (Table 1) for 71 survivors and caregivers from 9 states at a 1:5 volunteer-to-participant ratio. 20 participants (14 survivors, 6 caregivers) self-reported benefits of peer support, creative inspiration, increased sense of accomplishment, and improvement in speech and fine motor skills. Conclusion: Implementation of a virtual outpatient art-based therapy program for stroke survivors and caregivers is feasible with participants self-reporting benefits in functional recovery and mood. Post-stroke supportive care programs can expand to include art therapy during a pandemic. Future studies can validate the impact on peer support, function, and post-stroke depression and anxiety.