The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music for family caregivers of people with dementia: A within subject feasibility study

ABSTRACT Introduction The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (BMGIM) is a psycho-therapeutic intervention that has not been examined with family caregivers of people with dementia. Method This within subject pre-post feasibility study aimed to examine a protocol involving six sessions of BMGIM with family caregivers. Estimates of effect examined sensitivity of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Quality of Life-6 Dimensions (AQoL-6D). Qualitative interviews explored participant experiences. Results Of 11 participants who enrolled (nine women/two men, M age = 71.2 years), seven completed the study and four withdrew. Music programs used in BMGIM sessions were diverse and often modified to accommodate individual participant needs. Favourable small to moderate effect sizes were observed for the PHQ-9 (r = 0.11), and for the AQoL-6D global score (r = 0.18) and domains examining independent living (r = 0.20), mental health (r = 0.30), pain (r = 0.29), and senses (r = 0.44). Thematic analysis of interviews recognised BMGIM as: something different that might help; an empathic therapeutic space with aptly selected music; insightful and transformative; and psycho-educative. Discussion The majority of participants completed the project and described important benefits from BMGIM, suggesting that the protocol was acceptable. However, a large sample would be required to detect change in a fully powered trial based on effects observed for the PHQ-9 and AQoL-6D following six BMGIM sessions. Conclusion While early evidence from this study recognised the therapeutic potential of BMGIM for family caregivers, further feasibility research with this population is warranted.