The ParkinSong Program: Above and beyond singing.

Abstract

Peer Support Groups offer social contact, practical information and mutual support for people with Parkinson's and carers. In response to demand for singing groups, Parkinson's Victoria has collaborated with The University of Melbourne, Monash Health and the Parkinson's community to develop the ParkinSong Program. Motivating, activity-based programs can provide an appealing peer support group option. Health and wellbeing benefits of singing are well documented in international literature. Research to explore therapeutic benefits of group singing for people with Parkinson's is slowly emerging. Our ParkinSong research has contributed to the body of evidence. ParkinSong is a singing group program for people with Parkinson's, designed to support communication and wellbeing. Songs, vocal and respiratory exercises, and communication activities are selected to target Parkinson's-specific needs. Music Therapy and Speech Pathology clinicians collaborated on the design and delivery of this interdisciplinary program. ParkinSong is based on a conceptual framework and model of care that encompass factors beyond Parkinson's diagnosis and symptoms, incorporating peer support, participation, communication confidence, activity, creativity and social contact. The program has been informed by qualitative and quantitative research into the therapeutic benefits of group singing for people with Parkinson's and their significant others. Through efforts involving members of the Parkinson's community, community volunteers, Parkinson's Victoria, and The University of Melbourne, multiple locality-based ParkinSong groups have been formed. This tested program model has provided an accessible and sustainable peer support group option for the past 5 years, offering enjoyable and engaging activities specific to supporting communication and wellbeing. Vocal warm-up and exercise, practical communication activities, group singing and social engagement are essential elements of ParkinSong. A comprehensive training package equips program leaders with the required knowledge base, skills, resources and support. ParkinSong is a group singing and speech activity-based peer support group, offering the joy of music, social-emotional benefits and a focus on communication. Quantitative analyses indicated significant improvements in vocal loudness and voice-related quality of life at 3 months that were sustained after 12 months of ParkinSong participation. Participants' reported quality of life benefits appear to stem from a sense of enjoyment, motivation, community, belonging, reduced isolation and social engagement.