Evaluating the effect of a Participatory Music Program on the Quality of Life and Community Reintegration of Homeless Veterans in Indianapolis

Authors

  • Phillip Cheng Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) Precision Monitoring to Transform Care (PRISM) Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI), Indiana University School of Medicine
  • Laura Myers Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) Precision Monitoring to Transform Care (PRISM) Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI), VA HSR&D Center for Health Information and Communication (CHIC); Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, Department of Internal Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
  • Aimee Lillie Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) Precision Monitoring to Transform Care (PRISM) Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI), VA HSR&D Center for Health Information and Communication (CHIC); Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN
  • Jennifer Myers Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) Precision Monitoring to Transform Care (PRISM) Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI), VA HSR&D Center for Health Information and Communication (CHIC); Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN
  • Shannon Crow Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) Precision Monitoring to Transform Care (PRISM) Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI)
  • Nick Rattray Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) Precision Monitoring to Transform Care (PRISM) Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI), VA HSR&D Center for Health Information and Communication (CHIC); Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, Department of Anthropology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
  • Sally Wasmuth School of Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis
  • Brittany Hook Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Program (DCHV), Indianapolis, IN
  • Ann Lustig Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Program (DCHV), Indianapolis, IN
  • Deb Burns Department of Music and Arts Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
  • Dawn Bravata Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) Precision Monitoring to Transform Care (PRISM) Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI), VA HSR&D Center for Health Information and Communication (CHIC); Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, Department of Internal Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, IN

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18060/22672

Abstract

Background: 

Among Veterans, homelessness is a well-recognized, major problem. Approximately 20% of homeless persons in Indianapolis are Veterans. The Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Program provides residential care for housing insecure Veterans with multiple needs. However, difficulty in combating issues of isolation and lack of avocation for members of the Program remains. Our goal and belief is that providing veterans with a participatory arts will significantly improve their quality of life and reintegration into the community. 

Methods: 

This prospective study will use mixed methods to compare intervention participants with usual care controls. Veterans will complete standardized measures including the 20-Item Short Form Health Survey, for quality of life, and Flow State Scale-2, for level of program engagement. Veterans who transition to community housing will complete the Military to Civilian Questionnaire. Veterans will also participate in semi-structured interviews for qualitative data. 

Anticipated Results: 

We anticipate that quality of life will improve among homeless Veterans who participate in the study compared to usual care controls. Further, that we will observe a higher level of community reintegration for participants who leave the Domiciliary. 

Significance: 

Offering an intervention that looks to change how Veterans see themselves in specific social roles and change how they structure their lives is vital in tackling issues contributing to homelessness. 

Potential Impact: 

This project will provide preliminary data about a participatory music program regarding improvement in quality of life for Veterans with housing insecurity. Findings can be used to build a larger implementation trial across VA domiciliaries nation-wide.

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Published

2018-12-07

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2018)

Section

Abstracts