Group-based cognitive stimulation therapy for dementia: a qualitative study on experiences of group interactions

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an evidence-based group intervention shown to improve cognition and quality of life in dementia and is widely implemented across the NHS. However, no attempt has been made to understand the possible advantages, and/or disadvantages, of delivering CST in a group format. The main aim of the present study was to explore experiences of group interactions in CST and longer-term maintenance CST (MCST) groups.

A total of twenty-one semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted across four separate groups delivered in London, the East Midlands, South West and South East of England; including two CST and two MCST groups. Group members with mild to moderate dementia and facilitators from these groups were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data using NVivo software.

The final analysis identified six themes: 'benefits and challenges of group expression', 'importance of companionship and getting to know others, 'togetherness and shared identity', 'group entertainment', 'group support' and 'cognitive stimulation through the group'. The inter-connecting relationship between these themes are synthesised and summarised.

Findings support the notion that therapeutic advantages inherent to the group format exist in group-based CST. New insights into the challenges related to a group format are also highlighted and discussed. Future research may benefit from exploring the relationship between the identified experiences of group interactions and clinical outcomes.