A qualitative review of Walsall Arts into Health Partnership
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to describe the context, process and findings of a qualitative review of Walsall Arts into Health Partnership, which is widely acknowledged to be one of the most progressive community‐based arts and health programmes in the UK.
Design/methodology/approach
The research adopted a multi‐method qualitative approach to gathering data, using a combination of documentary analysis and semi‐structured interviews and focus groups with a range of stakeholders.
Findings
The findings highlight a number of emerging themes categorised under four broad headings: impact of the Arts into Health work on health and wellbeing of the people of Walsall; effectiveness; key characteristics; and future development of the Arts into Health Partnership.
Research implications
The research findings point to the value of community arts and health work and to the importance of a partnership approach. However, current debates regarding evaluation approaches within the field point to the need for clarification regarding values, the use of multiple methodologies and engagement with a diversity of stakeholders.
Originality/value
This paper provides an overview of the local and national arts and health policy contexts within which the review took place – shortly before a major restructuring of the health service; outlines the research methodology; presents and discusses the key findings, outlines recommendations; and discusses subsequent action and the impact of the research.
Keywords
Citation
Dooris, M. (2005), "A qualitative review of Walsall Arts into Health Partnership", Health Education, Vol. 105 No. 5, pp. 355-373. https://doi.org/10.1108/09654280510617187
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited