Measuring ‘magic’: A biopsychosocial feasibility study to measure the effectiveness of a Namaste Care session.

This doctoral study investigates ways to measure the effectiveness of Namaste Care—a multi-sensory, psycho-social intervention designed for people with advanced dementia—through a biopsychosocial lens. Recognising the challenge of quantifying subjective and relational experiences often described as "magic moments," the research aims to bridge the gap between qualitative accounts and the clinical demand for quantifiable evidence. A three-phase, mixed-methods design was adopted. Phase 1 involved stakeholder consultations to guide the development of a novel observational measure and to co-design the next phase of the study. Phase 2 tested the observational tool, alongside physiological and biological indicators, including resting heart rate, urinary cortisol and dopamine levels, and nasal temperature through thermal imaging during Namaste Care sessions. Phase 3 focused on sharing findings with participants and stakeholders to inform practice.
Results suggest that Namaste Care induces measurable physiological and behavioural changes indicative of improved wellbeing, including reductions in resting heart rate and cortisol levels and observable increases in emotional engagement and relaxation. Resting heart rate proved to be the most simple, accessible and scalable of the biological measures tested. Furthermore, the newly developed Namaste Care Session Outcome Measure (NCSOM) proved acceptable and practical for use by both professionals and trained volunteers. This study contributes a novel, evidence-based framework for evaluating Namaste Care and advocates for the inclusion of relational and sensory care in dementia practice and policy. Findings support Namaste Care’s potential to enhance wellbeing in advanced dementia, both within community-based and health and social care settings.