Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service III (Projects aiming at quality service to patients and their carers)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Lui BKP(1), Lam SS(1), Chan LY(1), Lee KN(1), Chan LW(1), Tong PY(1),
Chiu SMM(2), ChauLL(2), Yim KYE (2), Pang HSI(1), Kng PLC(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Medicine & Geriatrics, Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals
(2) Health Resource Centre, Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals
Introduction :
In our daily operation, the main focus of the healthcare professionals were disease specific management and restoration of functional abilities of patients. However, our frail elderly might also encounter challenges such as social isolation, cognitive decline and emotional distress. In view of this, starting from December 2022, the Geriatric Day Hospital (GDH) had initiated a Psychosocial Program to address these concerns. This program emphasized the importance of incorporating psychosocial activities through the rehabilitation journey to support the mental, emotional and social needs of our frail elderly patients.
Objectives :
• To promote mental stimulation and cognitive well-being among our frail
elderly patients
• To foster social interaction and reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation
by creating a supportive clinical environment
• To enhance emotional well-being, happiness and life satisfaction through
participation in enjoyable and meaning psychosocial activities
• To provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment by engaging in activities
Methodology :
The GDH nurses collaborated with Health Resource Centre social workers on the establishment of training and program logistics. Social workers selected suitable crafts to GDH patients according to their conditions and adjusted the difficulty level as needed, with volunteers assisting in the preparation of preliminary materials. GDH Day patients were invited to participate in an open group format. These patients usually arrived 45 minutes earlier due to the transportation arrangement needs. Social workers, clerical colleagues and volunteers would have time to assist patients conducting activities and interacting with patients
Result & Outcome :
During the period from March to October 2023, feedback was collected from 80 GDH patients at the 1st time when they joined the activities and 16 staff of different disciplines assisting in the activities.
• 99% of patients agreed that the activities allowed them to explore new
things, satisfying their hands, hearts, and minds.
• 100% of patients agreed that the activities helped alleviate their negative
feelings during the waiting time.
• 100% of patients agreed that they felt relaxed or joyful during the
activities, such as making lantern during Mid-Autumn Festival
• 97% of patients agreed that the activities helped bringing peace to their
mind and reducing worries about their health issues.
• 96% of patients agreed that the activities enhanced their sense of
accomplishment.
• 92% of patients agreed that the activities strengthened cohesion among
participants, increasing interactions and mutual sharing.
• 99% of patients were satisfied with the overall arrangements of the
activities.
• 100% of staff agreed that the activities helped exploring patients'
interest and talents.
• 100% of staff agreed that the activities allowed patients to relax, train
their concentration, and improve hand-eye coordination.
• 100% of staff agreed that the activities enabled patients to exercise
independent thinking, imagination, and observational skills.
• 100% of staff agreed that the activities enhanced patients' sense of
accomplishment.
• 100% of staff agreed that the activities created a social space for
patients, increasing interactions.
The program had established a platform for communication, interaction and mutual sharing amongst the patients, social workers and volunteers based on different activity themes. It also promoted a sense of accomplishment for patients through sharing their finished product with their families and carers.
