Most Proposed Topic :
Healthcare Advances, Research and Innovations (new projects / technology)
Authors: (including presenting author): :
Tsang HT(1), Lai YKM(2), Chan YM(2), Li YK(1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital, (2) Palliative
Care Unit, Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital
Introduction: :
During the OLMH redevelopment, the Palliative Care Unit has been relocated to WTSH O2A ward with an adjacent rehabilitation garden. As participation in horticultural activities is shown to be physically and psychologically enriching, the garden is a valuable resource for performing patient training and to improve their quality of life (QoL).
Objectives: :
1. To facilitate the usage of rehabilitation garden 2. To introduce horticultural activities as a modality to improve palliative care patients' QoL.
Methodology: :
A variety of indoor and outdoor horticultural activities were introduced jointly since November 2022 by the occupational therapists and nurses. Types of activities included making cards with pressed flowers, painting terracotta pots, growing and harvesting vegetables, making salted fruits and flower arrangement, etc. To evaluate the effectiveness of activities, pre- and post-tests were performed in patients who have attended at least 3 activity sessions. Assessment tools used were WHO-5 and GAD-7, which aim to evaluate their mental well-being and anxiety level. Feedback on their horticultural experience was also gathered.
Result & Outcome: :
All evaluated patients showed improvement in mental well-being and reduction in anxiety symptoms. Patients revealed that completing the gardening objectives has filled them with a sense of achievement. Hands-on gardening has also promoted their creativity and helped overcome boredom. A patient reported that the activities had distracted her from burdensome symptoms and reminded her of positive memories at home. Some patients mentioned the joy of getting fresh air outdoors, while others described the soothing effect from seeing plants and greenery. Positive influence on motor skills, cognitive abilities and social interaction was observed. Overall, all participants were satisfied with their horticultural experience.
