Authors (including presenting author) :
Cheung CP(1), Li YS(1), Fok TW(1), Sze CY(1), Leung C(1), Kwok CW(1), Wong PY(1), Sezto NW(1), Hui N(1), Wong HH(2)
Affiliation :
(1)Occupational Therapy Department, United Christian Hospital,
(2)Department of Psychiatry, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
Majority of clients attended Psychiatric Day Hospital (PDH) with predominant negative symptoms (PNS) in schizophrenia often experience reduced motivation, social withdrawal, and diminished emotional expression. The HOPE-behavioral activation program had been conducted by encouraging engagement in meaningful activities, improving social interactions, and enhancing overall functioning and quality of life
at the Yung Fung Shee Memorial Centre (YFS) and the United Christian Hospital (UCH) Psychiatric Day Hospital (PDH). The HOPE program was built upon four essential pillars: Holistic care, Orientation to PDH, Positive Emotion, and Engagement.
Objectives :
This study evaluated the effectiveness of the HOPE program in improving functional outcomes and motivation to participate in PDH activities.
Methodology :
From January 2024 to September 2024, thirty participants were recruited and completed the 12 weekly sessions integrating the HOPE principles with behavioral activation and modification techniques. Outcomes were measured using the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS) for occupational functioning, attendance records for compliance of engagement in PDH treatment, and the Short-Term Outcomes Recovery Indicator (STORI-30) for recovery staging change. The completed data set were analyzed using paired t-tests and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for attendance rate comparisons. Qualitative feedback was collected from participants.
Result & Outcome :
Significant improvements were observed across all measurements. In the occupational functioning aspect, there was improvement in SOFAS scores (p<0.05). Attendance rate changes could not be compared for the six newly admitted to PDH. Attendance rates for the remaining 24 participants showed a significant increase, with a Wilcoxon signed-rank test yielding a p-value of <0.05. Regarding recovery staging assessed by the STORI-30, 27.7% of participants advanced to the next recovery stage, while 66.6% maintained their progress. Participant feedbacks highlighted improved self-awareness of strengths and resources, a greater sense of belongings to PDH as an active member, and elevated sense of accomplishment upon completion of program.
