Authors (including presenting author) :
Hung SF (1), Wu OH (1) Leung MLG (1) Lam, YF (1), Ng ML (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
Bathing is the basic nursing care to maintain personal hygiene during a hospital stay. It will help to prevent skin breakdown and lower the risk of skin infections. However, some geriatric patients are uncooperative during the bathing process, especially those with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. It would be a challenge for staff to maintain the basic physical needs of patients. Music therapy can stabilise patients’ moods and soothe their anxiety which lessens agitation and enhances their cooperation during activities of daily living. Therefore, this project aims to improve the cooperation of geriatric patients during bathing by playing music.
Objectives :
This program aims to evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy in improving of bathing compliance among geriatric patients:
• To have positive impacts (e.g. feeling relaxed, reducing anxiety) on patients during bathing.
• To enhance the cooperation between patients and staff.
Methodology :
A tailored playlist was played when ward staff assisted patients with bathing. Two separate surveys were conducted for ward staff and patients. 9 patient care assistants and 15 patients were interviewed to gather feedback and evaluate the music therapy during bathing.
Result & Outcome :
All interviewees found the song selection to be appropriate and calming. All patient care assistants noted that patient compliance during bathing improved and was enhanced by the music. 15 patients agreed that playing music can help reduce their anxiety and alleviate negative experience during hospital stays. Both ward staff and patients valued the use of music therapy during bathing care, noting that it enhances the cooperation between patients and staff.
All patients and patient care assistants reported positive effects from playing music during bathing. Music therapy enhanced the collaboration in the bathing process, facilitating the procedure and improving patients’ well-being.
