Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan SF(1), Chan WM(1), Cheung CLE(1), Cheung SY (1)(2) Ho YSC(1), Lam CM(1), Lee NT (1), Sze YMS(1), Tsang KW(2), Yuen MYK (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Medical and Geriatric, Shatin Hospital, (2) Palliative, Shatin Hospital
Introduction :
The core value of Shatin Hospital is patient-centred care, particularly for dementia patients; however, the healthcare team always encounters various obstacles when caring for dementia patients regarding their attention-seeking behaviour or agitation. Thus, it is crucial to address the unique needs and challenges of dementia patients when they face unfamiliar environments, especially in hospital settings (NHS, 2024). Therefore, the multidimensional program is started in the M&G department, which aligns with NHS (2024) recommendations in addressing the person-centric strategies and optimising the Dementia-Friendly Culture in the hospital.
Objectives :
(1) Patient aspect: develop regular daytime activity and maintain social activity to diverse the stress in unfamiliar environments, alleviate agitation and promote mood;(2) Healthcare team aspect: minimize disturbances caused by agitated patients, foster strong rapport with patients and their relatives, cultivate practices reflecting person-centric care and dementia-friendly culture;
(3) Volunteer aspect: enhance communication skills for volunteers interacting with dementia patients, fostering their well-being and personal growth.
Methodology :
(1) Assign different toys or games for daytime activities according to dementia patients’ preferences and personal history to reduce their stress in unfamiliar environments, increase patient concentration, and minimise daytime naps to promote sleep at night; (2) Collaborate with (HRC) volunteers for the Dementia-buddy program to play with the patients, stabilize their mood and minimise their agitation and disturbing behavior; (3) Conduct Weekend group activities for dementia patient and family members by nurses to engage cognitively impaired patients and their families, giving them a chance to build up their regular social life habits. Take the chance to observe the carer stress and refer them to HRC Dementia Carer Support Group upon discharge if needed.
Result & Outcome :
The Dementia -Buddy Program started in July 2023. 77 sessions were delivered in 4 M&G wards, with approximately 230 attendees. The patient's mood became stable and more concentrated during the visit. >90% of the healthcare team and volunteers appreciated this program and agreed it could help many dementia patients. The Weekend group activities for dementia patients and family members program started in Aug 2023. 34 sessions were conducted among 12 M&G and PC wards by scheduled. Both patients and family members were satisfied and enjoyed the program; family members also expressed the program promoted their confidence in caring for dementia patients after discharge.
