Authors (including presenting author) :
KAM KW(1),KUNG KM(1),ZHANG S(1),WONG WM (2),WANG KN (2),YIP SM (2),CHAN WT (3)
Affiliation :
(1)Patient Resources Centre, Tuen Mun Hospital, New Territories West (2)Community Care Division, New Territories West Cluster (3）Pok Oi Hospital Mrs Lee Ho Siu Fong Memorial Children and Families Development Centre
Introduction :
The rising prevalence of dementia is a growing concern for healthcare and social services. In 2022, the Hospital Authority (HA) treated 84,100 individuals living with dementia (PLWD). As a progressive neurodegenerative condition, medication can only delay symptom deterioration for some dementia subtypes. The significant challenges with daily activities and behavioral symptoms, severely affecting the quality of life (QoL) of PLWD and their caregivers. Social prescription, which connects individuals to non-pharmacological services, has been shown to improve QoL in PLWD and their caregivers. Therefore, a social prescribing pilot project was launched in Patient Resources Centre of Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) with conjoint effort of clinical team and community partners to enhance social engagement and overall wellbeing for PLWD and their caregivers. The initiative also provides interim supports for these families while they await community support services.
Objectives :
- To enhance the overall wellbeing of PWD through social engagement and non-pharmacological intervention
- To maintain the cognitive function of PWD by incorporating sensory and cognitive stimulation activities
- To reduce caregiving stress by providing joint family activities and fostering access to community resources
- To facilitate smooth transition from hospital to community care
Methodology :
PLWD and their caregivers were referred by nurses from the Department of Medicine and Geriatrics at TMH to participate in a 120-minute conjoint group activities. The activities included experiential art activities and horticultural therapy. The socially prescribed activities addressed cognitive deterioration (e.g., multisensory stimulation, cognitive training), social participation (e.g., peer connection), and community engagement (e.g., access to resources). The Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT), World Health Organisation-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), and Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-4) was used to measure the project effectiveness before (T0) and after the service (T1).
Result & Outcome :
67 PLWD and 31 caregivers have participated in the socially prescribed programmes. Among the PLWD, 53.6% were female, and 58% aged below 80 years old. 98% of PLWD were diagnosed with mild dementia. Distribution of PLWD across three levels of WHO-5 varied significantly between the two time points, χ²(3, N=32)=8.00, p= .046, with the percentage of participants classified as "good wellbeing” increased. Paired sample t-test was conducted to compare scores on the AMT, WHO-5, and ZBI-4 between T0 and T1. Although the results were not statistically significant, PLWD’s AMT scores (M = 7.32, SD=2.36) and WHO-5 scores (M=76.88, SD=16.96) increased at T1. Additionally, caregivers’ burden decreased (M=6.89, SD=3.38). The pilot social prescribing project demonstrated potential in improving wellbeing, cognitive function, and reducing caregiver burden for PLWD and their caregivers. These findings highlight the feasibility and benefits of integrating social prescription into routine care for patients with chronic diseases and support further research and wider implementation.
