Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong TC, Lam CH, Choi WY, Wong KP
Affiliation :
Occupational Therapy Department, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
Under Covid-19, telehealth service was rolled out to continue care for home-leave patients of Psychiatric Day Hospital (PDH). Infection control measures on COVID-19 has brought limitation to ambulatory psychiatric patients in attending PDH on site, which had transformed their structured routines and impeded the opportunities of social interaction and group activities. Against the backdrop of an aging population, there is a proliferating focus on cognitive training for maintenance and prevention of deterioration. To enhance the overall well-being of ambulatory psychiatric patients, particularly in the cognitive aspect, a cognitive training group was implemented via tele-mode by the Occupational Therapy Department, PYNEH.
Objectives :
1. To transform cognitive training group from face-to-face mode to tele-based mode 2. To enhance patient’s cognitive abilities 3. To evaluate patients’ satisfaction on online cognitive training groups
Methodology :
A 6-week cognitive training group was implemented in tele-based mode from August to October in 2022. With the aim to improve cognitive abilities of patients, the group encompassed activity-based psychoeducation, including but not limited to the cognitive strategies for daily functioning and BaDuanJin (BDJ) to enhance physical well-being. In view of the nature of virtual groups, cognitive exercises retrieved from “CogSMART-C” were modified to group activities to enhance social interaction via online media. To familiarize patients with the new mode of intervention, pre group home visits were arranged to ensure the readiness and safety for group participation, to strengthen the use of electrical devices (such as smart-phones and tablets) and online platform (ZOOM) for communication, and to deliver group training materials. 6 home-leave patients (Age 40-68) were recruited in this tele-based cognitive training group. All patients were able to use the online platform independently, and had no significant physical limitation. A total of 6 sessions were conducted. To set a baseline of the participants’ cognitive ability, HK-MoCA 5-minute was conducted prior to group commencement. Post-survey was conducted to evaluate the program effectiveness.
Result & Outcome :
There were 35 attendances (97%) recorded in total. Qualitative survey was conducted to collect feedback after 6 sessions of cognitive training group. From the results, all participants were satisfied with the cognitive training group. More than 80% of them agreed that the cognitive group was efficient and effective to be conducted via online communication platforms. Some of them validated the group training materials, including cognitive compensatory tools, were applicable in their daily practice. They also appreciated the wrap-up session of this program which summarized their learning outcomes. Thanks to patients’ active participation, this program has facilitated social interactions among co-patients and staff members. For suggestion and improvement, patients expressed that more recommendations related to cognitive training such as paper-pencil tasks and cognitive APPs for daytime engagement could be introduced. Given the improvement in the mental well-being and cognitive functions of the participants with positive feedback received, continued development of tele-based cognitive training groups is suggested.
