Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan WWK(1), Law CCC(1), Leung SC(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Occupational Therapy Department (OTD), Kowloon Hospital (KH)
Introduction :
Increasing number of elderly with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was noted with rising aging population. Simultaneously, public awareness elevated health issues and facilitated early detection of MCI. Outbreak of COVID-19 impacted different areas of people’s daily living significantly, particularly for those with MCI, limitation and reduction in activity participation leads to possible decline in physical and psychological health. Thus, hybrid mode of the Lifestyle Intervention Program for persons with MCI (LS-MCI) was developed for targeted elderly patients at KH OTD outpatient services, as early intervention for enhancing daily performance and helping alleviate progression risk.
Objectives :
To evaluate effectiveness of LS-MCI on cognitive functioning and well-being status, collecting feedback towards LS-MCI in hybrid mode under pandemic for service enhancement.
Methodology :
LS-MCI is a pilot program of OTD services (psychiatry) for elderly outpatients with MCI. It consists of 6 sessions in hybrid mode, involving face-to-face and distance learning via Zoom software. Through psychoeducation to instill health-related knowledge, facilitation on self-reflection of current routine, and self-driven formulation of future plans with habit modification, LS-MCI aims at empowering patients to rebuild balanced and enriched lifestyle. Quantitative and qualitative outcome measurements were used before and after completion of training to gather cognitive and well-being status via HK-MoCA and World Health Organization – Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5) respectively. Feedback was obtained through semi-structured interview. Data included comparison between cognitive and psychological outcomes and subjective effectiveness in illness management and lifestyle restructuring awareness.
Result & Outcome :
From April 2021 to September 2022, eight patients with a mean age of 75.9 were recruited. No significant difference in global cognitive functioning as showed by HK-MoCA results (t(7) = - 1.00, p = .465). Furthermore, promising impact on subjective well-being level was found by WHO-5 (t(7) = 4.38, p < .05). Feedback on more positive emotions derived through establishing active lifestyle with learnt strategies. Self-efficacy and initiative in attaining positive lifestyle changes was enhanced, with improved sense of control over difficulties. Thus, psychological status in terms of self-management, stress management, and cognitive abilities, particularly problem solving skills were improved. Supportive staff attitude motivated and facilitated them in active ageing.
LS-MCI demonstrated effectiveness in boosting mental well-being and self-efficacy in daily functioning. Hybrid mode training supports crucial early intervention despite pandemic limitation. Future study on program effectiveness via hybrid mode would be executed with larger sample size to further develop tele-rehab services in fulfilling patients’ needs.
