Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong MYA(1), Chan MW(1), Kong TS(1), Yam CLY(1), Chan YL(1), Yuen FCG(1) Ho, SKS(2), Chan HL(2), Leung WT(2), Kng PLC(2)
Affiliation :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals (2) Department of Medicine & Geriatrics, Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals
Introduction :
Patients coming up to their end of life will suffer decrease in physical and mental functions, but their right to life participation has not been lost. These patients’ quality of life can be optimized through purposeful engagement in occupation. A project with the collaboration between the Occupational Therapy (OT) Department and the Department of Medicine & Geriatrics in Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals aims to provide a new EOL service with the use of 3D printing technology. 3D printed multi-angle clip is specially designed for bedbound EOL patients. Display cards are used for emotional support and cognitive stimulation.
Objectives :
1.To minimize potential barriers by providing assistive device using 3D printing technology; 2.To enhance emotional and psychological support between patients and their family; 3.To provide cognitive stimulation.
Methodology :
With 3D printing technology, OT designed and fabricated a clip with flexible application on bedrails used in Geriatric wards in Ruttonjee Hospital. They can be instantly customized to multi-angles to maintain the nearest distances between the patient and display card. This allows patients with limited neck and limbs control to see the display clearly. The clip is used for displaying (i) family photo of the patient; (ii) blessing card designed by relatives to express their love, affection and care to the patient, or (iii) the stimulation card provided by OT for patient for cognitive stimulation or emotional shifting. Ward nurses will facilitate the design work done by relatives and coordinate the card display for each EOL patient.
Result & Outcome :
Two separate satisfaction surveys (one for patients’ relatives and one for staff) were conducted as program evaluation. The results of both were satisfactory. The survey for relatives focused on (i) emotion support between patients and relatives (mean score 4.3/5) and (ii) design and practicality of 3D clip (mean score 4.3/5). The overall satisfaction level was 4.5/5. The survey for staff focused on (i) psychological support for EOL patients (mean score 5/6) and (ii) functionality of 3D clip (mean score 5/6). The overall satisfaction level from staff was 5/6. The user friendly clip was welcome by ward staff. Conclusion: This inter-disciplinary pilot project addresses declines in physical, emotional, and psychological functioning and optimizes patients’ well-being at the end stage of life. Using skills for environmental adaptation and 3D printing technologies, healthcare professionals are able to go the extra mile for EOL patients and their relatives.
