Authors (including presenting author) :
Yeung E(1), Tse WC(1), Lau E(2), Chan M(1), Chan R(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Nursing Service Department, Wong Chuk Hang Hospital, (2) Department of Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital & Wong Chuk Hang Hospital
Introduction :
Toys have been used popularly for therapeutic purposes for patients in infirmary wards to provide comfort and to reduce agitation of the patients. The application also helps to uplift mood; to improve cognitive functions; and to increase social interaction of the patients. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the restriction on visiting policy, loneliness and depressive symptoms of infirmary patients were increased. Therefore, a study was conducted by using toy intervention to promote psychological well-being and to improve the quality of life of infirmary patients.
Objectives :
To examine the effectiveness of nurse-led toy intervention for infirmary patients.
Methodology :
Patients who were admitted for more than 3 months and were assessed having certain degree of communication ability were recruited whilst those with infection; acute illness; or in vegetative state were excluded. 20 sets of toys and game sets of 4 different categories were provided to infirmary patients during daytime at ward. They included dolls for comfort; baby utensils for reminiscence; animal-shaped toys; and robot. Other game sets available for patients were video games for fun and matching cards for cognitive stimulation. Each participant received a bi-weekly 15-minutes toy session led by a designated nursing staff for 20 weeks. Ward nurses observed and recorded the responses of the patients in an observation chart. These included any change of mood; behavior pattern; and interaction with nurses. A designated nurse also helped to conduct a qualitative analysis by using a semi-structured interview.
Result & Outcome :
From March to July 2021, 40 patients aged between 58– 98 (15 male & 25 female) participated. 386 sessions of toy interventions were performed. Most of the participants showed interest in playing with the toys or game sets. They started with touching and watching the toys, then they talked with the toys. Immediate improvement in mood and interaction with staff were noticed in 84% and 86% of the sessions respectively. A qualitative analysis was conducted by interviewing 15 participants. All participants welcomed the toy intervention. They showed positive feedback and were satisfied with the program with a score of 8 out of 10-point scale. The participants also indicated that they had a better appetite and sleep quality after the sessions. The nursing staffs also feedback that the participants looked happier, more relaxed and less agitated after the sessions. This study illustrated the positive effects of nurse-led toy intervention for infirmary patients which are promising. Regular sessions could improve the overall quality of life of patients affected by pandemic restrictions. Moving forward, more technology-based toy interventions should be developed and designed for the infirmary patients to target their special needs and promote both their physical and psychological health.
