Authors: (including presenting author): :
Tsang YW(1)(2), Yuen LH(1)(2), Chan LK(2), Cheng LK(2), Chu HW(1), Lee CK(1)(2)
Affiliation: :
(1)Occupational Therapy Department, Kwai Chung Hospital, (2)Psychogeriatric Team, Kwai Chung Hospital
Keyword 1: :
OT Therapeutic Group
Keyword 2: :
Private Residential Care Home
Keyword 3: :
Psychogeriatric
Keyword 5: :
Cognitive Training
Keyword 6: :
Neurocognitive disorder
Introduction: :
An increasing number of elderly individuals diagnosed with neurocognitive disorder or mood disorder resided in private residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs). Psychogeriatric Team under Hospital Authority has been providing psychiatric outreaching service to RCHEs for decades, offering multidisciplinary services for clients with psychiatric disorders. Previously, Occupational Therapy (OT) services were primarily provided on individualized basis within RCHEs. Clients often faced difficulty attending regular cognitive training in OT Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOPC) due to mobility issues and lack of escort service. We often noticed that insufficient specialized training would impose cognitive and social concerns on them.
Objectives: :
Pilot OT therapeutic groups have been conducted face-to-face on a weekly basis for 14 sessions to psychogeriatric clients residing in private RCHEs since 2023. The program includes Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, Reminiscence Therapy, and Remotivation Therapy. This aimed to enhance the cognitive function and social well-being of service users, as well as to reduce caregiver stress on RCHEs staff.
Methodology: :
Private RCHEs under Community Psychogeriatric Assessment and Support Program (COMPASS) at Kwai Chung Hospital were selected for the implementation of OT therapeutic groups. RCHE staff screened a list of psychogeriatric clients aged 65 or above, who could maintain attention for 60 minutes and had no recent history of violent or disruptive behaviors. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Hong Kong Version (HK-MoCA) and The World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5) were conducted to evaluate their cognitive function and social well-being, respectively. The group participant list was finalized after pre-test. Quality group activities and content were designed and delivered. The progress of each participant was recorded, and collaboration with RCHE staff was maintained for further support during groups. Post-assessment of HK-MoCA, WHO-5, and a satisfaction survey by RCHE staff were conducted upon completion of the training.
Result & Outcome: :
81 service users with satisfactory attendance in training were analyzed using a paired sample t-test. Compared with pre-MoCA scores (Mean±SD =8.35±6.61), the post-MoCA scores (Mean±SD =9.05±7.00) showed maintenance of cognitive function after intervention (p=0.0577). In terms of their perceived well-being, there was significantly improvement (p=0.0093) between pre-WHO-5 scores (Mean±SD =12.86±6.99) and post- WHO-5 scores (Mean±SD =14.77+7.09). All service users and staff provided positive feedback, indicating the training was effective in promoting positive emotions and reducing responsive behaviors.
