Authors: (including presenting author): :
Chen CY, Mok WS, Lee HS, Hui N
Affiliation: :
Occupational Therapy Department, United Christian Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Occupational Therapy
Keyword 2: :
Palliative Care
Keyword 3: :
Interactive Technology
Keyword 4: :
Emotional Well-Being
Keyword 5: :
Cognitive Engagement
Keyword 6: :
Quality of Life
Introduction: :
Individuals receiving palliative care often experience multifaceted challenges beyond physical symptoms, including cognitive decline and emotional distress. Diminished functional capacity may hinder engagement in daily activities and erode social connections, leading to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and mental stagnation, particularly in the later stages of life. Emerging evidence suggests that interactive interventions may counteract these effects by fostering psychosocial engagement and cognitive stimulation, thereby supporting mental vitality. As occupational therapists, we harness innovative advanced technologies to create cognitively enriching environments and facilitate psychosocial connections through digital platforms, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of our patients within the palliative care framework.
Objectives: :
This pilot study aims to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of integrating interactive advanced technologies (e.g., GoPod) into conventional occupational therapy to promote cognitive stimulation, emotional well-being, and quality of life among individuals in palliative care.
Methodology: :
A prospective, single-arm pilot study was conducted at the palliative care day clinic beginning in the third quarter of 2025. Participants engaged in a weekly 15 to 20 minutes interactive technology program over 12 sessions, combining interactive cognitive training with psychosocial interventions. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Hong Kong Version (HK-MoCA), World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), EuroQol 5 Dimensions 5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L), and a mood visual analogue scale (Mood-VAS). Data were analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
Result & Outcome: :
Ten participants (mean age = 77.3 years) were recruited between July and November 2025, with diagnoses of cancer (n = 8) and end-stage organ failure (n = 2). Improvements were observed across cognitive, emotional, and quality‑of‑life domains. Mood-VAS increased by 2.09 (SD = 1.24; p = 0.006; r = 1.00), demonstrating both clinically and statistically significant emotional improvement. Although statistical power was limited by the small sample size, HK-MoCA scores rose by 5.75 (SD = 6.36; p = 1.000; r = 1.00), indicating a positive trajectory in cognitive function. WHO-5 scores improved by 1.17 (SD = 0.41; p = 0.174; r = 1.00), suggesting potential clinical relevance in mental well-being, encompassing mood, vitality, and engagement in daily life. EQ-5D-5L scores increased modestly by 0.13 (SD = 0.24; p = 0.438; r = 0.47), reflecting meaningful gains in overall quality of life, particularly through maximizing functional capacity and alleviating symptom burden. Qualitative feedback highlighted the novelty and interactivity of the technology-based modalities, with participants describing them as more engaging than conventional interventions. In conclusion, interactive technologies offer occupational therapists a novel tool to foster person-centred approaches in palliative care. This pilot study supports their integration into care delivery to enrich cognitive engagement, enhance emotional well-being, and promote quality of life among palliative patients, warranting further investigation in larger controlled trials to establish effectiveness and guide future practice.
