FEATURE ACTIVITY
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Staff members recognise our work and show appreciation and offer support at all times to aid activities ...
difference in the patients when they are on the ward , as the patients feel they have a reason to be motivated ’.
The activity co-ordinators have recently reflected on their input on the wards . They have reported feeling positively supported by the wards and by the therapy services . They feel that cognitive stimulation therapy activities have been received well by staff and patients , with lots of interest taken and positive feedback .
They have appreciated the time they get to spend with patients , saying ‘ we feel we have learned more from patients than they have from us ’. They feel recognised and appreciated , with ward staff supporting them in their work , and showcasing their activities across the wards via Twitter : ‘ Staff members recognise our work and show appreciation and offer support at all times to aid activities , including bringing items in for patients ’.
In conclusion , the activity co-ordinators ’ first year in therapy services has allowed us to explore their service provision and to identify a successful model of working .
They have benefitted patients physically , cognitively , and nutritionally . The have benefitted ward staff on the wards involved , and have seen an increase in the number of contacts between activity co-ordinators and patients .
While there have been a number of challenges , and future work is needed with timetabling to help with issues such as clashes with medication rounds , the therapy team will continue to support their input , and the development of their role .
References
Aguirre E , Spector AE , Streater A , Hoe J , Woods B and Orrell M ( 2014 ) Making a difference 2 : an evidence based group program to offer maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy ( CST ) to people with dementia . UK : Hawker Publications
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Available online at : www . endpjparalysis . com [ accessed 14 January 2020 ]
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Spector A , Thorgrimsen L , Woods BOB , Royan L , Davies S , Butterworth M and Orrell M ( 2003 ) Efficacy of an evidencebased cognitive stimulation therapy programme for people with dementia : randomised controlled trial . The British Journal of Psychiatry , 183 ( 3 ): 248-254
Spector A , Gardner C and Orrell M ( 2011 ) The impact of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy groups on people with dementia : views from participants , their carers and group facilitators . Aging and Mental Health , 15 ( 8 ): 945-949
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Jo Mcaulay , Therapy Services , Nottingham University Hospitals , email :
jo . McAulay @ nuh . nhs . uk . * This article was written in March to review work before the COVID-19 outbreak
40 OTnews December 2020