Student education
Student education
Feature
The residents we designed the trails for had an average age of 70 , were cognitively sound and generally independently mobile . Their occupational needs were negatively impacted by a lack of motivation , limited mobility and reduced social engagement .
To address these occupational needs , we incorporated key features throughout the trails , including a memory tree , mural boards and hanging baskets . We enhanced pre-existing resources , such as jacaranda tree in the grounds , to ensure our design was sustainable and cost efficient .
An initial challenge faced was the zero-cost budget , which restricted sourcing materials , prompting us to utilise pre-existing resources when designing our walking trails . While at first this was perceived as a challenge , we soon recognised how this made our trails sustainable in multiple ways .
Sustainability was an essential part of this innovative project , therefore , we designed the trails to have unlimited use . In addition , we ensured our concept and reasoning for the trails could be transferred to similar environments globally .
Another challenge we encountered was working virtually on a project that ideally required us to be physically present to aid our iterative design . Being over 10,000 miles away created a barrier that we overcame via online video communications , using creativity and visualisation skills .
Despite this challenge , we were excited to be a part of an international partnership , as it was an opportunity we had not experienced before .
The prospect of our designs coming to life was inspiring and resulted in us being further invested to complete the project to the best of our abilities . We also found it favourable working alongside a physiotherapy student , as this multidisciplinary team collaboration mirrors our future careers as allied health care professionals .
Our learning
We feel this project was fundamental to our learning , broadening our knowledge of the importance of international collaborations within the occupational therapy discipline . As future occupational therapists we recognise that within our profession we will work therapeutically with service users from a diverse range of cultures .
This project has provided a platform for us to work with residents from differing cultural backgrounds , highlighting the significance of person-centred interventions and how they may vary globally .
Our understanding of our service users ’ cultures enabled us to incorporate social , mental , and physical aspects holistically .
For instance , we designed a memory tree located within the grounds . This promoted physical activity in the form of walking , and social interaction , encouraging residents to discuss shared interests and mental wellbeing by facilitating reminiscence , an activity proven to benefit this age group .
We were aware that the service users at the heart of this project had unfulfilled occupational needs . Fuelled by Sanetta and Joshua ’ s enthusiasm , we felt we had a real chance to make a difference to the residents ’ quality of life .
Our involvement in this project has shaped our perceptions on how innovative you can be within our profession . Our project is a prime example of how design can be used to better the lives of service users .
The walking trails allowed the residents to improve their mental and physical wellbeing without requiring staff members to be present . Not only does this make our design innovative , but also sustainable .
Unfacilitated spontaneous interaction and the use of pre-existing resources ensures our design is sustainable and transferable to multiples facilities around the world .
Our project was used by Sanetta and Joshua to apply for Student Engagement Co-Design Project funding . They secured a small grant and involved interested students with lonely and isolated residents during semester breaks in July 2022 and February 2023 .
To any occupational therapy students reading , we encourage you to seek opportunities beyond the UK , as what we have gained from this experience has been invaluable .
Words KATIE PORTLOCK , GEORGIA VICTOR , LAUREN HAMMOND and POPPY ROBERTS , University of Southampton occupational therapy students , RACHEL HOUWELING , Lecturer and project supervisor , University of Southampton , and SANETTA DU TOIT , Senior Occupational Therapy Lecturer and Faculty of Medicine and Health Student Life Director at the University of Sydney .
Left to right : Georgia Victor , Lauren Hammond , Katie Portlock and Poppy Roberts , presenting their work at a university showcase
June 2023 OTnews 57