© AndreaObzerova via Getty Images an intervention that addressed some overlapping symptoms , including pain and sleeplessness .
This intervention was centred on a single session of guided relaxation , with further sessions led by a patient ’ s wishes , and was primarily used with patients at Hayward House .
One patient had struggled with sleep , due to her fear of dying , and during the relaxation session she fell asleep without the help of medication . She was one of a number of patients who reported a reduction in pain during and after the relaxation .
Another patient used the relaxation overnight when the OTs were not available , and it helped her sleep . Some patients felt that the guided relaxation reminded them of important and enjoyable times in their lives , including a holiday and walking on a beach .
In contrast , other patients felt they could discuss their fears and prognosis as a result of the sessions .
One patient had declined to discuss her prognosis , which made future planning difficult . During the relaxation session in the garden of Hayward House , she began to cry and talked about her fear of dying . This allowed us to explore her wishes for future care planning
and made it easier for other Haywood House staff to explore her wishes about her care .
The guided relaxation sessions were made available via two booklets that have QR codes in for patients to use at home . These booklets contain information about sleep hygiene and fatigue management .
Fatigue management
In addition to addressing anxiety , we looked at the management of fatigue . An element of our role is advanced care planning and we discuss patient ’ s priorities with them as they move towards the end of their lives .
Managing fatigue allows patients to talk about their prognosis and continue carrying out the
Main picture : Stock image
Above bottom : Hayward House Garden
November 2024 OTnews 27