Abstract
Background: Elderly patients report less positive experience of hospital admission than younger patients1. Targeted interventions have been shown to improve patient ability to perform activities of daily living and reduce frequency of discharges to long-term care facilities. Additionally, non-pharmacological interventions reduce incidence of delirium and prevent falls2. We aimed to improve the inpatient experience on a care of the elderly ward through use of a recreation room for mealtimes and recreational activities.
Methods: We performed a quality improvement project using patient and staff surveys pre- and post-interventions, including the introduction of a poster and use of the recreation room for activities. We registered use of the recreation room to monitor attendance.
Results: Use of the recreation room increased by 175% from week 1 to week 4 (n=8 to n=22). Most visits were for mealtimes (71%) and the remainder for activities including listening to music, socialising, or playing puzzles. Patient satisfaction improved (82% to 87%) and awareness of the recreation room increased (27% to 75%). Staff satisfaction with patient experience increased (80% to 92%), and 100% of staff agreed that care was improved for patients attending the recreation room.
Conclusion: Use of a recreation room for mealtimes and activities on a care of the older person ward resulted in improved patient satisfaction and staff perception of patient satisfaction and care. Further inpatient-engagement will be sought through volunteer-run activities and a timetable of regular activity sessions.