Patients with dementia, anxiety and learning disabilities are amongst those benefitting from the introduction of five therapeutic devices across Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) Trust.
The Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities (RITA) device, a portable touch-screen system, offers a welcomed distraction for patients receiving enhanced care due to support their additional needs.
Previously, staff closely observed patients at risk of falls and agitation, but lacked the tools to distract them, boost their mood, or help soothe anxieties, explained Julie Wragg, Corporate Nurse at DBTH.
She said: “Our staff will watch patients to prevent them falling but there isn’t always engagement with them. It can mean boring and long days for both staff and patients.
“RITA has opened up a way for them to pass the time and build up rapport and trust as often patients who are confused can feel vulnerable when in hospital.”
Use of the RITA also reduces the need for medication to settle those who are distressed, Julie explained.
Activities on the RITA include quizzes, interactive musical instruments and short television broadcasts from the 1950s and 60s.
88-year-old Trevor Holder, a patient on the Mallard Ward at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, particularly enjoys watching musicals on the device.
He said: “It passes the time and helps to have some entertainment while I’m here.”
Trevor has watched at least four musicals using the RITA from his bedside, including Oklahoma and Calamity Jane.
He eagerly awaits the addition of ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ to the device’s catalogue.
The RITA is not only useful for passing the time independently, but also as a group.
Sarah Gallagher, Activities Coordinator on the Mallard Ward, explained: “When I do the quizzes, I try and do it as a group and get them more involved.”
“We just did one with Trevor and another patient and now they’re chatting and have got to know one another a little bit.”
The interactive device comes with a wide range of reminiscence and therapeutic content, allowing Sarah to evoke fond memories and engage patients.
Sarah said: “The RITA helps me get into conversations with them about what they enjoy and what makes them smile.
“It gives them a little sense of being people.”
One of Sarah’s patients had emigrated to the UK. With the help of the RITA, he could see the place he had lived before and was ‘taken aback’, Sarah explained.
The RITA also aids communication for patients who have difficulties speaking or describing things.
Sarah said: “Patients can use a special photo of a body on the RITA to point to or show where they may be hurting.”
The introduction of the RITA devices was only possible thanks to the generosity of the local community and Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) Charity.
Julie said: “Knowing that the community has funded this is hugely heart-warming and they themselves may just benefit from RITA in any potential future admissions.”