Authors (including presenting author) :
Ms. CHUNG W, Ms. FUNG L, Ms. WONG A
Affiliation :
Department of Medical Social Service, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
Being chronically ill patients, they experience fear, anxiety and emotional distress.
Objectives :
1. To help chronically ill patients understand their emotional distress arising from illnesses. 2. To empower chronically ill patients to find hope, value and meaning in their lives. 3. To bridge them up with community rehabilitation services.
Methodology :
Four sessions were conducted for six patients with neurological-related problem, age from 31 to 65, to share their encountered problems arising from illnesses. Moreover, meaning of life would be inspired in the group. Evaluation was assessed by: i) Self-reported questionnaire ii) MSW’s observation on Pre/Post group iii) Pre-test and Post-test by using 2 validated assessment tools: - General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) - Gallup Cantril Scale
Result & Outcome :
Result From the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), it showed that all members had different changes after attending the group: e.g. perceived being more helpful and ready to render assistance to others in need; learned more coping strategies; less insomnia and less stressful; more pleasant and self-confident in life, etc.. The Gallup Cantril Scale measures self-reported life satisfaction and changes in happiness over time. For our group, members self-reported to have higher average happiness scores over time. Surprisingly, the overall trend was positive for the majority of members. That means they expect they will be on average more satisfied with their lives than before. The compliance rate of using “Action Plan” was also promising. It started from “tiny” action plan for oneself like doing some physical exercise to family level like doing tasks with family members. It was amazing that all members completed their action plan successfully which they had no motivation to do it before. They were delighted that they could accomplish the action plan. Through the sharing of the peer volunteers of the “Life Wish Project”, the members were instilled an insight that they have “companion” (同路人) to walk along from hospital to the community. Two of our members joined the membership of “Life Wish Project” after the program ended. A booklet on group materials was presented to members as reference and encouragement to them. Benefits and Implications: Members treasured the group and they did hope similar group could be re-organized in future. Similar group activity is recommended so that to strengthen their confidence and motivation through peer support and social participation. Conclusion: Promising feedback from group members are gained. It shows that group work approach is a good means to help patients relieve their stress and instill hope, value and meaning in their lives.
