POS-557 THE BENEFITS OF AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY BASED CREATIVE ARTS PROGRAM FOR HAEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract

Approximately 65 000 people are currently on renal replacement therapy in the UK with 37.3% on in-centre haemodialysis1. These patients spend on average 12 hours per week on dialysis and consequently are at high risk of occupational deprivation during treatment. Starting haemodialysis is a major life event that, although life-sustaining, can lead to increased symptom burden, anxiety, depression, functional deterioration, cognitive decline and withdrawal from social occupations2,3,4. Occupational Therapists are dual trained across mental and physical health and are skilled in providing holistic interventions to support people managing chronic conditions. A recent report found evidence that participation in art therapy can promote good health, prevent physical and mental health issues and manage acute and chronic conditions as well as being usually low-risk, non-invasive and cost-effective5. This project to establish an “art on dialysis” program aims to engage patients in creative activities during dialysis. The anticipated benefits are to provide stimulus and distraction from dialysis, provide a sense of ownership in completed works, foster social inclusion and peer support, provide exercises in co-ordination and fine motors skills to maintain and improve physical function and to utilise planning, processing and memory skills. Patients and staff were surveyed to determine interest in engaging in creative activities and preferences for sessions as well as how patients were currently spending their time during dialysis and at home. Exclusion criteria included patients lacking adequate cognition or language to complete the survey with support. 40 patients and 4 staff responded to the survey; 45 patients either declined or were unable to participate. The top three ways patients were currently spending their time during dialysis were sleeping, reading and watching T.V. This was also reflected in how staff felt patients spent the majority of their time. When off dialysis, watching T.V. remained popular as well as spending time with family. Patients were able to identify a range of activities they felt were meaningful or enjoyable however many of these activities they felt they were no longer able to complete such as attending church, socializing and playing sport. 87% of patients reported they would, or potentially would, be interested in engaging in art activities during dialysis. Staff response was limited but those who did partake were in favour with 75% outright supporting the project. Staff identified positive potential outcomes for the project such as preventing boredom, helping time to go quicker, encouraging chats with peers, being beneficial to mind and body and encouraging patients to do something else with their time. Identified barriers to the programme included intrinsic factors such as lack of patient motivation, wanting to sleep, poor vision, lack of dexterity and lethargy and extrinsic factors such as dialysis access and treatment hindering participation. With positive responses from both staff and patients regarding the piloting of a creative arts program during dialysis funding was approved by the Trust’s Kidney Patient’s Association. Commencement of the program was delayed due to Covid-19 but plans are now underway to launch with the aim to have additional outcomes by April 2021 to present.