Bright idea to help patients with anxiety
DISCO lights and bubble wrap are probably the last things you’d expect theatre staff to have in their surgical tool kit.
But that’s not the case at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, where a remote controlled Thomas the Tank Engine, sensory toys and torches have also become operating room essentials.
They are all part of a new initiative for patients with learning difficulties, who have to undergo dental treatment under general anaesthetic.
Known as SPA, the Soothing Patient Anxiety project helps use familiar and fun objects, together with films and music, to relax patients just before they have their anaesthetic.
Theatre specialist trainer Paul Harris started off by bringing his own iPod and lap-top computer to work so the patients could listen to music or play a game as they were put to sleep in the room next door to the theatre.
Bubble wrap also proved to be an early success.
SPA now has its own iPad, thanks to a donation, and Paul has scoured the internet, second-hand shops and even car boot sales for other gems.
Everything is decontaminated and safety checked before it is used.
The initiative saw Paul and the SPA team scoop the Citizens at the Cen- tre of Service Re-Design and Delivery Award at the NHS Awards in Cardiff.
Paul said: “We are so proud to win this award and would like to encourage others to work with complex patients to create personalised plans wherever possible.
“Our aim is always to turn a potentially frightening and unpleasant treatment process into something that can be safe, enjoyable and memorable – for all the right reasons.”
The team establishes what the patients’ needs will be well before the operation takes place through a questionnaire and a pre-surgery meeting in the hospital with the patients and their parents/carers.
SPA was also previously a double winner of the ABMU chairman’s awards and Paul gave a presentation on the project during the 1,000 Lives conference in Cardiff in June 2015.
Princess of Wales Hospital director Jamie Marchant said he was delighted the NHS Wales Awards judging panel had recognised the team.
He said: “The title of the category is typified by the approach the team takes to provide a patient-centred service and enhance the patient experience.
“Their hospital colleagues and I are very proud. The team will be delighted to have been recognised – although I know they have been already rewarded by the praise and gratitude of patients and family members who have accessed this new service.”