NCT04654949

Pilot Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial: Horticultural Therapy for Inpatient Older Adults in an Acute Care Hospital

Pilot Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial: The Effects of Horticultural Therapy (HT) vs Existing Care on Engagement, Mood and Mobility of Inpatient Older Adults in an Acute Care Hospital

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 80 (actual)
• Sponsor: Khoo Teck Puat Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 70 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study aims to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of Horticultural Therapy (HT) on engagement, mood, and quality of life (QoL) of older adults in geriatric acute care in Singapore. Investigators will also assess the effectiveness of HT on mobility and hospitalisation experience. This pilot study could inform how HT can be implemented in geriatric acute care and its effect on hospitalisation experience and recovery of function.

Detailed description

Horticultural therapy (HT) is a non-pharmacological treatment utilizing plant-related activities as a form of alternative medicine to achieve specific goals that lead to person's well-being. Geriatric patients in acute care wards are at risk of functional decline related to acute illness and prolonged bed rest during hospitalization. HT can complement medical treatment to ameliorate the adverse effects of hospitalisation in older adults. There is evidence that HT can improve the physical and psychological well-being of the older adults in different settings. The beneficial effects of HT have mostly been documented in nursing homes, community rehabilitation facilities and senior activity centres, but not in geriatric acute care settings. There is also a need to harness available knowledge and implement it where appropriate. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of HT on engagement, mood, and quality of life (QoL) of older adults in geriatric acute care in Singapore. Investigators will also assess the effectiveness of HT on mobility and hospitalisation experience. This pilot study could inform how HT can be implemented in geriatric acute care and its effect on hospitalisation experience and recovery of function.

Conditions

• Frailty
• Hospitalism

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Horticultural Therapy	The horticultural therapy sessions are conducted by the occupational therapists or therapy assistants using the mobile horticultural kits. The horticultural activities are designed to stimulate the senses through interaction with specific tasks and the environment, promote social interaction, mobility and also promote a sense of self-worth through various horticultural activities such as planting seeds, transplanting plants, trimming and watering plants.

Timeline

• Start date: 2019-08-06
• Primary completion: 2022-09-05
• Completion: 2022-09-05
• First posted: 2020-12-04
• Last updated: 2023-08-28

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Singapore