Projects
“Hello outside world” – Connecting digitally disadvantaged older patients to news, music and to the outside world while hospitalised
2022 Extraordinary Opportunities Grant
Share this project
Project description
To provide older and cognitively impaired patients who lack access to patient entertainment with portable radios to keep them stimulated and facilitate their connection to the outside world.
Why this work is needed
Since the introduction of RBWH’s new digital patient entertainment platform, patients require a Wi-Fi enabled device to use the MyStay@RBWH platform. Around 40% of patients attend RBWH without a smart device that can be used to access patient entertainment and there are patients who are unable to use a device due to cognitive impairment, physical impairment, and low/ no digital literacy.
The RBWH Department of Internal Medicine provides care to more than 5000 general medical admissions each year, two thirds of who are older than 65 years of age. Older and cognitively impaired patients, who are digitally disadvantaged, are not always able to access patient entertainment, in turn promoting boredom and, potentially, cognitive decline. For patients with cognitive decline and/or delirium, meaningful engagement is important to their wellbeing, treatment, and recovery.
Expected outcomes
The project team will procure portable radios and headphones for older patients to enhance their experience on the ward, facilitate connection to the outside world and provide stimulation through access to news and music.
Meet the Project Leader
Kristy Washington
Social Work Team Leader
RBWH Social Work
Kristy Washington
Kristy Washington is a team leader in social work services at RBWH. A social worker who has practiced in the health setting for 22 years, Kristy possesses a strong belief in the power of kindness and compassion. With years of experience in critical care, maternity, with adolescents and more recently in internal medicine, Kristy has devoted her career to patients and families in hospitals. Areas of special interest include trauma, grief and loss, family meetings and advocacy.
Kristy recognises that when people enter a health setting it’s often unexpected, they are unwell and vulnerable, moreover hospitals can be tricky environments to navigate. Kristy’s practice is underpinned by humanistic theories and focuses on listening to patient experiences and enhancing good communication between patient, families and treating teams.
