Patients' perception of day care activities at the Malta Hospice Movement

Abstract

This study evaluated the perceptions of thirteen patients attending day care activities at the 'Malta Hospice Movement' with the purpose of finding out the effect of such activities on their life. It used a descriptive exploratory design. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using a semi-structured interview. The findings demonstrated that all patients cherished the day care activities being offered by this institution. However, it was discovered that not all patients are experiencing the beneficial effect of these complimentary activities since there isn't a sufficient number of therapists working for the 'Malta Hospice Movement'. A very significant finding was that crafts alone can affect the pain perceived by the patients, while patients' who were experiencing aromatherapy, reflexology and hydrotherapy reported both a reduction in pain and an improved sleeping pattern. Although most of the patients did talk with the nurse, helpers and friends about their problems, they did not have a particular activity or session during which they can do so. These day care activities affected the patients holistically and hence served as coping strategies for the illness. As a result of this study recommendations for practice and suggestions for further research were proposed.