Annual Report 2011 - Calvary Health Care Bethlehem

Calvary Health Care Bethlehem 2010 – 11 Annual Report 32
Projects & Partnerships
Project for Improving
Care for Patients with
Huntington’s Disease
The purpose of the project was to develop an improved
model of care for Huntington’s Disease patients during their
inpatient admission. We focused on this group of patients
because they often experienced difficulties settling into the
ward environment, due to their complex combination of
disorders of movement, thinking and behaviour.
One of the major outcomes of the project was the
development of a Diversional Therapy program. The
results of this program have proven to be a sound success.
A diversional therapist was employed, who managed
to create meaningful relationships with the patients and
guide them with an array of activities which engaged each
individual in an unique manner. Activities included music,
exercise, painting and conversation.
Most importantly there was a sense of confirmation of
the worth of each patient who participated. Families also
noticed the positive effects of the program and experienced
comfort that their loved ones were being supported and
cared for in an atmosphere that optimised their ability to
function and engage with life.
The Spirit of Life – Leaders in Our Work
‘Social Communication Changes in Progressive
Neurological Conditions: The Impact on Carers’.
This research project emerged from our clinical
observations within the specialist progressive
neurology service.
It was consistently observed that carers of patients
with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Huntington’s
Disease (HD) and advanced Multiple Sclerosis
(MS), noticed alterations in behaviour and emotional
functioning. Carers found reduced empathy, loss
of emotional reactivity and increased aggression,
the most difficult changes to adjust to. Such
changes were often significant causative factors in
relationship stress and breakdowns.
From these observations we felt committed to lead
research in this area. The research received funding
from the Bethlehem Griffiths Research Foundation
and Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of
Australia.
Over 100 of our patient and carer couples
participated in the research. Data collected from 49
patients with MND and their nominated carers, 30
with HD and 20 with MS. Thirty control participants
also completed the research.
Preliminary analysis demonstrated that individuals
with distinct progressive neurological conditions
displayed different levels of impairment in emotion
recognition and social communication.
To date our research has been presented at the
Speech Pathology in Sub-Acute Care Meeting,
the 4th Pacific Rim Conference of the Australian
Society for the Study of Brain Impairment and
the International Neuropsychological Society.
Our research continues to lead advancements in
social communication in progressive neurological
diseases in Australia.
St Teresa’s ward
continues to be a
world
leader
in care of patients with
Huntington’s Disease.