Something special has been happening on 2M with the enhancement of the Eat Walk Engage (EWE) program.
Earlier this year, the general medical ward expanded its EWE program to include twice-weekly social lunches.
Recent audits identified increased rates of delirium among patients, along with a common theme; patients were hungry for more time together.
EWE Facilitator Kellie Stevens said the request for connection was loud and clear, leading to the introduction of changes such as repositioning patient bedsides to better support friendships and allocating dedicated time for social lunches.
Occupational Therapist Jessie Gui said the team saw EWE not just as a quality improvement initiative, but a meaningful way to enhance the patient experience.
“A wide range of activities are available as part of the program including the social lunches, conversations about 'old times', high teas and even dancing to music from the ‘60s,” Jessie said.
“A large team of health professionals including speech pathologists, occupational therapists, dietetics, physiotherapists, and the nursing staff work with volunteers and the EWE facilitator to engage the patients. It’s a beautiful example of teamwork and patient-centred care.”
The program’s impact has been so positive that some patients are now pre-booking their spot in upcoming sessions.
The team has noticed increased food intake during the group meals and in some cases, patients have even broken into dance during the session!
“Recently, one patient danced with others during lunch and was buzzing with excitement for the next morning tea group,” Jessie said. “When we spoke with her daughter later that day, she shared how grateful she was to hear her mother was having such a wonderful time in hospital.”
The 2M team gave a special shoutout to EWE Multi-Professional Assistant Catherine Sarpong for the strong connections she builds with patients and her dedication to encouraging their engagement.