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New interactive technology is helping patients on three CNWL older adult inpatient wards stay active, engaged and connected.
For older adults staying on an inpatient ward, where a hospital stay can last for several weeks or longer, opportunities to move, explore and connect with others can make a real difference to their day. Accessible activities can offer movement, stimulation, social connection and enjoyment alongside their care and treatment.
Bringing activity to the wards
Thanks to the generosity of CNWL NHS Health Charity supporters, the OMi Mobii+ Interactive Table Technology has been introduced at:
Ellington Ward at Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow
Redwood Ward at St Charles Hospital in Kensington and Chelsea
Older Person’s Assessment Service (TOPAS) at the Waterhall Centre in Milton Keynes
The technology projects colourful, moving images onto tables and floors, which patients can interact with simply by reaching out or moving their hands. Activities range from quizzes, puzzles and sporting games to themed, calming and sensory experiences, encouraging movement, cognitive stimulation and social connection.
The activities can be adapted to different abilities and interests, including the pace, complexity, visual effects and sound. This allows patients to take part with staff or alongside other patients, in a way that feels right for them.
Encouraging connection and engagement
CNWL staff have seen the technology create new opportunities for patients to get involved, including people who may not usually take part in activities.
An Occupational Therapist from Ellington Ward at Northwick Park Mental Health Centre said:
“We had one lady who never really interacted with anything, and we struggled to get her engaged. But with the projector, she interacted with it for a long time and didn’t want to leave. It was probably the most interaction we’d ever seen from her.”
Staff can set up the projector and leave it available for patients to approach if they want to take part. It has also created opportunities for patients to encourage and support one another, with shared activities leading to moments of conversation, teamwork and laughter.
Making a difference on the wards
Early feedback from staff has been positive. 90% of CNWL staff surveyed said the Mobii+ is being used on their ward, while 85% said it helps them spend quality time with patients and have better interactions.
Staff have also highlighted how the technology provides another flexible way to support meaningful activity and interaction, complementing the work of occupational therapists, activity coordinators and the wider multidisciplinary team.
For patients, the activities offer different ways to get involved, from games and quizzes to calming and sensory experiences. Patients have described how the activities can help them focus, have fun and take their minds off other things.
“The beach ball game reminds me of being on the beach.”
The games can also provide something absorbing to focus on:
“It feels like you forget everything. You’re concentrating on it, which is good.”
See the Mobii+ in action
Take a look at the interactive technology in use across our older adult wards.
See more of our work
Find out how CNWL NHS Health Charity funding is helping make a difference to people receiving care across CNWL.
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