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Dementia is a complex, progressively degenerative condition. It results in loss of cognitive and functional capabilities, along with a significant increase in the level of dependency. A reduction in the use of pharmacological interventions correlates with an increased in good quality non-pharmacological interventions in dementia care. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of 14-session face-to-face cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) and Sonas group interventions on individuals living with dementia with moderate cognitive impairment, from pre-intervention to post-intervention in terms of their cognition, communication, neuropsychiatric symptoms, activities of daily living and quality of life.

A pilot single blind prospective controlled trial evaluated two group intervention approaches, cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) and Sonas, with 28 participants with moderate dementia. Pseudorandomisation and single blinding were implemented. CST has a solid evidence base. Sonas is a widely used multi-sensory intervention in Ireland with an emerging evidence base. Participants were recruited from a mental health service. Participants who had a formal diagnosis of dementia, moderate cognitive impairment and some ability to communicate and understand communication were included.

Results supported CST to a greater extent than Sonas. The CST group showed significant changes in cognition (p = 0.032) and communication (p = 0.006). Both groups had significant changes in carer quality of life (CST, p = 0.019; Sonas, p = 0.035). Results support the recommendations for a future definitive trial.

Rehabilitation potential of individuals living with moderate dementia was demonstrated. This study suggests that group interventions like these impact on the trajectory of dementia.

Rehabilitation interventions impact on the trajectory of dementia. CST and Sonas have no impact on activities of daily living. Future studies with larger sample sizes, 16 weeks intervention period and control groups are required.

This pilot study supports CST over Sonas interventions for individuals living with moderate dementia. Multiple outcome measures demonstrated trends towards significance for both interventions. Future definitive trials may detect a significant effect of both interventions.

A dementia diagnosis is devastating and generally creates negative perceptions and associations (Alvira, 2014). In contrast, the outcomes of this study are positive. This study provides evidence that occupational therapist intervention can impact on the trajectory of the condition with people with dementia demonstrating that they do have rehabilitation potential by responding to treatment and improving and maintaining their abilities as they progress through the condition.

Patients with extended hospital admissions had no recreation facilities in the ward. They were often confined to spaces around their beds, using the ward corridor for rehabilitation. The purpose of this paper is to outline a quality improvement (QI) intervention-provision of a recreational space for long-stay patients.

An exploratory quantitative pre-, post-test design was utilised, and executed in three phases: patients, visitors and staff survey to explore recreation and comfort needs and preferences; store room refurbishment; and patient, visitor and staff satisfaction with the recreation room.

Overall, 77 questionnaires were completed (n=49 staff; n=28 patient/visitor). Almost two-thirds (64.7 per cent; n=11) of patients had a stay greater than six weeks. Insufficient private space and concerns about disturbing other patients were identified as barriers to taking part in activities. Consequently, a store room was refurbished as a recreation room (9.0 m × 6.0 m) and furnished in three distinct areas. Following refurbishment, over 90 per cent (n=24) of respondents agreed that there was a suitable space where patients could “go and chat” and spend time with family and visitors or speak to the healthcare team.

The physical environment in acute hospitals is seldom prioritised. Needs-based QI projects can improve patient hospital experiences.

This case study highlights how nursing staff can be informed by patients’ and families’ needs and preferences, and initiate QI projects that improve patient hospital experiences.