Pilot Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial: Horticultural Therapy for Inpatient Older Adults in an Acute Care Hospital

Pilot Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial: The Effects of Horticultural Therapy (HT) vs Existing Care on Engagement, Mood and Mobility of Inpatient Older Adults in an Acute Care Hospital

This study aims to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of Horticultural Therapy (HT) on engagement, mood, and quality of life (QoL) of older adults in geriatric acute care in Singapore. Investigators will also assess the effectiveness of HT on mobility and hospitalisation experience. This pilot study could inform how HT can be implemented in geriatric acute care and its effect on hospitalisation experience and recovery of function.

Horticultural therapy (HT) is a non-pharmacological treatment utilizing plant-related activities as a form of alternative medicine to achieve specific goals that lead to person's well-being. Geriatric patients in acute care wards are at risk of functional decline related to acute illness and prolonged bed rest during hospitalization. HT can complement medical treatment to ameliorate the adverse effects of hospitalisation in older adults. There is evidence that HT can improve the physical and psychological well-being of the older adults in different settings. The beneficial effects of HT have mostly been documented in nursing homes, community rehabilitation facilities and senior activity centres, but not in geriatric acute care settings. There is also a need to harness available knowledge and implement it where appropriate. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of HT on engagement, mood, and quality of life (QoL) of older adults in geriatric acute care in Singapore. Investigators will also assess the effectiveness of HT on mobility and hospitalisation experience. This pilot study could inform how HT can be implemented in geriatric acute care and its effect on hospitalisation experience and recovery of function.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 70 years old and above
• an inpatient in Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
• able to understand simple instructions (with abbreviated mental test's score of 6 and above)
• have stable vital signs - blood pressure, heart rate and peripheral capillary oxygen saturation - to take part in horticultural therapy activities

Exclusion Criteria:

• on contact or droplet precaution
• diagnosed with severe auditory-visual impairments
• have major depressive disorder
• have endocrine disorders
• on steroid-based medications such as asthma and allergies that might affect the salivary cortisol level
• on the Dangerously Ill List