An interactive “magic table” is working wonders for patients at Wyong Hospital, particularly for those who are elderly and those living with dementia.
Central Coast Local Health District Geriatrician, Dr Tomiko Barrett, said the device was recently installed after a successful trial with extremely positive feedback from patients, their families and staff.
“We understand that Wyong Hospital is the first hospital in NSW to install this innovative technology,” Dr Barrett said.
The device features a small, mounted box that projects multi-coloured images on to a table, and infrared motion sensors in the box enable patients sitting around the table to use their hands to play with the projected light images.
“The games and images projected on to the table are engaging and therapeutic for our patients,” Dr Barrett said.
“This is bringing our patients a range of physical, social and cognitive benefits to improve their hospital experience and quality of life.”
Dr Barrett said the uses of the device on the hospital ward had been diverse.
“The therapy sessions have been incorporated into physiotherapy and occupational therapy programs and the device has even been used to successfully settle and distract agitated patients with soothing and fun images,” Dr Barrett said.
“At other times we have had three generations of family engaging and enjoying quality time with the device when a patient has been visited by their family.”
Dr Barrett said the games promoted social interaction, communication skills and hand eye co-ordination in an enjoyable way for patients.
The colourful images are also designed to provide patients with sensory stimulation.
Source:
Media release, June 10
Central Coast Local Health District