ABSTRACT

Background: This service evaluation examined the impact of Dance for Health, a programme of weekly group dance sessions for older patients, which took place on wards in an acute hospital setting.

Methods: Qualitative and quantitative observations using the ArtsObs scale were undertaken of 64 dance sessions over a 12-week period involving seven different hospital wards encompassing 313 patient attendances.

Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in the mood of the majority of patients taking part. People engaged mentally and physically with the activity were distracted from their medical condition and from what was happening on the ward. Patients appeared relaxed and were willing to express themselves creatively.

Conclusion: The Dance for Health programme had a positive impact on group participants, promoting movement and physical activity for older patients. It is a meaningful and enjoyable activity, which encourages social interaction and provides respite from the medical environment.

摘要

背景：这项服务评估检查了Dance for Health的影响，这是一项针对老年患者的每周集体舞蹈课程，该课程在急诊医院的病房中进行。

方法：使用 ArtsObs 量表对 64 场舞蹈课进行了 12 周的定性和定量观察，涉及 7 个不同的医院病房，包括 313 名患者。

结果：在统计上观察到大多数患者的情绪有显着改善。人们在精神上和身体上都参与了这项活动，他们的注意力从他们的健康状况和病房里发生的事情上分心。患者看起来很放松，愿意创造性地表达自己。

结论: Dance for Health计划对团体参与者产生了积极影响，促进了老年患者的运动和身体活动。这是一项有意义且令人愉快的活动，它鼓励社交互动并为医疗环境提供喘息的机会。