Patient families bond over music and art

• Share :  
• 
• 
• 
• 

▲Community partners bring wonderful performances to the hospital at the "Music and Arts Promotion" kick-off ceremony.

Long-term medical treatment can be a heavy burden to child patients and their families, both physically and mentally. Recognizing this, the Patient Resource Centre (PRC) has launched the "Music and Arts Promotion" project to bring comfort to patients, cheer them up and rekindle their strength to fight their illnesses.

Yvonne Lam, Social Work Officer of PRC, pointed out that many overseas studies have shown that integrating music and art elements into the treatment journey can create positive impacts. "It provides a medium for patients to express their emotions and needs. Participating in activities increases their sense of control and reduces their anxiety and loneliness, which can enhance the treatment outcome." With funding support from the Hong Kong Children's Hospital Charitable Foundation, PRC has launched an 18-month pilot of music and art promotion, referencing the experiences of more than ten overseas children's hospitals. Every week, different activities and workshops are organized for patients and their families, such as crafting, storytelling and performances.

▲Patients and families have a great time participating in fun activities in the music and art bazaar.

▲Professional musicians play music in wards to bring holiday cheers to inpatients.

▲Small musical instruments can enhance patients' sense of control, allowing them to express emotions through rhythm.

Creating connections through activities

The activities are simple and require no special skills or model answers. The purpose is to encourage interaction and participation. Stephanie Wong, Assistant Social Work Officer, shared, "We noticed that some parents initially instructed their children to colour inside the lines and put stickers in the correct places. But after a few times, they began to enjoy the process and witness their children's transformation from passive observers to active participants."

▲Simple handicrafts offer a time for relaxation and bonding, bringing patients and parents closer.

Stephanie Wong is often asked by parents on how to improve their parenting skills, but she believes there is no one-size-fits-all answer. She encourages parents to listen to their children's voices through observing how they behave in different activities, "Sometimes, what children yearn for isn't a nice meal or travelling abroad, but simple everyday things."

 

Encouraging feedback

PRC also holds regular sharing sessions to collect users' feedback on the activities. Positive comments and recognitions have been received. Taking note of these views, the centre can tailor activities to better meet their needs. Yvonne Lam plans to introduce more diversified activities this year, such as yoga and performing arts.