ECO-FARM SIMULATION RECREATION THERAPY KIT PROMOTES SENSE OF COHERENCE AMONG THE ELDERLY-A FEASIBILITY PRODUCT ANALYSIS
Arjun Nanduri , Leoh N. Leon M.D , Savithri Chandana Veluri MD , Laura M. Kim M.D
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Abstract
Background: The aging population across the world and in America, the mental distress of chronic illnesses, the projected shortage of caregivers, and the anticipated burden healthcare will face are identified as interconnected problems through systemic design principles. A human centric wellness solution is crafted through the product development of a comprehensive DIY( Do it yourself) recreational therapy kit, integrating three evidence-based interventions: horticultural therapy, journaling, and whole health coaching. This product also aims to engage users in a simulated real-life experience of crop cultivation on a farm. A feasibility analysis was then conducted to determine the effectiveness of this point-of-care human-centered design product.
Objective: The primary aim of this educational activity is to test the effectiveness of a product called Eco-Farm Simulation, Recreation Therapy Kit ( EFS RT) . It engages users in a simulated experience of crop cultivation on a farm within a controlled indoor environment requiring minimal complexity and skill.
Methods: N=28 participants aged 65-83 living in the states of Florida and Virginia used this RT Kit over two weeks. A pre- and post-survey consisting of nine questions were administered using a modified sense of coherence scale that measured the three components of comprehension, manageability, and meaningfulness. The post-survey also included two open-ended questions querying user experience with the kit.
Results: EFS RT Kit resulted in significant positive changes in all three components of elderly individuals’ sense of coherence.
Conclusion: The EFS RT Kit increases comprehension, manageability, and meaningfulness among its users in period of less than 2 weeks. This paper aims to lay a solid foundation for future exploration in the field of point-of-care product development. The content presented in this paper serves as an educational endeavor and should not be regarded as equivalent to formal research on the subject. Additional investigations employing larger sample sizes, diverse cohorts of institutionalized and disabled individuals, and more rigorous protocols are necessary.
Furthermore, The paper aims to prompt stakeholders and decision-makers to embrace systems design principles for anticipating future problems, prioritize a human-centric approach in solution design, and promote acceptance of environmentally friendly healthcare solutions. It calls upon industry leaders to offer top-down support for the implementation of straightforward innovations such as the EFS kit, which demands multidisciplinary acceptance in healthcare institutions. These products hold the potential for evidence-based practice implementation.
Keywords: Farm, simulation, recreation therapy, sense of coherence, Whole health, Systems design, human centric, point of care, product development, horticulture, journaling, wellness, coaching, Evidence based
Journal Name :
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EPRA International Journal of Research & Development (IJRD)
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Published on : 2023-12-08
Vol | : | 8 |
Issue | : | 12 |
Month | : | December |
Year | : | 2023 |