Tree of Life grows at Lithgow Hospital
The Tree of Life project is Lithgow Hospital’s locally devised communication aid aimed at improving the care of people with dementia. Following a successful trial period, the project is now in full bloom, increasing patient comfort and reducing the risk of falls.
Recognised for its impact and innovation by the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI), Tree of Life is helping patients with dementia and other cognitive impairments feel calmer and safer while in hospital, reducing risks to their personal safety and contributing to more holistic health care.
Co-created by Senior Occupational Therapist Tara Gray and Allied Health Assistant Megan Booth, the Tree of Life draws inspiration from existing tools including Top 5, This is Me, and Sunflower, and is enriched by the latest evidence and research.
Displayed prominently at the bedside and uploaded to the patient’s electronic medical records, the Tree of Life provides accessible information about that which matters most to each patient and their care partners, which can include close family members.
“A tree is alive and no two ever share the same story,” explains Tara Gray when asked about the design of the individualised displays, which feature a tree with branches of key information.
“The whole model of the Tree of Life is about getting to know the person holistically. We want staff to know who this person is, not just what they’re in hospital for. Even knowing someone’s nickname or tea or coffee preferences can help build trust and rapport.”
Tara Gray, Senior Occupational Therapist, Lithgow Hospital
Results from a trial period have been promising, showing a reduction in falls incidents and injuries to some of the lowest Lithgow Hospital has recorded in four years.
“It's hard to put my finger on the magic of why it works, but if the nurse knows what someone’s triggers are, or what brings them comfort, they can anticipate distress before it happens,” says Tara, crediting the success of the project to the collective effort of the entire team at Lithgow Hospital.
“Everyone from domestic and kitchen staff, to nurses, doctors, allied health and security have played a part in bringing the project to life,” says Tara.
The Tree of Life records what comforts a person, how they like to communicate, their daily routines and even triggers for potential distress.
“The Tree of Life helps us understand what a person may be trying to communicate,” explains Tara. “Are they in pain? Are they hungry? Are they lonely? Are they bored?”
“It’s really a human connection tool. We’re people helping people, so the more we can build on that and make it easy for us to do, the better outcomes we’ll see.”
Tara Gray, Senior Occupational Therapist, Lithgow Hospital
Crucially, the aim isn’t simply behaviour management.
“More than preventing agitation, it’s about increasing comfort in the strange hospital environment for someone who’s already cognitively impaired,” explains Tara.
By standardising key information in a format that busy teams can notice and act on quickly, the Tree of Life project complements person-centred approaches to timely care prioritised by the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD).
The initiative was recently recognised at NBMLHD’s Innovate Together Quality Awards, where Tree of Life shared the Consumer Choice Award and was highly commended for Transforming the Patient Experience.