"Team Haem Goes Green"
A pilot project Claire Forde1, Patricia McGrath1, Gary Benson1
1 Northern Ireland Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre & Thrombosis Unit
Introduction
A bleeding disorder is a chronic condition that can result in
physical and psychological symptoms, effecting everyday
functioning and quality of life. The occupation of gardening
in the natural environment can offer meaningful
opportunities to increase physical and mental wellbeing. In
2021, the haemophilia Occupational Therapist and Social
worker approached The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) to
work collaboratively on a pilot project. TCV focus on
connecting people and green spaces through group based
outdoor activity with a purpose.
Methods
A questionnaire was developed and circulated to all adult
patients with a diagnosis of Haemophilia and Von
Willebrands disease (VWD) on the current database to
gather opinions on a pilot project. A poster was displayed in
the waiting area of the Haemophilia centre with project
details. Respondents were invited to attend a 7 week pilot
project held at a local TCV site. Specific health information
was obtained to ensure activities were suitable for
participants. Questionnaires on physical activity, mental
wellbeing were completed at sessions 1, 3 and 7.
Each session lasted 2 hours. A post
session evaluation was completed
weekly by participants. Responses
were collated and analysed.
Project Aim
The aim of the pilot project was to facilitate a
group of 5-10 clients, known to the Regional
Haemophilia centre, to engage with the outdoors,
become more active, socialise with others, learn
new skills and improve their mental wellbeing.
Conclusion
The range of physical activities included in the
pilot project were at a suitable level for the
majority of our participants to engage in. Over
the course of the 7 sessions participants
reported an improvement in specific aspects of
their mental wellbeing. We are awaiting the
return of a post project impact questionnaire to
guide future initiatives. It is hoped the pilot
project will encourage participants to engage
with local community projects in the natural
environment to aid physical and mental
well-being.
Results
40 people with Haemophilia and
VWD completed the initial
questionnaire. 14 participants were
identified and 6 were available on the given
dates (5 Haemophilia, 1 VWD plus 2 carers).
Attendance was 4-5 each week. Participants were able
to engage well with 89% of all physical activities, with
only 2% of activities stated to be difficult and could have
been better. Comparing results between the first and
final sessions indicate a positive shift in participant's
feelings of optimism, feeling more relaxed and having an
increase in energy. One of the main themes emerging
from the post session questionnaires, was the positive
experience of a group activity - describing it as being
very interactive and friendly.
Project Objectives
• To increase physical health through exercise
• To improve mental health through a sense of
purpose and achievement
• To connect with others - reducing feelings of
isolation or exclusion
• To acquire new skills - through gardening and
environmental conservation activities
• To improve mood through feeling better for being
outdoors, in touch with nature and in the "great
outdoors"
The length of the session was
good even though we usually ran
over due to the craic and
communication within the group.
Mary planned each session well
and covered a range of things to
enhance our knowledge and
gardening skills.
The group connecting
and learning/sharing with
each other opened the
communication gates with
others, helping me gain
confidence, of which I am
grateful.
We covered quite
a lot in the short time.
Mary was very helpful
and patient. She shared
with us her knowledge
of gardening and her
commitment to the
great outdoors.
This project was
for me, doing what I
enjoy. I reconnected
to the outside world
and enjoyed the
group.
Patient Comments
View abstract
summary
Special thanks to staff/service
users BCH haemophilia centre
and TCV for their support with
this pilot project