Research findings on holistic residential care for children and adolescents

The School of Nursing and Health Studies presented the findings of a research study on holistic residential care at the Right Care, Right Time Conference, which was jointly organised by Precious Blood Children's Village, Evangel Children's Home and the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. The study was related to an eponymous project — also known as '2Rs' — that offers holistic care services to residents of children and youth homes through multidisciplinary collaboration (the 'right care') at an early stage (the 'right time').

 

As stated in their research report, ‘Children and adolescents in residential children and youth homes are more vulnerable and prone to various health risks. Several studies have reported that these residents tend to suffer from various types of health problems, such as untreated physical and mental health problems.’ The 2Rs project focused on early identification and early treatment for the child and young adult residents living in residential children and youth homes in Hong Kong. The project incorporated close collaboration between multidisciplinary professionals and provided continuous individualised care in residential services, which aimed to improve the health outcomes of residents, reduce medical costs, and lessen the overall burden to society.

 

The research findings confirmed the effectiveness of the 2Rs project in improving residents' health-related quality of life and in addressing their behavioural problems. Apart from suggesting that holistic care services be extended to all children and youth homes in Hong Kong, the study also generated recommendations on enhancing early identification and intervention of psychosocial issues; introducing a lifestyle modification programme; and introducing nurses in residential care homes.

 

Link to the research report: