Enhancing Physical and Psychological Wellbeing of Patients with End-stage Renal Disease: A Pilot In-hospital Tai Chi Group Intervention in Hong Kong

This article presents a pilot group intervention to assist end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients in developing a regular exercise lifestyle, enhance their wellbeing, and promote mutual support. Sixteen patients with ESRD aged between 45 and 65 participated in the five-week group intervention based on the Eastern Body-Mind-Spirit model with Tai Chi components at a public hospital in Hong Kong. A mix-method approach was used to assess the attainment of objectives: (1) participants were asked to report their frequency and duration of physical exercises outside of the group; (2) the Personal Wellbeing Index – Adult (Cantonese) 4th edition was used to measure the quality of life of the participants; (3) a general group evaluation form was used to evaluate participants’ satisfaction with the group; and (4) observations by the medical social workers during the group and sharing sessions, feedback from the participants, the Tai Chi Instructor, and medical team members of the renal ward were collected to determine the level of mutual support among participants. The group showed promising results: (1) the average time group members spent exercising outside the group increased by 24%; (2) rapport was apparent among most group members; (3) communication between the patients and the medical team was enhanced; and (4) paired sample t-test showed a significant average difference between pre- and post-group Personal Wellbeing scores of the participants (t = -2.9, df = 12, p = 0.01). It is suggested to scale up the intervention and conduct follow-ups to determine the most suitable group duration and format.