RITA, a new interactive system which supports a wide range of activities, is now lending a helping hand to patients in Unit 5 at Falkirk Community Hospital.

Known as Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities (RITA), the software therapy system has been used to support the care of patients with dementia however, it is also useful for other patients, including people with delirium.

The system enables patients and staff to access a range of interactive activities and resources designed to engage and focus patients, whilst drawing on familiar and comforting sensory experiences. This includes playing games such as bingo, watching films, listening to music and participating in other activities as part of their recovery.

Studies show RITA can shorten the length of stay, reduce the need for anti-psychotic and sleeping medication as well as improve a person’s nutrition, hydration and mood.

Elaine Kettings, Chief Nurse for the Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership said a daily exercise class programmed on RITA is hugely successful. She explained: “The patients all enjoy participating in this class very much and we have seen increased concentration and lots of smiling.

“They also have more bingo games as RITA can act as the caller, freeing up more staff time to help patients and encourage them to find the numbers. RITA also can find any song a patient mentions which has resulted in many spontaneous singalongs in the Unit. RITA is very much more than just a tablet or piece of software as it can really help brighten a patient’s day.”

RITA has also been used in the Intensive Care Unit at Forth Valley Royal Hospital to help patients participate in rehabilitation exercise sessions or play games that promote group participation, co-ordination and are also fun to take part in.