Introduction to RITA

RITA, which stands for Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities has been developed by My Improvement Network. RITA technology is aimed at enhancing the care delivered to older people, those living with dementia, mental health conditions, acute brain injuries and learning difficulties as a means of supporting them and reducing their agitation, isolation, depression and delirium.

RITA provides access to a range of meaningful activities through a touchscreen device and user-friendly interactive screens to blend entertainment with therapy and to assist patients (particularly with memory impairments) in recalling and sharing events from their past through listening to music, watching news reports of significant historic events, listening to war-time speeches, playing games and karaoke and watching films. RITA does not need to be connected to Wi-Fi as the applications and movies are saved locally, however, connecting the devices gives access to the use of the internet and video calling.

Whilst the primary purpose of RITA is to enhance the quality of life and well-being, there are many additional benefits of RITA reported on the My Improvement Network website.

• Contributed to a reduction in falls by up to 76.9%
• Reduced 1:1, 2:1 & 3:1 - High-cost care packages
• Supporting dementia care mapping
• Reduced hospital admissions
• Significant reduction in the use of anti-psychotic and sleeping medication
• Reduced Length of Stay (LOS)
• Reduced delayed transfers of care
• Significant improvement in patients with dementia who are unable to sleep
• Supporting dignity, respect and wellbeing for patients at the end of life
• Clinically led, improving the quality of patient-centred care
• Fewer safeguarding incidents
• Improved interaction between carers and patient, and relatives and patient

RITA Impact

• Using RITA can help to contribute to the reduction of prescribing anti-psychotic and sleeping medication
• Improved mood and wellbeing outcomes for patients and carers
• Helps carers and family members to communicate more effectively with patients
• Helps adherence to regulations
• Boosts staff retention and staff morale
• Downloaded media content can be personalised
• Full administrative/reporting function
• Favourites can be saved for each resident delivering digital personalised care
• Care System Impact | My Improvement Network
• RITA empowering Integrated Care Systems

RITA in Gwent

• RITA was introduced across Gwent in 2014 with the number of the devices growing to 200+ in 2022.
• Types of RITA currently used across Gwent include ITU, Max and Mini
• RITA devices are being used within hospital, care home and social housing settings across Gwent.
• Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Royal Gwent Hospital Case Study (myimprovementnetwork.com)

The [RITA] unit is brilliant in the way it can be wheeled from unit to unit and at a height that can be adjusted. It is fully packed with apps for all ages and abilities. Good to get residents of a certain age on technology, it will be greatly used and enjoyed by all.

We are currently using it [RITA] for the quiz feature, music and reminiscence aids. We have looked through all the programmes and there is definitely something for everyone. We have some ladies and gentlemen who spend more time in their room than others so we find that the ability to take it around and of course the tablet is fantastic.

RITA is a fantastic tool to provide meaningful activities and promote interaction of our Residents and it gives them so much choice so that their interests can be fully explored.

RITA Apps and Content on Devices

• Delirium Toolkit
  • CAM ICU
  • DREAMS Delirium Rescue Pack
• Communication
  • Show me where (non-verbal pain indication)
  • Hear Me (real-time translation)
  • Video calls via Zoom, Teams or Skype (if connected to the internet)
  • Communication Assistant Tool (CAT)
• Entertainment Therapy
  • Movie Night (over 100 licenced movies)
  • Reminiscence
  • Relaxation & Sensory
  • Music
  • Games
  • Audio Books & Newspapers
  • Jigsaw, painting, word search, crossword