Authors (including presenting author) :
Yiu MP (1)(2), Yan MP (1)
Affiliation :
(1) General Practice Clinic , Yan Chai Hospital (2) KWC Family Medicine Department
Introduction :
Doctor teleconsultation was introduced in YCH General Practice Clinic (GPC) to enhance patient journey experience.
In our clinic, there are many stable chronic disease patients with mobility problem ( History of spinal or hip operation, on wheel chair, home without lift access).They and their accompanied family members need additional effort to attend follow up consultation. The situation is even worse during infectious disease outbreak or adverse weather.
With the HAGo Telehealth function, these patients and carers are invited to join the pilot TEAM project to receive teleconsultation.
Objectives :
1. Develop doctor teleconsultation as a new service model for stable elderly chronic disease patient with mobility problem
2. Enhance patient journey satisfaction
3. Reduce risk of cross infection for patients when attending hospitals/clinics
4. Promote family members as carers in HA Go
Methodology :
Selection criteria : (1) Stable elderly chronic disease patients (2)Poor mobility (3) Has family support
Selected patients and carers will be invited by doctors to join the TEAM project – a new service model of hybrid consultation (alternate teleconsultation with face-to-face consultation). Clinic nurses or HA Go ambassador will explain the teleconsultation logistics to the carers. They will be invited to join the HA Go as carer of the patients. On the date of teleconsultation, doctor will conduct the consultation via HA Go at the tele-booth of YCH GPC. Carers can collect the medication at YCH pharmacy via e prescription or opt for drug delivery. Next appointment schedule for face-to-face follow-up consultation can also be accessed via HAGo.
Result & Outcome :
2 teleconsultation sessions were conducted on 28 Sept 2023 and 30 Nov 2023 respectively. All 20 recruited patients (age range 76-98, mean age at 90.8) had attended the consultation.
Patient reported high satisfaction to the TEAM project: Scoring 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest), 18 patients scored 5, 1 patient scored 4 and only 1 scored 2. Patients feedback revealed that the pilot saves transportation time and patients felt more relaxed when having consultations at home. Patient who gave 2 marks suggested the team to simplify the registration process and showing the queuing status at HA Go.
In conclusion , HA Go teleconsultation can enhance patient experience and TEAM can be a new service model for stable elderly patients. Patient experience can further be enhanced if the registration can be streamlined. There is potential development of added on tele class service by nurses or allied health in future.
