Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Research and Innovations (new projects / technology / innovations / service models)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Enhancing Partnership with Patients and Community (Projects initiated to engage patients / carers / community to improve efficiency / quality of care)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Yuen KMW (1), Louie FTM (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital
Introduction :
Traditionally, children with developmental disorders and their carers rely much on hospital/centre-based training. However, tight schooling schedules, heavy academic workloads, and travelling time are factors affecting their attendances for treatment in clinics. Also, some main caregivers cannot attend the children due to their work or family matters.
Under the impact of the pandemic, there was a significant surge in acceptance and prevalence of technology. Incorporating the use of technology, a hybrid rehabilitation program service was piloted to overcome the limitations so as to improve access to the rehabilitation services.
Objectives :
To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of hybrid rehabilitation program for schoolers with developmental disorders.
Methodology :
5 children with developmental disorders and 5 parents were recruited. Each child received 4 on-site and 4 tele-rehabilitation group sessions in March to May 2023. After each session, home assignment for continuous training were given.
Result & Outcome :
For treatment compliance, the program demonstrated high compliance, with an average attendance rate of 98%.
For treatment satisfaction, survey results indicated overall high satisfaction among caregivers with the new service model, deeming it was comparable to the traditional approach.
For treatment effectiveness, executive function improvement was observed through the use of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition. Pre- and post-assessments revealed reductions in percentiles for the Behavioral Regulation Index, Emotional Regulation Index, Cognitive Regulation Index, and Global Executive Composite from 79 to 48, 77 to 47, 85 to 57, and 88 to 42 respectively. Lower percentile indicates lower degrees of executive dysfunction.
To conclude, this Hybrid Rehabilitation Program was effective to school-aged children with developmental disorders with positive treatment outcome. And its novel service model was feasible and accessible for caregivers. For professionals, it was valuable to review and revamp the existing service with innovation and incorporation of technology in order to continuously enhance service quality and accessibility.
