Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Enhancing Partnership with Patients and Community (Projects initiated to engage patients / carers / community to improve efficiency / quality of care)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Lam PL(1), Wong SF(3), Eva Leung (3), Hung YW(3), Koo YY(3), Mok KF(1), Ho YM(1),
Chang WL(1), Ng FP(1), Chow SW(1), Lee CM(1), YIP WZ (1), Tsang MS(1)
Affiliation :
(1)CGAT, (2) RCHEs, (3)CNS
Introduction :
In Hong Kong, the 5th wave caused by the Omicron variant of COVID-19, was the most damaging. The wave began from the end of February in 2022. Vulnerable people had the most severe outcome following infection. Omicron infected nearly 87% (800) of residential homes in the city. Hospitals were overwhelmed by a rapid surge in admissions. Acute Emergency departments were packed with infected people, especially the elderly. Moreover, care workers at residential homes were infected as well. Healthcare services bore the brunt of the wave. In some cases, ambulances took days to respond and hospital beds were fully occupied. Residential homes experienced a shortage of workers, and as a result, even infected workers had to stay to take care of the residents. This caused a vicious cycle of residents infecting workers, and vice versa. To relieve the pressure on AED and hospitals,Community Geriatric Assessment Team (CGAT) was launched to support residential homes from late February to early Apr., 22
Objectives :
To evaluate the effectiveness of CGAT support in 5th wave of COVID-19.
Methodology :
1.Extended service hours 2.Provision of on-site nursing and phone support 3.Provision of Ad hoc consultation and telemedicine
Result & Outcome :
In total of 1458 residents, 1391 (95.4%) residents were infected. 481 (34.6%) residents were admitted, and 167 (12%) residents died from COVID-19. 92 were male (mean age 85.25, SD 8.47), and 75 were female (mean age 90.13, SD 7.8). Total mean age was 87.4 (SD 8.5). Doctor attendance increased 27.1% (p-0.046) compared with February to April in 2021 and February to April in 2022. Meanwhile, nurse attendance increased 2.7% (p-0.431). Phone follow up increased 52.6% (p-0.004), and nursing service hour increased 29.7%. Total 657 (47.2%) infected residents were supported by CGAT with Ad hoc telemedicine consultation, and 253 (18.2%) were seen by Chinese Medicine & General Partitioner. Among the admitted residents,122 (73.05%) were die without vaccination. Moreover, 35 residents were evacuated to quarantine facilities. 45 residents were prescribed with anti-viral therapy which was available in early March 2022.
