Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
HA Young Investigators Session (Projects to be presented by HA staff who had joined HA for 10 years or less)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service II (Projects aiming to enhance clinical safety and outcomes, clinical governance / risk management)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Tam JKY (1), Chung KF (1), Woo CW (1), Tsui AYY (1), Leung KKL(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Physiotherapy Department, Kowloon Hospital
Introduction :
Patient lifting appliances, including patient hoists, are essential tools in the Physiotherapy (PT) department for safely transferring individuals with limited mobility and rehabilitation intervention. To maintain patient safety, a maintenance and monitoring system has been implemented, including daily checks by supporting staff and regular inspections by professional staff to ensure safe usage and valid annual loading certificates. Potential barriers including both internal and external factors were identified that could lead to idle time.
Objectives :
To trial effectiveness of additional of visual display, as enablers, in maintenance and monitoring system of lifting appliances.
Methodology :
A visual display board was placed in the PT gymnasium, presenting a comprehensive list of 7 patient lifting appliances. It includes information such as the validity dates of loading certificates in the preceding 12 months and repair dates for any defects found. Environmental ambassador is the first contact point for the related equipment. The display also prominently features the name of the environmental ambassador responsible for the related equipment, ensuring clear accountability. Supporting staff promptly notify the environmental ambassador of any defects or loading certificates expiring within four weeks during their daily checks. The environmental ambassador marks appliances with expired certificates or defects in red on the display board and reports these findings to senior staff for further action, if needed.
Result & Outcome :
During the six-month pilot period (1 July 2023 – 31 December 2023), two work orders were issued for the maintenance of two lifting appliances, and one loading certificate was renewed for another lifting appliance. Timely notifications were made on the visual display board, allowing both professional and supporting staff to clearly see the status of the lifting appliances. The visual display board provided easy visibility and accessibility of critical information for all staff using the appliances. Timely notifications facilitated prompt action and improved communication.
This system encouraged individual responsibility, fostered a sense of shared team accountability, and increased transparency of information. By addressing potential barriers and filling gaps that could impede timely inspections, the department ensured the on-time completion of annual inspections, ensuring the safe usage of equipment and patient safety.
