Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service III (Projects aiming at quality service to patients and their carers)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
HA Young Investigators Session (Projects to be presented by HA staff who had joined HA for 10 years or less)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Tsang HS(1), Cheung YL(1), Lam KM(1), Ng WY(1), Wong YY(1), Chung YY(1), Mok WY(1), Yick HY(1), Lau CK(1), Lau CC(1), Ng MF(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Medicine and Geriatrics Rehabilitation Block, Tuen Mun Hospital
Introduction :
The creation of the QRDischarge- Integrated Discharge Handbook (QRDC) was driven by the challenges faced by nurses in the discharge process, such as using different versions of educational materials, outdated resources, difficulties in finding materials, and recognizing the importance of caregiver training in improving patient outcomes. Leveraging technology has become crucial in improving healthcare processes. The QRDC represents a modern and innovative approach to discharge support, utilizing the power of QR codes to provide educational materials and quick-reference resources. It integrated education materials from various sources such as the specialty advisory groups and HA intranet. The key features of the QRDC include educational pamphlets and quick-reference videos accessible via QR codes. Materials are categorized based on different specialties. Nurses can provide education materials to patients and caregivers based on their needs by scanning the QR codes and printing out the pamphlets. Video QR codes can also be included, allowing patients and caregivers to review procedures at home. Nurses can access the materials before caregiver training, enhancing their knowledge and confidence.
Objectives :
Empowerment: Patients and carers are empowered and confident in managing their healthcare needs at homes. Nurses are equipped with the knowledge and resources for supporting discharge. Standardization: With consistent and aligned information, healthcare professionals can ensure that patients receive accurate and standardized discharge instructions, minimizing confusion and potential errors. Efficiency: The discharge process can be streamlined for nurses by providing them with an easily accessible resource via QR code.
Methodology :
Project Implementation: QRDC was implemented in 11/2023 at Tuen Mun Hospital M&G rehabilitation wards, which consisted of 9 wards. Design of the Integrated Discharge Handbook: The QRDC integrates educational materials, including pamphlets and videos, accessed through QR codes. The materials are sourced from the HA intranet (specialty advisory groups, department education materials) and registered organization sources on YouTube. They are categorized based on different specialties for easy access. Discharge Process and Education: When a patient is planning to be discharged, nurses provide relevant education materials based on the patient's needs. Nurses can easily find the education material QR codes from the QRDC, scan and print it out. If there are related videos, the video QR codes will be attached to the pamphlets. It allows patients and caregivers to scan and review information at home. Nurses can access the education materials through QR codes to enhance their knowledge before caregiver training. Pre and Post-Survey: A survey of 90 nurses in 9 wards evaluated the impact of the QRDC. The pre-survey assessed discharge resources and challenges, while the post-survey gathered feedback on efficiency, patient understanding, nurse education, QRDC information, handbook design, and future reference likelihood.
Result & Outcome :
The post survey revealed positive outcomes from the QRDC. Nurses' perceptions and attitudes towards discharge support improved significantly. In pre-survey, most nurses agreed on the insufficiency of current resources(67%), challenges in accessing information(74%), difficulties in finding updated materials(69%), inconsistencies in patient education(73%), and the potential benefits of additional support sources(80%). In post-survey, nurses agreed on the benefits and usability of the QRDC, including improved efficiency(98%), standardized patient education(99%), enhanced patient understanding (95%), improved nurse education(95%), sufficient information(95%), appealing design(98%), easy information access(96%), and future reference(98%). These results indicate that the QRDC positively impacted nurses' perceptions, patient education, and the discharge process, leading to better outcomes and comprehensive educational materials.
