Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Research and Innovations (new projects / technology / innovations / service models)
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) :
LEUNG NY (1), CHAN GWG (1)
Affiliation :
(1)Podiatry Department, Caritas Medical Centre
Introduction :
Patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) are valuable tools for assessing patient satisfaction and care quality in the Podiatry Department. This project aims to enhance efficiency and promote a paperless environment by digitizing PROM applications.
Objectives :
a) Reduce operational fragmentation and administrative costs.
b) Improve data quality by automating calculations and ensuring data completeness.
c) Enhance patient-clinician communication.
Methodology :
An electronic PROM (ePROM) was developed using a free outsourced online platform. Patients could access the ePROM by scanning a Quick-Response code (QR code) with their mobile phones. No personal data was recorded. Patients attending their first appointment were given the choice between ePROM and conventional pen-and-paper PROM. Only consenting patients were included, while non-Chinese speakers or those who were confused were excluded. Patient age group, PROM modality preference, data completeness, and drop-out reasons were recorded. Furthermore, a staff survey was conducted to evaluate ePROM usability compared to conventional PROM, assessing efficiency, satisfaction, and effectiveness using a 5-point Likert scale.
Result & Outcome :
From October 19th to December 18th, 2023, 111 new patients were invited to the study, with 16 dropouts. 37% of dropouts cited illiteracy, 18% reported visual impairment, and the rest attributed to confusion or other reasons.
67% of participants chose ePROM, while approximately 33% chose conventional PROM. Across all age groups, including those up to 71-80, ePROM was preferred. 97% ePROM users found it non-inferior to paper PROM. Moreover, ePROM demonstrated 100% data accuracy, while 20% of paper PROM users failed to complete the form.
All seven surveyed staff members agreed that ePROM improved efficiency through streamlined printing and handling of questionnaires, automated data calculations and space-saving. They all expressed satisfaction with ePROM and recommended it to colleagues in other hospitals. The majority found it effective in integrating PROM into daily clinic operations
Findings and Recommendations:
Patient survey findings identified obstacles to ePROM adoption, including usability issues, lack of familiarity, readability challenges, and limited smartphone access. Staff survey recommendations included improving usability and accessibility features such as font size, pictures, web cookies, audio aids and providing an English version.
Conclusion:
The successful implementation of ePROM in the Podiatry Department resulted in a majority of patients choosing ePROM. Staff feedback indicated increased efficiency and satisfaction. Recommendations include enhancing usability and accessibility in future ePROM designs.
