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) :
Chan C (1), Chan Y W (1), Chow K H (1), Heung W H (1), Ho S F (1),Ho W L (1), Ip Y Y (1), Lai S F (1), Lam W N (1), Luk W (1), Shum C S (1), Tso P S (1), Wong W M (1), Yiu M P (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, KWC
Introduction :
This project highlights the advantages of telehealth in enhancing nursing care for General Outpatient Clinic (GOPC) patients who experience the white coat effect, an anxiety-induced elevation in blood pressure.
Objectives :
The objective was to empower patients in managing their condition and to alleviate their anxiety, to enhance their overall experience through telehealth nursing.
Methodology :
The project was launched from May to November in 2023. Participants were chosen randomly and free access to smartphone. The process involved summarizing user-friendly telehealth guide, face-to-face interviews, education on lifestyle modification, including exercises recommendations, dietary guidance, self-blood pressure monitoring techniques, smoking cessation, stop alcohol drinking, and support for medication adherence, etc. HA Go platform is used to record home blood pressure readings. Instant biofeedback was provided to improve patients’ blood pressure monitoring skills. Pre- and post-tests self-report questionnaire surveys were conducted to collect patients’ feedback. Comparison was made on the mean blood pressure levels which were retrieved through HA Go.
Result & Outcome :
32 patients were recruited. The findings showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (2%) and diastolic blood pressure (7%). The telehealth default rate (7.77 %) was lower than face-to-face interaction (18.55 %). Self-reporting questionnaires indicated an elevation in adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet from 69% to 81%. Additionally, patients demonstrated improved proficiency in self-blood pressure monitoring and familiarity with recording via HA Go. They also showed interest and expressed high appreciation for using telehealth services. Telehealth offers a convenient, easy to access, boundary-less and the most effective way to receive professional counselling services at home and elsewhere. 97% of patients who using telehealth services with full satisfaction. In conclusion, telehealth provides comprehensive care for GOPC patients with white coat effect, empowering them in managing their condition and offering them an alternative healthcare experience. Besides, the improvements in blood pressure control and dietary adherence contribute to better health outcomes and reduce healthcare expenditure.
