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) :
Tse HY (1), Siu HK (1), Leung SM (1), Kam SW (1)
Affiliation :
(1)Physiotherapy Department, Prince of Wales Hospital
Introduction :
In the current outpatient physiotherapy department, patient progress and satisfaction are evaluated using paper questionnaires. However, this method has several drawbacks, including the potential for human error, increased labor costs associated with manual calculations and storage concern.
Under the SMART hospital concept, the department is transitioning to electronic solutions, requiring digitization of paper questionnaires for full integration. Furthermore, the introduction of the CQMS and paperless SOPC has rendered paper questionnaires obsolete, leading to a drastic increase in waste of paper.
Developing electronic questionnaires is crucial to tackle these challenges.
Objectives :
We aim to convert all paper questionnaires into electronic versions, minizing the need for paper questionnaires, reducing the waste and the storage space required, and minimizing the manpower cost for manual calculation.
We also aim to improve our service model and strive to achieve SMART hospital by utilizing e-questionnaire system for smart care provision.
Methodology :
1) Creation of e-questionnaires
E-questionnaires are being created using Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and JavaScript, which design and style the form, and implement the logic required to calculate the scores. The resulting system can be viewed as an HTML-code-based calculator. Nevertheless, internet connection is not required upon accessing the e-questionnaires and calculating scores.
2) Utilization of e-questionnaires
Patients are provided with QR codes or iPads to access the e-questionnaires. Once the e-questionnaires are completed, the scores are automatically calculated and input into the CMS by the physiotherapists.
It is crucial to highlight that throughout the entire process of using the e-questionnaires, no personal privacy data will be collected
Result & Outcome :
1) Reducing manpower cost
With full implementation from September to November 2023, a remarkable 68.5 hours of our staff’s time was saved, which could be redirected to enhance patient care.
2) Minimizing waste and storage needs
The system helped us saving a significant 8065 pieces of paper in the mentioned period, reducing environmental impact and storage demands.
3) Eliminating human error
The e-questionnaires system has entirely removed the calculation process, thereby eliminating all human error, enhancing accuracy of patient progress tracking.
4) Introduction of the e-questionnaire system to other hospitals With the system’s success in PWH, the system has been introduced to NDH and AHNH PT OPD, with training sessions and ongoing technical support provided for smooth transition and integration.
