Authors (including presenting author) :
AU SC, Wan YMC, Wong KP
Affiliation :
Nursing Service Division, Hong Kong Children's Hospital
Introduction :
Paediatric stoma and wound care require specialized knowledge and skills due to unique challenges associated with children’s anatomy, growth, and development. Given various factors such as the type of disease, severity of illness, complexity of wounds, expansion of services, and lack of expertise in stoma and wound care, there has been a growing concern for stoma and wound care services in Hong Kong Children’s Hospital (HKCH). To cope with the increasing demand, need for specialized proficiency and improve patient care, the transition and development of a new model in this service is necessary.
Objectives :
1. To establish a cohesive and efficient stoma and wound care team 2. To deliver more effective stoma and wound care for paediatric patients 3. To provide opportunities for professional development for nurses
Methodology :
Identifying the need for change Between 2019 and 2022, stoma and wound consultations increased from 51 to 150 cases. Despite the efforts of the Wound Coordinator of HKCH, efficiency and workload management are not ideal. A team-based approach allows for task distribution, improving time management, reducing individual nurse workload, and ensuring timely and efficient care delivery. Building the team Recruiting team members from different fields is crucial for addressing the needs of patients from various specialties through collaboration and skill sharing. The involvement of Nursing Service Division acts as a supervision role and supports central procurement of resources, administrative work, and liaison with stakeholders. Clear roles and responsibilities are defined to create a sense of ownership and accountability within the team. Training of team members After completing the Enhancement Program on Wound Management, all members received advanced training in surgical wound and stoma management in paediatrics, negative pressure wound therapy, and various dressing products to equip their knowledge and skills. Regular meetings and wound rounds with the Cluster Nurse Consultant are conducted to assess and discuss complex cases that arise during consultations. Establishing structural workflow The Stoma and Wound Care Consultation Referral System workflow at HKCH was redesigned to accommodate the new service model, with consultation requests now assigned to team members based on their duties. Additionally, a HA Chat group has been created to enhance team communication and ensure timely completion of consultations.
Result & Outcome :
The HKCH Stoma and Wound Team, consisting of 6 members, was established and commenced service on 1 Jan 2024, providing care for all inpatients, day patients, and outpatients of HKCH. The wound team transformation allows us to provide comprehensive and specialized care to paediatric patients with stomas and wounds, ensuring their well-being and optimal health outcomes. Ongoing education and training provide opportunities for professional development in stoma and wound care and cultivate a skilled talent pool at HKCH. Team members exhibit contentment and fulfilment in their work. Appreciation was received from staff, doctors, patient and their families for the high-quality care we provide. Their feedback validates our commitment and reinforces their trust in us. Our successful outcomes serve as a potential framework for similar service models.
