Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service I (Projects aiming to improve efficiency and effectiveness of care delivery to meet international standards)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service III (Projects aiming at quality service to patients and their carers)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Cheng W Y (1), Chan Y W(1), Tso P S (1), Ho S F (1), Luk W (1), Leung YSA (2).
Affiliation :
(1) Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, KWC, (2) KWC & YCH NC(Diabetes).
Introduction :
COVID-19 pandemic changes the utilization of health care services, telehealth is employed and serves as an alternative mode of clinic visit. In line with Hospital Authority direction, telehealth is integrated to the diabetes nurse clinic in primary health care in June 2023. This study aims to discern if patients/caregivers perceive the intended benefits of remote diabetes management.
Objectives :
Assessed effectiveness of telehealth on the aspects of diabetic patients’ acceptance level, level of satisfaction and enhancement of self-care abilities.
Methodology :
50 DM patients require insulin therapy/newly initiate of insulin injection, clinically stable and low risk; patients/caregivers could manage telecommunication technology were recruited from 17th June 2023 to 31st December 2023. The patients were reviewed/taught the insulin injection technique by face-to-face visits and were followed up subsequently by tele-visits. A survey on patient satisfaction was distributed to study group participants after tele-visits. The satisfaction was measured using a Likert Scale with scores rating from 1 to 10 (1 = ”very unsatisfied” and 10 = “very satisfied). The questionnaire was created and modified based on validated by diabetes nurse consultants of different clusters.
Result & Outcome :
Results: 63% patients can access the telehealth service via HA Go app without assistance whereas 37% needed assistance from clinic staff, friends, or family members. 41 (82%) of 50 patients completed the questionnaires, in which 85.4% patients rated 6 or above Likert scale as “like the telehealth format in nurse clinic service” and the remainders rated 5 or below Likert scale. Over 80% patients perceived that their knowledge was enhanced, they had more confidence and ability in diabetes management. 92% and 82% patients acquired a deeper understanding of the injection technique and the importance of injection site/area rotation, and what hypoglycaemia is, the prevention and management respectively.
Moreover, 13 (65%) of 20 patients with improved glycemic control (HbA1c 7.8% vs 7.47%, p=0.13), and there were fewer hypoglycemia incidents reported.
Conclusion: Telehealth is an effective tool in the care of patients with diabetes with great acceptance. It could be integrated into diabetic care as an effective alternative conventional in-person care visits in improving the management of diabetes.
