Proposed Topic (Most 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) :
Cheng MY, Chan TC
Affiliation :
Occupational Therapy Department, Queen Mary Hospital
Introduction :
In view of increased engagement of Patient Care Assistant (PCA) to support ward base occupational therapy, safety on patient and supporting staff becomes a focus of Quality and Safety issue of the department. Besides, with the implementation of smart hospital strategy, there is a demand to equip the PCA with new skill and knowledge on advanced technology such as application of HA GO prescription. A structured PCA orientation and refresher program is established to address these needs.
Objectives :
1) To equip newly recruited PCAs with basic knowledge and skills in assisting occupational therapist (OT) in patient care work
2) To diversify skills of PCA especially on information technology e.g. usage of HA GO
3) To reinforce Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) knowledge and prevent work injury
Methodology :
A comprehensive PCA orientation and refresher program, which is a five-sessions program composing of the basic skill and knowledge required for acute in-patient, is designed by OT in Queen Mary Hospital (QMH). Each session lasted for 45 to 60 minutes including theory and hand on practice. Topics covered techniques on assisting OT in ward based training, skills on splint making, HA GO installation and providing tele-info training, and OSH practice. Total five PCA, both newly recruited and existing ones, have joined the program in August and September 2023. All participants and therapists were invited to fill in a questionnaire to provide feedback after completion of the program.
Result & Outcome :
Total 5 PCA and 11 OT completed questionnaires. Results showed that all objectives of the program were achieved. All PCA and OT agreed that the topics and contents are relevant to PCA’s daily work; the basic skills and knowledge in ADL training and splint-making learnt can support ward based therapy. Moreover, both of them found PCA were more capable and more confident in supervising patients for HA GO installation and practicing tele-info prescribed. Finally, there was an increased awareness of OSH in daily clinical work. PCA also expressed it is worthy to continue in the future.
The PCA orientation and refresher program not only develop essential work competence of our PCA but also facilitate safe work habit and practice.
Special thanks to all parties who had participated in the program
