Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service III (Projects aiming at quality service to patients and their carers)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service I (Projects aiming to improve efficiency and effectiveness of care delivery to meet international standards)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Hung SY(1), Chan N(1), Wan YT(1), Chiu MC(1), Cheung PH(1), Lam ELE(2), Fan SYC(2), Fok CM(1), Li HLF(1), Cheung YHK(1), Leung WMW(1), Wong MYM(1), Wong MSM(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, Hong Kong East Cluster
(2)Department of Pharmacy, Hong Kong East Cluster
Introduction :
Telehealth is the practice of clinical health care at a distance. It has been advocated as a method of providing services to rural or remote patients who have limited access to medical services.
In Hong Kong East Cluster, four General Out-patient Clinics (GOPC) are situated in rural areas. The Medication Management and Compliance Clinic (MMCC) has been in operation in urban clinics for years. Pharmacists provide pharmaceutical care service to optimize the drug usage and compliance of chronic patients. With the experience gained from teleconsultation for COVID-19 patients, the department was determined to pilot tele-MMCC in Stanley GOPC through the support of MMCC Pharmacist situated in Sai Wan Ho (SWH) GOPC.
Objectives :
1.Enhance chronic disease management for patients living in rural area
2.Widen the coverage of existing services in urban clinics to patients in rural area
3.Promote the use of telehealth service and HAGo Apps to patients and staff
Methodology :
A workgroup involving doctor, pharmacist, nurse and clerical staff was established to discuss the logistics and set-up. Staff training was conducted and a guidebook was prepared for reference. Before the launch, a drill was conducted to test out and fine tune the logistics.
Pilot tele-MMCC service was started in October 2023 in ST GOPC. For every potential case identified in advance by pharmacist, clinic nurse would contact the patient one week before the follow-up appointment to prepare the patient. On follow-up day, clinic staff directed patient to telehealth station after doctor consultation and medication collection. Staff assisted patient to login HAGo and get connected to telehealth function. Throughout the process, there was a close communication between ST clinic staff and MMCC pharmacist. A clerical staff would stand by for any troubleshooting.
Result & Outcome :
As of 31 December 2023, 65 patients received the service. Patient experience survey was conducted and the majority of patients gave positive feedback and appreciated the service. Clinic staff found it essential to have additional clerical support to assist patients in the technical issue to ensure smooth operation.
The service has moved to Peng Chau GOPC since January 2024. To further expand telehealth to benefit more chronic patients in rural areas, the department plans to extend this service mode to Risk Assessment and Management Program in 2024, in which complex diabetic patients will be managed by Associate Consultant in urban GOPC.
