Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Research and Innovations (new projects / technology / innovations / service models)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Chui PF, Ho SH, Leung CK, Wong YK, Wong WK, So CT, Wong YC
Affiliation :
Occupational Therapy Department, Princess Margaret Hospital, HKSAR
Introduction :
The utilization of mobile applications in public healthcare has revolutionized rehabilitation practices, particularly after the pandemic. However, the prescription rate for the HAGO app has noted to be relatively low. In this submission, we present a review and consolidation of our experience in prescribing the HAGO app to one in-patient ward in a rehab setting. The app provides videos for away-from-department training, Health Qigong education, and cognitive games. Challenging factors were evaluated and solutions will be implemented to address the challenges and improve the prescription rates in the coming months.
Objectives :
To enhance the provision of rehab modalities from the Occupational Therapy perspective using the HAGO App
Methodology :
We reviewed the records of the last 12 months related to installation and prescriptions in one rehab ward.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 899 patients were discharged from this rehab ward in 2023. Out of them, 57 potential patients (6%) were identified for HAGO prescription evaluation. 25 of them (44%) successfully installed the HAGO app. Appropriate training and information were provided to them, and they watched the videos with guidance. However, 32 patients (56%) were unable to install the app successfully. Among them, 14 (44%) did not have smartphones, and another 14 (44%) expressed unfamiliarity with smart devices and declined. Four of the patients' phones (12%) could not access the particular app store for installation due to the brand or OS version.
To summarize, limited knowledge or resistance towards using smartphones or technology is the major obstruction in these unsuccessful cases. One example of the difficulties was accessing and operating the app, as they found it complicated. They also had trouble with passwords. Additionally, most of the patients lacked the necessary support from their families to overcome these technological challenges.
To address these challenges and improve the patient experience, practical solutions are proposed following this review. We outline the prescription recommendations for recruiting potential patients from the team. We designated a staff member to initiate individual introductions and installations to provide step-by-step illustrations on app operation, enhancing patients' digital literacy. We also encourage involving family members in supporting app usage. Additionally, we package specific contents for specific disease groups to enhance the patient selection and prescription process. Moreover, with the help of family, we carry out TeleHealth video calls with patients after discharge to further enhance the mobile app's role in long-term health management plans. In the further 3-month period, audit will be performed to evaluate the compliance of staff’s prescription and the utilization rate by patients. Looking forward, collaboratioin with community partner like DHC/MOSTE-OT will be explored to extend the application of the HAGO training in the community.
