Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Research and Innovations (new projects / technology / innovations / service models)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Staff Engagement and Empowerment (motivating staff / teamwork / work revamp tackling manpower issue / staff wellness / OSH / retention)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Tung MK(1), Kan WY(1), Leung YK(1), Lam KY(1), Fong KW (1), Leung PY(1), Chung LH(2), Hui TS(3), Chung SF(4), Hung CK(5), Ho ST(6), Yeung SL(3), LOH CH(7)
Affiliation :
(1) Administrative Services Division, KWH, (2)Planning Team, KWH, (3)Nursing Services Division, KWH, (4)Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KWH, (5)Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, KWH, (6)Physiotherapy Department, KWH, (7)Information Technology Unit, KWH
Introduction :
Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) had been relocating from the old buildings to the new Phase 1 building in the 2nd Quarter of 2023. The hospital organized familiarization visits to staff through application of Augmented Reality (AR) technology which played a crucial role in introducing the new building to all staff. This abstract explores the use of Augmented Reality (AR) technology in staff familiarization visits. With the growing availability and advancements in AR technology, KWH adopted this immersive tool to enhance the onboarding experience and engagement for staff.
Objectives :
The objective of incorporating AR technology in staff familiarization visits is to provide staff with an interactive and informative experience, facilitating a smoother transition to the new building. By leveraging AR's capabilities, the aim is to enhance staff' understanding of the building layout, orientation, wayfinding, facilities and amenities while fostering engagement and familiarity with their new workplace.
Methodology :
The methodology involves implementing AR applications during the familiarization visit. AR technology can be utilized to overlay digital content onto the physical space, providing staff with real-time information, visualizations, and interactive elements. This includes a virtual guide for staff to walk around the new building to familiar with building features, facilities and amenities through guided questions and interactive challenge. The AR familiarization experience can be accessed through smartphones by scanning QR code where staff can join the visit at any time to accommodate their work pattern. Besides, the AR familiarization application featured with a progression system to motivate staff members to complete the visit.
Result & Outcome :
The AR familiarization started from 24 April 2023 to 30 August 2023 with 729 staff participated. The application of AR in staff familiarization visits received positive feedback and yielded several positive outcomes.
Firstly, staff benefited from an enhanced onboarding experience, as AR provides a more engaging and interactive means of learning about the new building environment. It improves their understanding of the building layout, features, facilities/ amenities, facilitating smooth transition and future work efficiency.
Additionally, the gamification elements e.g. interactive challenge in the familiarization visit making the experience more enjoyable and memorable.
Furthermore, the staff can start the visit with their smartphone, the hospital saved time and resources associated with physical visits.
In conclusion, the AR application added value to the familiarization visit. By blending virtual content with the real-world environment, AR transforms the traditional familiarization visit by offering interactive experience. It is a useful tool for training that drive participants’ engagement.
