Most Proposed Topic :
HA Young Investigators Session (projects to be presented by and HA staff who had joined HA for less than 15 years)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Enhancing Partnership with Patients and Community (Projects initiated to engage patient and improve patient communication)
Authors: (including presenting author): :
Tang YH(1), Yau KK(2)
Affiliation: :
(1)Supporting Services Unit, Tin Shui Wai Hospital, (2)Supporting Services Unit, Pok Oi Hospital
Introduction: :
Tin Shui Wai Hospital (TSWH) and Pok Oi Hospital (POH) have long been committed to providing a safe environment for patients and the public. Embracing the beauty of technological innovation, the introduction of smart sensors in toilet areas helps minimize incidents and safeguard patients and visitors within the pivotal areas.
Objectives: :
(1) To detect and enable timely response to abnormal situations of patients and visitors in toilets, including prolonged inactivity and accidental fall; and
(2) To minimize potential incidents and enhance the security level of pivotal areas in the hospital.
Methodology: :
In November 2022 and January 2023, the Administrative Services Departments (Admin) of TSWH and POH respectively conducted a pilot project to install smart sensors in a total of nine high-traffic accessible toilets and all public toilet cubicles in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department. The smart sensors, enabled by radar technology, instantly detect abnormal situations within the space. Once the red alarm is triggered, alarm messages will be sent to the security control room, alerting colleagues to provide emergency assistance.
The use of smart sensor system was incorporated into the annual emergency medical assistance drill conducted by TSWH and POH Admin together with A&E Departments, in which scenarios of visitors losing consciousness in the toilet cubicles were simulated. It proved that the addition of smart sensors can effectively enhance communication and real-time response capabilities among different parties.
Result & Outcome: :
The smart sensors can effectively monitor abnormal situations that occur in toilets round-the-clock and promptly trigger alarm messages. For instance, if a visitor remains motionless in a toilet cubicle for more than five minutes, the system would trigger the alarm messages. During the trial period, each sensor was triggered around twice per day and the hospital security team responded to all occurrences of the alarm within one minute. The rescue efficiency was vastly enhanced.
To comprehensively enhance the safety of patients and visitors, TSWH and POH Admin will further explore the feasibility of extending the smart sensor system to other accessible toilets and public toilet facilities according to risk assessment, as well as the implementation of Internet of Things (loT) in other non-clinical areas.
Conclusion: By diligently monitoring and swiftly responding to potential risks within these facilities, smart sensors stand as guardians of safety, reinforcing the hospitals' commitment to ensuring a safe environment.
