Authors (including presenting author) :
Lui BKP(1), Lai YLA(2), Tsang YM(2),Lam HY(2), Tao YCK(2),Fan HL(2), Wong MYA(3), Chung WH(3), Cheng KH(3), Kong TS(3), Pang HS(1), Kng PLC(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Medicine & Geriatrics, Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals (2) Physiotherapy Department, Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals (3) Occupational Therapy Department, Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals
Introduction :
Geriatric Day Hospital in RTSKH has been established for more than two decades. On top of its core function of providing a one - stop based, integrated assessment and management for the frail elders with various rehabilitation needs. Rapid- response service gradually evolved to support early patient discharge and to prevent unnecessary readmissions, meeting needs of both inpatients and community settings. With the advancement in technology, modernization in the model of training transited from a conventional way to a computerized or virtual reality rehabilitation treatment progressively.
Objectives :
-To raise patients’ interest and compliance level during rehabilitation training that enhance quality of care -To introduce multi-task training rehabilitation in auto-adjusted mode with respect to patients’ abilities -To identify patients’ strength and weakness through real time data retrieval and individual program adjustment
Methodology :
Computerized and virtual reality rehabilitation treatment were introduced in GDH since November 2020. It benefited patient rehabilitation in different aspects. All of the patients were assigned to these training based on their needs. Choices included the use of computer and virtual reality rehabilitation treatment for upper and lower limbs function, hand eye coordination, visuospatial ability, balance, cognitive training in memory and visuo-construction ability, etc. Through these training, patients’ abilities could be improved or preserved. During training sessions, they could know their training results and progress immediately.
Result & Outcome :
During COVID-19 pandemic, from November 2020 to November 2021. 143 patients (41% male & 59% female) with average age of 81 attended GDH training program. 20% of them had upper limb weakness while 80% had lower limb weakness. A satisfaction survey was conducted and revealed a high rating of 90% satisfaction with the new technology, such as patients are being more motivated and found the training interesting. They agreed that GDH staff had given very clear instructions and the training had fulfilled their rehabilitation needs. They also expressed that with the use of computer or virtual reality equipment, they could engage and focus in the training easily. They felt the training effect was better than conventional way. 74% patients would like to stay at home for remote training if similar equipment and technical support could be provided to them. However, 26% patients refused remote training because of limited space at home; lack of skills and knowledge related to the use of computer or virtual reality equipment; less motivation and lack of family or peer support. Limitations and Recommendations: Frail elders especially patients with moderate dementia were not familiar with these devices or technique. Therefore, very clear instructions and standby assistants must be provided during the training sessions. Besides, some patients felt dizziness while participating in virtual reality training. So in the future, training on the use of computers or new technology for frail elders might be promoted in the society in order to keep up the change in the hospital.
Conclusion:
With the gradual development of smart hospitals in Hong Kong, the technology advancement would definitely change patients’ rehabilitation journey in future. Patients could proactively participate in their rehabilitation training by obtaining timely objective data and expressing their opinion to therapists promptly.
