Authors (including presenting author) :
KAM KW(1), LAU CC(2)
Affiliation :
(1)Patient Resources Centre, TMH (2)Department of Medicine & Geriatrics, TMH
Introduction :
The high prevalence of dementia has a major challenge to the healthcare system. Some studies suggest that patients with dementia stay in hospital longer and have more unplanned readmissions. It is also found that volunteers could be a valuable and feasible intervention to enhance the care of patients with dementia, such as decreasing the length of hospital stay. Meanwhile, training and support to volunteers are necessary to ensure the success implementation of services. However, the quality of volunteer training programs on dementia varied and relevant training materials could not be easily found in Hong Kong.
Objectives :
In view of manpower shortage in HA, a technology-based medical social collaboration project was launched which aimed to (1)nurture a special volunteer team to enhance the support to patients with dementia and their carers; (2)set up structured volunteer training program and materials (manual and videos) on dementia for capacity building
Methodology :
1.Implementation strategies: (1a)Worked with community partners for promotion and recruitment of volunteers. (1b)Set up volunteer training program, manual and videos on dementia covering knowledge and skills on supporting patients with dementia and carers, role of volunteer, Gerontechnology, home-based exercises and relevant resources. (1c)Provided individual support to volunteers for targeting specific needs. 2.Evaluation: (2a)Conducted pre and post-test to evaluate the volunteer training program; (2b)Conducted survey to evaluate the whole project
Result & Outcome :
Over 120 participants (including staff, carers, experienced volunteers and patients with mild cognitive impairment) joined the training program and volunteer team. The pre and post-test result clearly indicated that participants’ knowledge and skills on supporting patients with dementia and carers significantly increased (over 20%). However, their confidence on handling the behavioural symptoms of Dementia slightly decreased (3%) as they realised that might not their role to handle those problems during volunteer services. Meanwhile, volunteer training manual and videos were shared with over 500 recipients (including staff of Patient Resource Centres in HA and community partners). Feedbacks suggested that the training programs and materials provided a very comprehensive reference for setting up similar volunteer team to face the challenges of dementia. The incorporation of Gerontechnolgy also broadened their horizons and enhanced the capacity for providing more efficient and effective services.
