Authors (including presenting author) :
Yip KYL(1), Leung SH(1), Chan BY(1), Leung KHB(1), Lai FSP(1), Li YC(1)
Affiliation :
Department of Family Medicine and General Out-patient Clinic, Kowloon Central Cluster
Introduction :
General outpatient clinics (GOPCs) are one of the major primary healthcare service in HK community, providing non-communicable diseases care as well as episodic conditions for the Hong Kong public. With the community based nature, protection of the public health would be one of the key role for GOPCs. Various Government health protection actions and infection control strategies have been implemented in GOPCs during the COVID-19 worldwide health crisis.
Objectives :
Infection prevention,and early intervention in primary healthcare setting
Methodology :
Risk screening for GOPC visitors Case screening at clinic entrance to identify and cohort for immediate consultation and direct transfer to hospital if needed. Mandatory COVID-19 DTS test would be ordered for potential cases for early interventions as appropriate. Hand hygiene are reinforced at the clinic entrance and clinical areas. Period announcement on Infection control measures taken place in GOPCs were made to enhance public alertness. Social and environmental measures Floor markings were designed for queuing distancing, segregation screens were installed for healthcare service with appropriate personal protective equipment, Environmental hygiene and disinfection frequency were upgraded in clinical area. Cohort area and facilities for high risk case separation from other visitors enforced. Special arrangement for patient under quarantine orders Special healthcare needs attended by designated appointment time and care area in GOPC to protect the health of general public. COVID-19 test pack distribution and specimen collection centre GOPC distribution points for free COVID-testing was set up with specimen collection stations. Daily laboratory transport arrangement was available to ensure prompt process of the test.
Result & Outcome :
Since the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic, nursing support at 10 KCC GOPC triage stations screened out a total of 9121 cases with potential infection risk and arranged for consultation in cohort area in GOPCs. 240 cases were arranged direct transfer to hospital isolation facilities, via designated hospital communication channel, for further actions from 20/02/2020- 20/12/2021. Upon all case consultation in KCC GOPCs, 50361 mandatory Deep throat saliva specimen had been sent from KCC GOPCs from 20/02/2020- 20/12/2021. 7 GOPCs in KCC support the distribution of COVID-19 testing specimen packs, a total of 395,654 packs are distributed during the period of 9/10/2020 to 23/12/2021, with daily specimen collection. COVID-19 brings tremendous hazard in all facets to the entire community. GOPCs, as public community based primary healthcare facilities, demonstrated key infection prevention roles during this worldwide pandemic.
