Authors (including presenting author) :
Lee CH (1), Tsang CK (1), Yiu WY (1), Fan KH (1), Wan TK (1), Lam KM (1), Kwok ST(1), Kong CY (1), Wong NM (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
For the increasing aging and more complexity of orthopedics disease, UCH Orthopedics Department is facing two major challenges (1) escalating service demand from the local community, (2) long patients’ length of stay (LOS). This pilot study aims to establish the role and functions of Acute Ambulatory Orthopedic Centre (AAOC). Suitable orthopedic patients will be referred directly from the AED and manage in the AAOC. They will be discharged on the same day and arrange to be followed up in O&T SOPD.
Objectives :
(1) To provide safe and effective O&T patient care, (2) To avoid and shorten unnecessary in-patient stay in O&T ward.
Methodology :
Patients with suitable criteria were selected and admitted to AAOC from Mondays to Fridays with two am quotas and two pm quotas (except Statutory and Public holidays). With the proper treatment and follow up plan, patient will be discharged to home directly.
Patient criteria including, finger lacerations, fracture of distal radius, fracture of appendix, fracture of lower limbs, simple infections, foreign bodies, four limbs laceration and injury of tendon Achilles.
Result & Outcome :
Total 92 cases were recruited from 14th September, 2021 to 10th December, 2021. There were 44 males (47.8%) and 48 females (52.1%) admitted to AAOC. Mean age was: 56.3 years old.
Above cases could be discharged within the same days. After three months’ evaluation, positive feedback of the new service model.
Fasten of patient journey due to the set up AAOC:
Patients admitted at 9:30am (for the am session) or 1pm (for the pm session) and then treatment was given to them immediately by the on-call doctor. They are expected to be discharged right after the treatment. 79 patients out of 92 (85.9%) could be discharged on the same day. Those 13 patients who cannot be discharged on the same day due to the needs of further investigation. None of the patients readmitted after discharged from AAOC (within 28 days). The key features of the AAOC service including priority access to diagnostics, assessment, and treatment, supported by multi-disciplinary professionals for expert input.
