Authors (including presenting author) :
Ms KY Kitty Lai (1), Ms MC Gigi Ng(1)(2), Ms SM Janice Wong)(2), Mr TC Eric Chui(1), Ms HL Jenna Ng(1)(2) Ms PL Elsa Ng(1), Ms KY Sally Liu(1)
Affiliation :
Department of Occupational Therapy, PYNEH
Introduction :
The pilot programme for multidisciplinary Perioperative Medicine Clinic (POMC) (July,2020 – June,2021) was led by HKEC anesthesiologists, providing personalized care for patients receiving operations.
Objectives :
Within the twice-weekly POMC clinic, Occupational Therapists (OTs) performed holistic OT assessment and problem identification for patients, and stratified them into various risk levels (low, moderate, & high risk) accordingly. Patients would then be provided with OT interventions relevant to their respective risk levels and problems identified. Such inter
Methodology :
A total of 278 patients were seen within the programme. 210 (75%) patients had “low risk”, and were given one-off assessment and intervention during the session; 55 patients (20%) were categorized as “moderate risk” and were prescribed pre-habilitation interventions to enhance functioning and rehabilitation potential. According to identified needs, out-patient services such as pressure therapy, splintage, cognitive assessment were also referred & provided.
Ten “high risk” patients were identified with immediate need for interventions. Home visits, ADL & home safety interventions were arranged. Caregiver training on fall preventions, ADL assistance techniques, & home programmes were provided to improve readiness upon discharge. Home modification & aids prescription were performed as indicated to remove barriers/hazards, enhance ADL/IADL safety, and preventing potential falls/accidents.
Amongst various risk levels, some problems identified during assessment fell out of OT professional intervention. Referrals were suggested according to problems identified for 15 patients to receive interventions from various disciplines (e.g., nurses, dieticians, MSW, GDH), mental health services (e.g., CMDC), and community services (e.g., ICM). Such referrals enabled patients to be treated by relevant professionals, enabling early discharge and prevention of complications.
Result & Outcome :
The contribution of OT in POMC Pilot Programme is believed to have enhanced patients’ overall wellbeing and operation outcomes through early problem identification, treatment and relevant referrals. In the triage process, holistic assessments on ADL, physical & psychosocial aspects were performed, which enables OT to provide individual intervention programmes according to patients’ risk levels and needs. Such outcomes were seen through clinical observations and patients’/relatives’ feedback.
With success seen in the pilot programme, we look forward to further large-scale service provision and data collection, such that the model of practice could be further refined, and more robust statistical analysis & outcome measurements could be performed.
