Authors (including presenting author) :
KAM CY(1), CHAN YM (1), TANG YS (1), LY YFC (1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Physiotherapy, Tin Shui Wai Hospital
Introduction :
Physiotherapy gymnasium of inpatient service is an important component to facilitate patient’s rehabilitation, maximising their physical functions prior to discharge. A ward-based gym was newly constructed in a convalescent ward at Tin Shui Wai Hospital (TSWH). To provide safer and more effective patient care, the delivery of service is to be reviewed on the ground of clinical aspects and patient experience. With the intention of promoting a more efficient patient flow with higher levels of productivity, optimal use of hospital resources can be ensured.
Considering all the aspects of service delivery, this study aims to explore the patient's journey to improve the patient's experience on convalescent ward from the key players, including physiotherapists and ward staff’s point of view.
Objectives :
To compare the safety, effectiveness and efficiency of physiotherapy service provided for in-patients at ward-based gym and satellite gym from physiotherapists and ward staff’s point of view.
Methodology :
A qualitative study was conducted at Tin Shui Wai hospital. A questionnaire was designed and distributed among both physiotherapists and ward staff in Dec 2021. Views and experiences were collected for analysing the results.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 30 hospital staff including 9 physiotherapists and 21 ward staff were recruited. Questions on different aspects included safety, efficiency and effectiveness included and rated with 5-point Likert Scale ( Strongly disagree; (2) Disagree; (3) Neither agree nor disagree; (4) Agree; (5) Strongly agree). All physiotherapists and ward staff agreed that ward-based gym offers better monitoring and medical support in case of emergency when compared to satellite. 89% of physiotherapists and 95% of ward staff agreed ward-based gym saves more time in escorting patients while 89% and 100% agreed it offers greater flexibility in arranging training sessions respectively. 26 out of 30 of physiotherapists and ward staff agreed ward-based gym offers better utilisation of manpower.
Taking advantage of the in-patient settings, ward-based gym offers advanced medical support in case of emergency when compared to satellite gym, and thus, provides a safer environment for patients. Ward-based gym, in addition, yields a more effective and efficient patient flow on account of minimised time and human resources in escort. With a higher degree of flexibility, patient’s daily routine is preserved when arranging physiotherapy sessions in ward-based gym. Therefore, in future hospital ward settings, ward-based gym is highly recommended in the opinion of current staff working in ward with ward-based gym.
