Authors (including presenting author) :
Tsang SC (1), Chan WMM (1), Hon HC (2), Lau SF (2), Cheung MT (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Patient Resource Centre, (2) Department of Oncology
Introduction :
Breast cancer is the top three leading cancer types and the most common cancer among females in Hong Kong. Research suggests that information on disease trajectory, treatment and emotional transformation are crucial for patients, who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer, to manage their illness. Aiming at empowering the patients to stay healthy in the community, Princess Margaret Hospital Patient Resource Centre (PRC) collaborated with Department of Oncology to organize a revamped orientation program to support patients under the COVID-19 pandemic situation. The new service model emphasized “Orientation, Transition and Navigation” with application of SMART initiatives which incorporated the followings:
i. conducted monthly series of orientation programs via cross-specialty and cross-sectoral teamwork through virtual meeting;
ii. provided Tele-care to patients one month after the talk as post-program follow-up;
iii. supported navigation to community resources by provision of information card with QR codes for easy access;
iv. piloted using OPAS for data capturing of patient-based PRC service;
Objectives :
The new service model aimed at empowering patients and their carers through equipping disease knowledge, promoting help-seeking behavior and bringing in sense of support. Application of SMART initiatives was firstly adopted under the COVID-19 pandemic. In this connection, the objectives of this study focused on the patients’ feedback and satisfaction on 1) the new program design, 2) the application of virtual meeting and 3) the application of OPAS arrangement.
Methodology :
Mechanism to collect both quantitative and qualitative data was employed in the program evaluation. Electronic self-administered questionnaire was delivered to patients and carers after each session and qualitative feedbacks were also collected during tele-care provided by PRC social worker.
Result & Outcome :
From July to August 2022, total 39 patients were served and attendance rate was 80%. Results from program satisfaction survey showed that the satisfaction rate of program design, delivery mode and OPAS arrangement were 92%, 98% and 94% respectively. The results demonstrated a successful and patient-centred service model which helps addressing patient needs.
Results of the SMART New Case Orientation Program for Cancer Patients suggest the application of SMART initiatives was welcomed by the patients and enabled them to access service and information remotely. Hence, the service model shall be expanded to other chronic illnesses.
