Authors (including presenting author) :
LI LL (1), CHAN CY(1), CHAN YL(1), WONG YFB(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Specialist Out-Patient Clinic, North Lantau Hospital
Introduction :
The introduction of a modernized e-Vital sign monitoring system in out-patient setting shall be considered to enhance patient experience. The e-Vital sign monitoring System is the key initiative in HA’s Smart Care (Out-Patient) program. Since more than 50% Kowloon West Cluster GOPC and SOPC patients require vital signs monitoring before consultation, the system enables the automatic transfer of useful patient’s vital sign data directly to clinical management system (CMS). This not only streamlines the workflow but also empower patient self- help care. There are two out-patient clinics designated as pilot sites to adopt the electronic vital sign monitoring system for patient care in KWC, with North Lantau Hospital SOPC being one of them in 2024. Patient and staff survey were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of using e-Vital sign monitoring system.
Objectives :
1.To shorten patient queuing time in vital sign check-up.
2.To reduce staff workload related to data entry in the CMS and prevent manual error.
3.To streamline the workflow by capturing vital signs data directly from the system to CMS
4.To minimize the use of paper record and promote paperless environment.
Methodology :
During the preparation phase, patient registration workflow was comprehensively reviewed.
Adjustment of the registration workflow and internal training were completed prior to the system implementation. The contingency plan was established to help clinic staff to manage well during the transitional period. Patient education was provided by supporting staff when patient attending the clinic with photo guides. The supporting staff was assigned at the e-Vital station to assist patients in operating the system and to facilitate smooth adoption for patients or their carers. The system was closely monitored and reviewed the potential risks regularly to ensure accurate data entry. Both patient and staff survey were conducted by three months after implementation to evaluate the effectiveness of the system.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 110 patients were interviewed who were attending different specialties such as Medical Gynecology, Surgery and Urology. Additionally, 26 staff from various ranks also participated in the survey. The questionnaires mainly focused on the effectiveness and efficiency of using e-Vital sign monitoring system. (1) There were 90% patient responses with positive feedback. They agreed the system which could reduce their vital signs check-up times. They also could get the data slip for self-record and monitor their health progress. It would be better if the results could be retrieved in HA GO. (2) There were 92% staff responses with positive feedback. They agreed that the consultation time could be shortened as the vital signs data could be read directly in CMS without manual input. The data were more reliable then manual written.
To conclude, the system has positively impact on improving data accuracy entry and enhance patient’s confidence to monitor their own health. Those benefits could be justified to roll out this system to other out –patient clinics in KWC.
