Authors (including presenting author) :
Fung MC(1), Cheng YT(2), Kong YL(3), Cheuk Y(1), Karn KY(3), Lee KY(3)
Affiliation :
(1) Community Nursing Service Department, Haven of Hope Hospital, (2) Community Nursing Service Department, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, (3) Community Nursing Service Department, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
Community Nurses (including CNS, CGAT & ICM teams) carry a considerable weight nursing bag to provide nursing treatment, residential home elderly assessment and case management every day. In order to reduce the weight causing impacts, caregivers are asked to come to the center during office hours to get patient’s items such as lab test reminder, specimen containers and wound care supplies…etc. directly from our staff. However, some caregivers may not be able to come during office hours and cannot comply with this arrangement, as a result, the nurses will then take the relevant items by self and may have a potential issue on Information Security & Privacy (ISP) and Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) if too heavy weight in Nursing Bag.
Objectives :
1. Reduce staff OSH issues caused by overly heavy nursing bags.
2. Facilitate caregivers to retrieve patient document or items without time restrictions.
3. Enhance ISP with Digital one-time Password Locker Lock.
Methodology :
Preparatory Phase: This project was prepared from Oct 2024 in CNS department with explanation to staffs and caregivers for the workflow of using Smart Locker to reach a consensus, simple leaflet was prepared for user. The Smart Locker was placed just outside the CNS center which is near the security guard station and under CCTV monitor. Execution Phase: One of the CNS centers was selected as pilot to use the Smart Locker. Each smart locker was set up a one-time password, responsible staff communicated with caregiver for the readiness to retrieve the items and which locker assigned for them. Storage and checking items in the Smart Locker were assisted by supporting staff. Evaluation Phase: After 4 weeks’ pilot trial period, there were 14 caregivers repeatedly used the Smart Locker to retrieve items. A post questionnaire with 5 MCQs have been done by 8 staffs to collect their feedback in order to get further evaluation and improvement
Result & Outcome :
All staffs have responded positively to the questionnaire, indicating that using this Smart Locker can lighten the weight of their nursing bags and enhance the efficiency of work. Besides, all caregivers were verbally welcomed this self-pick-up method as it allows them to conveniently retrieve items at their own time without time restrictions.
CONCLUSION
Community nurses typically carry heavy nursing bags while moving around in the community. By using the Smart Locker, the weight can be reduced, it would not only minimize issues related to OSH but also prevent any loss of items along. Additionally, the Smart Locker operates without time restrictions, making it more convenient for caregivers.
