Authors (including presenting author) :
Ip YT(1), Wong WS(1), Lui J(2), Yung KP(2)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Clinical Psychology, PMH, (2)Department of Clinical Psychology, KCH
Introduction :
The Clinical Psychology (CP) service has launched three protocol-driven telehealth programs: Insomnia (INSG), Stress Management (STRG), and Parenting (PARG). While patients from various hospitals can benefit from these programs, access is often limited due to manpower constraints and inefficient enrollment processes. Streamlining the telehealth service model is essential to enhance service accessibility and efficiency.
Objectives :
(1) to streamline CP telehealth service across KWC hospitals (CMC, KCH, NLTH, PMH, YCH); (2) to evaluate efficiency and accessibility of the CP telehealth service under the new service model.
Methodology :
A streamlined telehealth service model was implemented among CP departments in KWC hospitals. The workflow was designed to promote telehealth services, simplify enrollment processes, and facilitate service delivery. Program materials, promotional posters, and informational leaflets were developed for share use by all hospitals. Telehealth service schedule and enrollment lists were maintained in HA Teams Workgroup for easy access. Patient enrollment in telehealth programs was not limited to the host hospital but open to all cluster hospitals. The model underwent a Pilot Phase from November 2023 to June 2024; and officially commenced across all KWC hospitals in July 2024. Accessibility and service efficiency were evaluated by tracking enrollment numbers, attendance per program, and monthly attendance throughput by hospital, comparing three time periods: Baseline (Dec 2021 - Oct 2023), Pilot Phase (Nov 2023 - Jun 2024), and Full Rollout (Jul - Dec 2024).
Result & Outcome :
The average number of telehealth programs conducted monthly increased from 1.88 in Baseline to 4.38 during the Pilot Phase, before slightly decreasing to 2.5 after full rollout. Accessibility improved significantly, with enrollments rising from 5 per program in Baseline to 42 after full rollout. Attendance per program also increased from an average of 8 at Baseline to 21 during the Pilot Phase, and further to 32 after implementation. All cluster hospitals reported an increase in telehealth service deliverables with the new streamlined model. The streamlined telehealth service model has effectively enhanced both accessibility and efficiency in delivering CP telehealth services across KWC hospitals, demonstrating its potential for broader application in mental health care.
