Authors (including presenting author) :
V TANG(1), M CHENG(1), E WONG(1), J LIU(1), YC KOK(1), WH LI(1), SC LEE, N LUI(1), FK CHOW (1), F HUI(1), B CHUI(2), E LEE(2), F TSE(2)
Affiliation :
Virtual Ward (VW) Kowloon Hospital; (2) Patient Resource Centre (PRC) Kowloon Hospital
Introduction :
End-of-life patients and their families often endure significant financial burden (Essue et al.,2015). In Hong Kong, the public sector primarily provides subsidized health-related services, often overlooking the social, family, and psychological challenges linked with financial hardship. To address this gap, the Virtual Ward (VW) of Kowloon Hospital has collaborated with a financial assistance project to identify and fulfill patients’ final wishes. This project is supported by the S. Leung Foundation Charity Fund HK and Awareness Spiritual Growth Centre.
Objectives :
To assist VW patients in realizing their final wishes and dreams through financial support.
Methodology :
1) VW help to identify the target patients with severe illnesses or end of life conditions and ascertain their wish.
2) PRC help to coordinate the fund corporate.
3) Provide financial subsidies ranging from HK$1,500 to a maximum of HK$3,000 per patient.
4) The Fund supports various purposes, such as taking family photos, travelling, celebrating birthdays and festivals, having buffets, and purchasing medical equipment like walking aids, wheelchairs, pressure relieving products, and milk supplements.
5) Participants submit a draft plan with estimated expenses for pre-approval, which takes 1-3 days.
6) Upon approved, participants complete the relevant activities or purchases before the expected date.
7) Applicants require an advance payment to cover the cost of items or activities.
8) Submit original receipts for reimbursement, which takes 1-2 months.
Result & Outcome :
1. Over the past four years, 24 VW patients have successfully applied for the funding. 2. Distribution of funded items and events: 5 patients had buffets / family gathering expenses / birthday celebrations; 6 patients purchased Chinese herbs / vitamin / supplement; 4 patients purchased electricity e.g. fan / refrigerator / rice cooker / massage machine ;3 patients purchased clothes / bedding products / quilts; 3 patients bought mobile phones / tablet computers; 3 patients purchased medical equipment e.g. handrail / mattress / wheelchair. 3. Evaluation from patients and families 96% of patients and families satisfied and very satisfied with the subsidy amount; 100% patients and families satisfied and very satisfied with the scope of funding; 90% patients and families satisfied and very satisfied with the reimbursement arrangement; 100% patients and families satisfied and very satisfied with overall the plan in helpful in realizing wishes. Conclusion End-of-life patients often face financial difficulties that hinder their social, familial and psychological well-being. Fulfilling their final wishes through financial assistance is meaningful and impactful. The Virtual Ward has successfully identified and communicated with patients to provide financial aid through this model, combining business corporation subsidy capabilities. This model has proven effective and should be promoted more widely.
