Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong HY (2), Chan NY (2), Lam PL (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Physiotherapy Department, Queen Mary Hospital
(2) Physiotherapy Department, Tsan Yuk Hospital
Introduction :
HA Go app is a one-stop mobile platform with multiple functions designed by the Hospital Authority as part of the Smart Hospital initiative. Our department has started integrating Tele-training into antenatal exercise program at the end of 2023. It allows patients to save time and cost for traveling and access the service with convenience. It also facilitates clinicians to provide care to those in need and to minimize wasted appointment.
Objectives :
After a year of this new service implementation, evaluation on patients’ feedback and satisfaction was done to explore the feasibility of extending Tele-training to postnatal exercise program.
Methodology :
There are 4 sessions of antenatal exercise class and patients can choose to attend either Tele-training or face-to-face class in Session 2. Patient’s satisfaction questionnaire and feedback forms were distributed to patients who attended Tele-training from August 2024 to December 2024. 30 patients were selected by simple random sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results.
Result & Outcome :
A hundred percent of respondents showed no difficulties using the “HA Go” app for Tele-training. The major reasons for them to choose Tele-training over face-to-face classes were (1) to save transportation time and (2) to enjoy convenience of venue to attend the class. Forty-seven percent respondents rated “satisfactory” and fifty percent rated “very satisfactory” to the Tele-training class. It showed that patients enjoyed this new form of service and TeleHealth is a convenient alternative especially for patients who have difficulties attending on-site classes due to morning sickness, fatigue or frequent urination.
Eighty-seven percent of respondents expressed interest in attending postnatal exercise class and seventy-three percent preferred the form of Tele-training. In the current face-to-face classes, patients mentioned difficulty in arranging carer for the newborn and difficulty breastfeeding on-site. In response to this, Tele-training is proposed to extend to post-natal program. It may enhance patients’ experience and at the same time allow mothers to gain accessibility to postnatal physiotherapy care during puerperium.
Some respondents asked if the course handouts and exercise demonstration videos could be downloaded for home revision after Tele-training. This enhancement will be explored with the HA IT department.
Above all, TeleHealth is a convenient platform to provide antenatal and postnatal physiotherapy service. It transcends geographical barriers and enhances patients’ accessibility and experience. Our department will keep exploring the potential of TeleHealth in promoting Smart Hospital Service.
