Authors (including presenting author) :
Lai SW(1), Ko SH(1), Chan BY (1) Leung SH(1), Chen XR(1), Li YC(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Family Medicine & Primary Health Care, Kowloon Central Cluster (KCC)
Introduction :
Totally there are 10 community based General Outpatient Clinics (GOPCs) and 3 hospitals based GOPCs in KCC, with more than 200 medical and nursing staffs, not counting the 200 clerical and supporting staffs working on a rotation basis at these 13 GOPCs scattered across 3 districts. It is therefore essential to align the operational issues among all 13 GOPCs to build up an effective and safe working environment for all. The Peer Visit Round (PVR) is a site-visit to share the practice of individual clinics on a specific theme designed by Department Quality and Safety Subcommittee. It serves as a collaborative and interdisciplinary learning platform, fostering bottom-up engagement to enhance the quality and safety standards within KCC GOPCs.
Objectives :
The objectives of the PVR are threefold: to foster a bottom-up, cross-learning environment, to provide a platform for sharing and adopting best practices, and to follow up on arising issues during the round to formulate guidelines for risk management.
Methodology :
The PVR team composition includes the COS, Consultants, DOM, and PVR subject officer doctor, alongside representatives from various staff ranks including the nurses, supporting and clerical staff. The PVR program involves setting PVR themes based on the departmental risk register and gaps identified during operation. The PVR is usually held twice per year. Each round comprises presentations from individual clinics showcasing their performance and on-site visits for a reality check, focusing on two specific themes. Zoom meeting had utilized for online presentations to maximize staff attendance and efficiency, with multimedia encouraged for illustration.
Result & Outcome :
PVR Comprised presentation sessions and on-site visits, the PVR had conducted 34 rounds before 2019. Upon 35th PVR resumed in April 2023 after the COVID pandemic, technological advancements to contemporize the process had implemented.
Before the post-COVID era, PVR presentations and site visits were conducted at local clinics, limiting coverage to about 7-8 clinics within 2 half-day sessions due to time constraints. With the introduction of virtual Zoom sessions and a hybrid approach, the 35th PVR held two virtual meetings, occupying 2 half-day sessions, with active participation from all 13 KCC clinics. Site visits were conducted at four clinics chosen based on their performance in Zoom presentations, showcasing a more focused and efficient approach.
The hybrid round allowed full coverage of all 13 KCC clinics, enabling a more targeted site visit strategy. This innovative approach ensures that only clinics of interest are visited, optimizing the use of resources and time. The outcomes of the 37th PVR conducted in Nov 2024 included discussions on safeguarding of patient data privacy and the workflow of triaging fever cases. Good practices were shared during department meetings, specifically with staffs of all ranks, and identified gaps during on-site visits will be addressed in the next PVR, emphasizing the commitment to continuous improvement and quality enhancement in healthcare practices. Via a team-based approach, this cross-learning model has been proven to be a highly effective model to ensure the quality and safety standard among all GOPCs in our department.
