Authors (including presenting author) :
Lee HY(1), Hai MT(1), Fung YYE(1), Yeung PY(1), Cham ST(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals
Keyword 1: :
Patient Empowerment
Keyword 2: :
Patient-Centred Care
Keyword 3: :
Shared decision-making
Introduction :
Prolonged waiting times in public healthcare hinder timely diagnosis and management of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Capacity constraints in in-laboratory polysomnography and PAP titration have led to delays exceeding one year. Although home sleep apnoea testing (HSAT), referrals to Central Government-aided Emergency Hospitals (CGAEH) and telehealth follow-up were introduced to expedite care, these options alone do not ensure active patient engagement. A critical gap remains in patient awareness and empowerment. This project implements a patient-centred intervention, using educational resources and questionnaires to shift practice towards shared decision-making, enhance understanding and support safer, better-informed choices.
Objectives :
1.Increase patient engagement by fostering active participation in decision-making, including preferences for sleep study and follow-up. 2.Streamline communication by establishing clear communication channels to facilitate information sharing. 3.Improve patient satisfaction with the OSA care process.
Methodology :
This project adopted the FADE (Focus, Analyze, Develop, Execute) model. It focused on patient disempowerment in OSA care decisions. Analysis utilized an Ishikawa diagram to systematically map contributing factors across patient characteristics, staff capabilities, educational materials, care processes, and environmental constraints such as high workloads and communication gaps. The methodology involved developing an educational toolkit, comprising an educational poster, a patient education booklet detailing OSA and care options, and a pre-consultation questionnaire to streamline assessments and capture patient preferences. Validated screening tools, like the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and STOP-BANG questionnaire, were incorporated to assess sleep apnoea risk and facilitate informed discussions. Additionally, a patient satisfaction survey was employed to evaluate experiences, ensuring continuous feedback and improvement in the patient journey.
Result & Outcome :
The pre-consultation questionnaire achieved a completion rate of 93.8%, with 146 administered and 9 incomplete. 58 patient satisfaction surveys were collected, and the results are as follows: 1.Patient Engagement 93.1% found the educational materials clear, and 94.8% felt the booklet enhanced their understanding of testing and treatment options. Additionally, 93.1% felt more prepared to discuss their condition, while 89.6% agreed that the chosen sleep test matched their preference. 2. Streamlined Communication 96.6% agreed the intention questionnaire facilitated meaningful participation in their treatment plan, with 91.4% satisfied with their choice of follow-up method and the process for expressing their preferences. 3.Patient Satisfaction While 79.3% were dissatisfied with in-lab sleep test wait times, 93.1% believed referrals to CGAEH or HSAT effectively shortened waits. 94.9% expressed satisfaction with their personalized treatment plans, and 96.6% found the booking process smooth. Additionally, 91.4% believed tele-consultation enabled quicker follow-ups, 82.8% agreed it reduced on-site waiting, and 77.6% found it more convenient than traditional consultations.
