Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong YT(1), Chin LSA(1), Chu MK(1), Hau FC(1), Lam MW(1), Lau ST(1), Lau WS(1), Wong KC(1), Po YC(1), Sheng B(2)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Neurosurgery, Princess Margaret Hospital, (2)Department of Medical and Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Nursing integation
Keyword 2: :
Neurosurgery
Keyword 4: :
Patient-Centered Care
Keyword 6: :
Collaborative Practice
Introduction :
This evaluation explores the pivotal role of nursing in unifying the neurosurgery and neurology departments at KWC. Driven by the HA Clinical Services Plan (2019), this initiative transitioned the departments from traditional silos to a fully integrated system between January 2021 and April 2023. By bridging the historical gaps in communication and fragmented workflows, nurses are one of the central integrators in this new model. Their leadership in fostering collaborative practice has been essential in enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring seamless, patient-centered neuroscience care.
Objectives :
(1)Evaluate the effectiveness of dual specialty training for nursing staff.
(2)Evaluate the satisfaction of nurses and patients and outcomes resulting from the integrated care model (3)Monitor the continuity of care provided to patients through the integrated model.
Methodology :
The evaluation employed a mixed methods approach. Quantitative metrics consisted of the number of dual specialty nurses. Qualitative assessment was conducted through semi-structured focus group interviews with nursing staff and patient satisfactory survey.
Result & Outcome :
Result:
By 2025, 73% of the nursing staff with prior experience in neurosurgery or neurology, currently hold dual specialism and 95% of the nursing newcomers after integration completed the training program involving neurosurgery and neurology. After integration, nurses supported a total of 100 eligible candidates from IAMT with HDU care by Oct 2025, enabling patients from acute surgical phase to the early medical rehab phase within the same department and health care providers without complex administrative transfer. In contrast, 28 patients received this neuroscience care within two separate units before integration.
Interview results indicated that nurses and patients were generally satisfied with the integration. The integrated model helped them to master dual specialism, streamlined processes, and facilitated collaboration through weekly clinical combined rounds between teams, delivering an efficient, seamless and high-standard patient journey that enhances patient outcomes. Conclusions: The integration of services within neurosurgery and neurology at KWC marks a significant step towards providing comprehensive and collaborative care. Nursing serves as a crucial element in the integration process, significantly enhancing the quality of neuroscience service and highlighting its positive impact on patient care and neuroscience development.
