Authors (including presenting author) :
Yu KH(1), Yam CLY(1), Siu YCA(2), Mok KL(2), Wan KA(2), Ching CH(2), Chan CC(2), Tong HT(1), Mok CC(1), Ho NY(1), Wong MYA(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Occupational Therapy Department, Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals
(2)Accident and Emergency Department, Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals
Keyword 1: :
shoulder injury
Keyword 2: :
shoulder immobilizer
Keyword 4: :
occupational therapy
Keyword 5: :
accident and emergency
Keyword 6: :
telel-health
Introduction :
At RTSKH, A&E and OT departments manage about 400 shoulder immobilizer (SI) cases annually. The former dual workflow (office vs. non-office hours) sometimes caused missed referrals, delayed fitting, ineffective telephone education, disrupted A&E flow, and heightened patient safety risks. In September 2025, the “Fast Prescription of Shoulder Immobilizer” workflow was introduced. It allows immediate SI fitting by A&E doctors regardless of OT hours, supported by an updated pamphlet, QR code-linked video, and HA Go telehealth follow-up.
Objectives :
To assess the new workflow’s effectiveness through retrospective data analysis, HA Go utilization rates, and feedback from frontline A&E and OT staff.
Methodology :
Data from September to November 2025 were retrieved from the Hospital Authority Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System and the Clinical Management System. A tailored questionnaire was also administered to A&E and OT staff to assess operational effectiveness and efficiency.
Result & Outcome :
54 patients received the Fast Prescription of Shoulder Immobilizer Package. All (100%) received immediate onsite education from A&E nurses and the updated pamphlet with QR code-linked instructional videos. Unlike the previous workflow, no treatment delays occurred due to public holidays or OT non-office hours. All patients (100%) received prompt telephone follow-up on the same or next working day. Of these, 26 (48.1%) had the HA Go app installed. Only two (7.7%) of them requested telehealth follow-up, while one patient (3.6%) without the app required early in-person OT adjustment. The rate of early follow-up needs was comparable between groups. 10 A&E and 13 OT staff completed the questionnaire. Respondents strongly agreed that the workflow reduced inter-departmental waiting time (mean score: 8.9/10) and that the education package offers clear guidance (mean score 9.0/10). The new workflow effectively eliminates treatment delays through immediate SI fitting and structured education. High staff satisfaction reflects improved efficiency and inter-departmental coordination. Integration of the HA Go integration offers promising tele-health follow-up. Overall, the protocol establishes a safer, more efficient standard of care for acute shoulder injury.
