Authors (including presenting author) :
Man LP(1), Kwan YY(1), Chiu MY (1), Ho WHA(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Orthoapedics and Traumatology, Caritas Medical Centre
Keyword 1: :
telehealth services
Keyword 2: :
ambulatory rehabilitation
Keyword 3: :
patients’ satisfaction
Introduction :
Orthopaedic ambulatory rehabilitation was started in Caritas Medical Centre in 2020 to provide integrated early intensive post operative rehabilitation to patients. Following the global trend and Hospital Authority ‘s initiative on the use of telehealth medicine, orthopaedic telemedicine clinic was started in Caritas Medical Centre in 2025. Taking advantage of the well-established ambulatory rehabilitation services, an integrated model of ambulatory rehabilitation and telehealth services was started for patients undergoing elective arthroscopic surgeries since May 2025. All patients undergoing elective arthroscopic surgeries were invited to participate in the programme. On the day or the next after completion of the elective arthroscopic surgery, patients would be assessed by a dedicated clinical staff on his or her willingness to participating in the programme. The dedicated staff would also assist the patients in installing “HA GO” Programme for telemedicine follow up. At the same time an appointment in the Orthoapedic ambulatory rehabilitation would be booked for the patients. Patients participating this programme would start their first orthopaedic ambulatory rehabilitation within one week after discharge. They would receive integrated rehabilitation services provided by dedicated physiotherapists, occupational therapists and orthopaedic nurses during the attendance. Wound conditions would be assessed by an advanced practicing nurse and surgeons would be called to assess wound conditions if necessary. The frequency and duration of the of patients’ attendance would be determined according to clinical needs. Patients would attend a telehealth follow up(s) in lieu of physical follow up in the duration of the orthopaedic ambulatory rehabilitation. Patient would be asked to perform range of movement and show the wound conditions during the consultation. Patients’ concerns and queries, if any, would be addressed by the attending surgeon. Sick leaves and medications would be prescribed as needed.
Objectives :
To investigate Patients’ satisfaction on the integrated ambulatory rehabilitation and telehealth services in the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology in Caritas Medical Centre
Methodology :
Patients’ satisfaction are comments are assessed by questionnaire at the end of the programme.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 17 patients underwent the integrated care model were interviewed. A high degree of patients’ satisfaction was reported. Specific patients’ concerns include concerns about inadequate wound examination, higher cost of medication delivery and long set up and waiting time.
