Authors (including presenting author) :
Sie PY(1), Yuan CW(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Surgery Department, Yan Chai Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Facial Protection Program
Keyword 2: :
Security and Prevention
Keyword 3: :
Oxygen Therapy Device and Ryle’s Tube
Keyword 4: :
From Ear to Face
Introduction :
During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare systems faced unprecedented operational challenges including escalating workloads. A critical observation revealed that over 50% of patients developed ear lesions due to prolonged mask use. In 2023, an Earloop Program was implemented and successfully reduced mask related skin injuries and achieved over 90% satisfaction from nurses and relatives. Building on this achievement, the team expanded its focus to address facial skin integrity in patients, who require Oxygen Therapy Device (O₂) or Ryle's tube (R/T).
Objectives :
(1) Increase staff alertness, provide holistic care by minimising facial skin injury (2) Enhance patient’s compliance by securing position of O2 or R/T and minimising discomfort (3) Minimise displacement of O2 or R/T for adequate O2 delivery and minimising risk of aspiration.
Methodology :
This program was launched in surgical ward B8S of Yan Chai Hospital in 2025. We identified the high risk group as dependent or partially dependent patients who need O2 or R/T, especially Enhanced Recovery After Surgery cases and old-aged home residents. Meanwhile, special designed dressing were tailor modified to apply on face in relieving pressure and providing security. Comprehensive education was provided to nurses and healthcare staff through training sessions and information pamphlets were given to patients and caregivers for reference. Compliance monitoring was done by us for the program evaluation.
Result & Outcome :
Results: Total of 114 surveys collected from nurses and patients or relatives. To highlight, over 80% of patients and relatives strongly agreed that the prophylactic dressings prevented skin breakdown and promotes physical and psychological comfort. Notably, over 90% of respondents mentioned that it can raise their awareness towards skin condition, prevention and security of O2 and R/T. The program achieved high satisfaction and widely perceived as an effective, sustainable program for facial skin integrity. Outcomes: This initiative successfully transformed clinical challenges into opportunities for quality improvement through frontlines’ innovation and collaborative effort. Recognized with the Outstanding Team Award of 2025 at Yan Chai Hospital, the Earloop Program stands as a testament to the power of shared knowledge and unwavering dedication to nursing excellence. Its expansion from Ear to Facial protection, marks a new chapter in proactive and innovation. It demonstrates bottom-up initiatives can foster professional excellence while advancing people-centred care, offering a replicable model for other healthcare institutions which are facing similar challenges.
