Authors (including presenting author) :
Lam MS, Kwok NC, Wong LY, Chen WX, Wong CY
Affiliation :
Geriatrics and Rehabilitation Service, Department of Medicine, Haven of Hope Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Robot-Assisted
Keyword 2: :
Support Discharge
Keyword 3: :
Discharge Planning
Keyword 4: :
Carer Education
Keyword 5: :
Carer Training
Keyword 6: :
Self Learning
Introduction :
Safe and effective discharge planning is essential to ensure continuity of care and prevent avoidable post-discharge complications, particularly for patients with complex care needs. Carers play a critical role in providing ongoing care after discharge; however, inadequate or inconsistent education may leave carers unprepared to perform essential care tasks safely at home. Traditional carer education is often delivered through brief verbal instructions or ad hoc demonstrations by nurses, which may be constrained by time, workload and variability in delivery. These limitations may affect carers’ understanding, retention of information and confidence in post-discharge care. In alignment with the Hospital Authority’s commitment to patient-centred care and quality service, Ward 1B of Haven of Hope Hospital adopted a technology-enabled approach to enhance carer education during hospitalisation. By utilising a robot to deliver educational videos, carers are provided with accessible, visual and repeatable learning resources on essential care skills. This initiative aims to improve carers’ preparedness for discharge, enhance care continuity and support safe care delivery in home setting.
Objectives :
1. To enhance carers’ understanding of essential care procedures required after discharge. 2. To improve discharge preparedness through accessible and repeatable educational support. 3. To support safe and quality post-discharge care by reducing reliance on time-limited verbal instruction.
Methodology :
Key care topics commonly required after discharge were identified through discussion with frontline nurses. Educational videos covering nasogastric feeding, insulin injection techniques, inhaler usage and feeding techniques were uploaded to a robot (Temi). The robot was available 24/7 to allow carers to access the videos independently at their convenience. Nurses provided guidance on how to use the robot, while remaining available for clarification and reinforcement as needed.
Result & Outcome :
Carers reported positive learning experiences after accessing the robot-assisted educational videos. 100% carers indicated that the videos were very helpful in preparing them for patient care after discharge. 100% carers also reported clear understanding of essential care procedures. In addition, 95% carers reported feeling confident in performing the care procedures at home after viewing the videos. The availability of accessible and repeatable educational support enabled carers to revisit key information, reinforcing learning and reducing anxiety related to discharge. Nurses observed improved engagement during follow-up teaching and reduced repetition of basic care instructions, facilitating effective use of nursing time while maintaining quality patient and carer support.
