Authors (including presenting author) :
Hau WYA(1), Ching KC(1)(2), Ngai HT(1), Wong WM(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Orthopaedic Rehabilitation, Tai Po Hospital, (2)Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Alice Ho Mui Ling Nethersole Hospital
Keyword 2: :
Patient Care
Keyword 4: :
Spinal Cord Injury
Keyword 5: :
Smart device
Introduction :
Spinal cord injury (SCI) patients constitute a relatively small but clinically complex group at high risk of complications and with a significant need for structured, accessible education to support long‑term self‑management. Conventional face‑to‑face education is often constrained by time, fragmented information, and varying staff experience, which may limit patients’ understanding and carers’ confidence in providing ongoing care. A digital SCI eBook was therefore developed to provide standardized, easily accessible information for patients and carers across the care continuum.
Objectives :
–Provide comprehensive, standardized information on SCI care, complication prevention, and rehabilitation to patients and caregivers.
–Enhance patient and caregiver self‑management capabilities and engagement in care.
–Support clinical staff in delivering consistent education within limited consultation time.
Methodology :
A team of rehabilitation specialists and nurses reviewed current SCI care practice and existing patient materials to define key education domains (e.g., pressure injury prevention, bladder and bowel management, mobility and exercise, skin care, and psychosocial adjustment). The content was drafted in patient‑friendly language, supplemented with illustrations and practical tips, and formatted as an interactive eBook accessible on smart devices. The eBook was introduced as a pilot to SCI patients and carers in DOR/TPH from November 2026, with staff providing orientation on accessing and using the material. A simple evaluation framework was planned, including monitoring uptake (10 patients accessing the eBook) and collecting user feedback and staff comments using brief questionnaires.
Result & Outcome :
At the time of submission, the SCI eBook had just launched, and only a small number of patients had begun using it, so formal outcome data are not yet available. Early informal feedback from patients, carers, and staff indicates that the eBook is easy to access, helps consolidate complex information, and supports more focused education during limited consultation time. As more SCI cases are enrolled, the project will evaluate user satisfaction, perceived understanding of key care topics, and potential impact on self‑management behaviors and complication‑related service utilization.
