Authors: (including presenting author): :
Chao FW (1), Li SS (1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Community Care Division, New Territories West Cluster
Keyword 3: :
Community Geriatrics Assessment Service
Introduction: :
Wound care is a critical service provided by Community Geriatrics Assessment Service (CGAS) nurses in the New Territories West Cluster (NTWC) Community Care Division (CCD). According to statistics, 50-60% of home visit procedures by CGAS nurses involve wound care. As the aging population grows, the prevalence of pressure injuries, the most common type of wound, is increasing. To meet the rising demand and high expectations of patients and caregivers, ensuring quality service is essential. Therefore, the community wound round program is necessary.
Objectives: :
1. To empower CGAS nurses and Residential Care Homes for the Elderly (RCHE) staff in providing wound care.
2. To explore various wound care techniques and interventions suitable for community settings and provide knowledge on different types of wound dressings and their specific indications.
3. To reduce hospital admissions due to wound infection or deterioration.
Methodology: :
Starting in October 2025, NTWC CGAS implemented a community wound round program in RCHEs. A Community Nurse Consultant (NC), a qualified Enterostomal Therapist, collaborated with an Associate Nurse Consultant (ANC) to conduct biweekly wound rounds. The NC will accompany the CGAS nurses in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long, alternating weekly between the two areas. CGAS nurses or RCHE staff or Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) will identify complicated or non-healing wounds for review. The CGAS nurses will present the case in advance, and the NC will review it in the Clinical Management System (CMS). The NC will perform a thorough wound assessment, prescribe appropriate dressing materials, take wound photos, and upload them to the CMS. Advanced techniques, such as conservative sharp wound debridement (CSWD) and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), will be applied.
Result & Outcome: :
The program reviewed a total of 17 wound cases in two months, 82% of which were pressure injuries. It improved wound healing rates and reduced hospital admissions by 50%.
In addition, a satisfaction survey was conducted among CGAS nurses to evaluate the program by Google form, covering program familiarity, training adequacy, perceived quality of care, and patient/caregiver satisfaction. The survey results showed that most nurses, with over ten years of experience, were familiar with the program and well-trained in advanced techniques. They reported high confidence in performing CSWD and NPWT after the community wound round. Patient and caregiver feedback indicated enhanced wound care experiences.
The program fostered better collaboration and communication among the CGAS team, including nurses, doctors, and allied healthcare professionals. Standardized care protocols were beneficial, and the program boosted professional development. Suggestions included additional training sessions and more opportunities to discuss complex cases.
