Authors: (including presenting author): :
Ng WY(1), Wong KW(2), Lee CY(3), Ko YT(1), Ma KW(3), Chan YYR(1), Pun KL(2), Yuen SY(2)
Affiliation: :
(1)Department of Medicine and Rehabilitation, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital (2)Nursing Services Division, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital (3)Nursing Services Division, Wong Chuk Hang Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Patient Care Assistant
Keyword 2: :
Supervision Framework
Keyword 3: :
Staff Competency
Keyword 4: :
Cross-hospital collaboration
Keyword 5: :
Cohesive healthcare environment
Introduction: :
Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) play a crucial role in supporting healthcare teams by providing assistance with daily patient care and addressing basic needs. However, adapting to clinical environments and applying patient care knowledge can be challenging for PCAs. To address these challenges, a workgroup from Tung Wah Eastern Hospital (TWEH) and Wong Chuk Hang Hospital (WCHH) was formed to strengthen PCA supervision, and ensure patient safety, staff wellness, competency, and team unity.
Objectives: :
- Review the current PCA training and supervision program to identify areas for improvement. - Standardize training to enhance adaptation and competence. - Improve the supervisory skills of senior PCAs and nurses. - Establish a mechanism to consistently evaluate PCA competence and compliance.
Methodology: :
The initiative involved cross-hospital collaboration to revise PCA supervisory documents, with tasks assigned based on team members’ expertise. A structured orientation with mentorship was implemented to support new PCA adaptation, alongside a continuous assessment plan for sustainability. An electronic reporting system with a real-time dashboard was introduced to track performance. Further to this, tailored training programs, aligned with the assessment plan, included hands-on workshops, lunch seminars led by senior nurses, and accessible training materials on the intranet. Moreover, a patient care knowledge quiz with prizes was organized to boost staff knowledge and morale.
Result & Outcome: :
Two key document sets—PCA orientation booklet and Practical Assessment Forms—were revised to align with Hospital Authority Head Office (HAHO) basic nursing standards and cluster guidelines. A 3-Year Practical Assessment Plan was implemented, with 274 assessment counts completed from July to October 2025, covering 100% of PCAs in TWEH in-patient wards. An electronic reporting system with a real-time dashboard ensured assessment compliance and effective monitoring. Moreover, the half-yearly PCA training program, covering key topics such as skin care, physical restraint, patient safety, and infection control measures, received highly positive feedback from participants, with 100% agreeing or strongly agreeing that they were overall satisfied with the training. In the patient care knowledge quiz, 33 (91.7%) PCA participants answered all questions correctly. This framework enhances patient satisfaction and safety through improved PCA skills, fosters team collaboration and trust, and promotes professional growth through continuous learning and career advancement opportunities. By standardizing training and supervision, the initiative ensures consistent, high-quality patient care and supports a positive, cohesive healthcare environment.
