Authors: (including presenting author): :
Chan CY (1), Chan HM (1), Yeung ML (1), Chow WY (1), Yim CF (1), Cheng WN (1), Siu KW (1), Wong ML (1), Mok Cedric (2)
Affiliation: :
(1) Department of Medicine, Yan Chai Hospital, (2) Department of Pharmacy, Yan Chai Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Service Redesign
Keyword 3: :
Patient Empowerment
Keyword 4: :
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Keyword 5: :
Patient Safety
Keyword 6: :
Demand Growth
Introduction: :
The Hospital Authority is facing emerging challenges as several human insulin products will be discontinued by the end of 2026, potentially affecting over 1,200 patients with diabetes currently followed up at Yan Chai Hospital's Medical Department. This impending supply chain disruption is expected to place substantial pressure on existing clinic capacity and may compromise glycaemic control in a large cohort of stable patients if not proactively managed. To effectively manage this transition, the department is implementing a targeted intervention to streamline nursing services, optimise the doctor–nurse clinic structure, leverage digital technology, and strengthen patient self management.
Objectives: :
• To ensure a safe, systematic transition from human insulins to alternative insulin analogues while minimising clinical instability. • To enhance patient empowerment through structured education on injection technique, self monitoring of blood glucose, and insulin dose titration. • To demonstrate how workflow redesign and technology enabled care can maximise existing resources without additional manpower.
Methodology: :
A three pronged service redesign has been adopted: 1. Workflow optimisation: Clinic capacity is expanded by redistributing appointment quotas, implementing nurse led triage, and prioritising high risk patients such as those with recurrent hypoglycaemia or HbA1c above 8%. 2. Technology integration: Continuous glucose monitoring is deployed for selected high risk patients requiring closer supervision and more frequent insulin adjustments. The HA Go patient platform is used to deliver standardised educational materials and support remote review of home glucose profiles. 3. Interdisciplinary collaboration: Regular case conferences between endocrinologists and diabetes nurse specialists are conducted to ensure consistent transition protocols, rapid troubleshooting of clinical issues, and alignment of patient education messages.
Result & Outcome: :
Between March and December 2025, 640 patients were transitioned from human insulins to insulin analogues. Mean HbA1c improved from 8.39% (SD = 1.55) to 8.05% (SD = 1.50), reaching statistical significance (p < 0.05) without addition of new manpower. Conclusion This initiative is transforming an impending supply chain crisis into an opportunity to modernise insulin therapy and enhance patient centred diabetes care. By combining agile workflow redesign, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technology supported education via HA Go, the team has improved glycaemic control and preserved service capacity despite substantial additional demands.
