Authors: (including presenting author): :
Mok HT(1), Lui TCN(1)(2), Tang YMV(1)(2), Lee SC(1)(2), Chung LH(1), Fu PC(1), Lam HW(1), Leung YY(1), Li TH(1), Tang PY(1), Tong LY(1), Wong Yiu WSC(2), Tse KY(3), Chung YKK(4), Hui F(1)(2)
Affiliation: :
(1)Community Geriatric Assessment Service, Kowloon Hospital
(2)Community Nursing Service, Kowloon Hospital
(3)Dietetic Department, Kowloon Hospital
(4)Department of Rehabilitation, Kowloon Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Diabetes Management
Keyword 2: :
Multidisciplinary
Keyword 3: :
Educational Intervention
Introduction: :
Diabetes is a prevalent condition particularly among the senior population, affecting 19% of Hong Kong adults aged 65 to 84 between 2020 and 2022. With a higher proportion of elderly living in Residential Care Homes for the Elderly (RCHEs) than the overall community, proficient knowledge is even more crucial for healthcare workers to deliver high-quality care in this environment. Any knowledge deficit among these caregivers may hinder effective management, hence targeted educational intervention is warranted. This project seeks to strengthen RCHEs caregivers’ competence in diabetes care through a 60-minute multidisciplinary seminar.
Objectives: :
1. To increase RCHEs healthcare workers’ knowledge in diabetes management.
2. To optimise the care delivery in RCHEs and improve the healthcare service.
Methodology: :
This project was conducted on 12 June 2025 in Kowloon Hospital (KH), with 32 healthcare workers recruited from 16 RCHEs on a voluntary basis. These RCHEs were located within the catchment area for KH Community Geriatric Assessment Service and Community Nursing Service. The healthcare workers were invited to participate in an educational intervention, which was designed to address practical demands from caregiving. The delivery was structured by integrating a nurse-led conversation on diabetes pathophysiology and management, a dietitian’s presentation on developing diabetes-appropriate nutritional plans, and a doctor’s recommendations for diabetes care, interspersed with four role-play scenarios to enhance participants’ engagement. These scenarios simulated authentic clinical situations, such as navigating dietary restrictions, managing hypoglycaemia, administering insulin, and preventing foot complications in communal settings. A post-intervention survey, consisting of five Likert-scale questions, was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the seminar. Qualitative data was also collected through interviews to elucidate participants’ experiences.
Result & Outcome: :
Results
The survey results from 31 participants indicated a strong consensus: 97% of them praised the seminar on its clarity, length, and practicality, agreed an improvement in their knowledge, as well as expressed satisfaction with the program. Qualitative interviews further revealed the role-play scenarios were described by participants as “engaging and memorable,” highlighting the effectiveness in reinforcing their practical skills. Additionally, one-third of the attendees reported that the seminar markedly improved their daily caregiving knowledge, particularly in competencies such as blood glucose monitoring and foot care. The distribution of informational pamphlets and diabetes care kits was frequently acknowledged as a welcomed token of appreciation, which meaningfully contributed to overall participant satisfaction. Conclusion
This multidisciplinary seminar, combining didactic presentations, interactive role-plays, and incentivising elements, significantly bolstered RCHEs healthcare workers’ knowledge and confidence. These improvements likely translate into better outcomes for the elderly through more effective management of hypoglycaemia, dietary adherence, insulin administration and foot care. The positive feedback from the session underscores the efficacy of tailored, interactive educational strategies in addressing knowledge deficits among caregivers in RCHEs. This form of intervention offers a replicable model for chronic disease education in long-term care settings. To sustain these benefits, ongoing health promotion initiatives focusing on diabetes management are essential for reinforcing caregiver expertise and ensuring high-quality care in diverse caregiving contexts.
