Authors: (including presenting author): :
Kwok SY(1),Tam SM(2)
Affiliation: :
(1) Surgery department, Yan Chai Hospital, (2) surgery department Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Keyword 1: :
effectiveness of nurse clinic within the CPPP program
Keyword 2: :
alleviate SOPC workload
Keyword 3: :
reduce waiting times of colonoscopy
Keyword 4: :
timely care for patients with significant pathologies include cancer and large polyp >1cm
Keyword 5: :
managing post colonoscopy follow ups
Keyword 6: :
education patient
Introduction: :
The implementation of the Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening Programme in 2016 has significantly increased public awareness and demand for colonoscopy services, leading to prolonged waiting times and a heightened workload for Specialist Outpatient Clinics (SOPC). In response, the Colon Assessment Public-Private Partnership Programme (CPPP) was established and seven nurse clinics are set up among clusters to support SOPC service. The specialty nurses are responsible for selecting stable cases and managing post-colonoscopy follow-ups and surveillance for the patients who joined the program. Clinic nurses reviewed patient’s colonoscopy report, histopathology report, blood tests, giving surveillance advice, education on diet, lifestyle, gastrointestinal alarm symptoms and discussing discharge plan following a protocol-driven clinical pathway.
Objectives: :
This study evaluated the effectiveness of nurse clinics within the CPPP program over a five-year period from 2020 to 2024. Data from Kowloon Central Cluster (KCC) and Kowloon West Cluster (KWC) were analyzed, according to number of patients in the waiting list, number of invitations sent to patients and number of enrolled patients in CPPP Program. This large dataset that offered significant insights for planning strategic patient care service in future.
Methodology: :
The primary objectives of the study were to reduce waiting times of colonoscopy, alleviate SOPC workload, ensure timely care for patients with significant pathologies (including cancer and large polyp >1cm), and facilitate structured discharge of stable patients. A retrospective review of 4304 enrolled patients revealed key outcomes: an average reduction of 440 days in colonoscopy waiting time, with 3937 patients completing the procedure who enrolled in the program. The significant pathology identified in 84 cases. There are 152 cases were closed in nurse clinic and cancelled SOPC appointment as protocol and other cases would arrange longer interval of SOPD follow up from three months to one year. The polypectomy rate is 64.3%
Result & Outcome: :
Patient satisfaction survey was performed for 25% of patients who enrolled in the program, The survey demonstrated high satisfaction rates, with 97-99% of respondents expressing satisfaction with the program, colonoscopy advancement, and nurse services. These findings show the critical role of nurse clinics in enhancing the efficiency and quality of colonoscopy services within the public-private partnership framework. The significant reduction in waiting times and high patient satisfaction highlight the program's success with nurse clinic involvement in order to achieve its objectives and improving patient outcomes.
