Authors: (including presenting author): :
Lau SM(1), Cheung YS(1), Yu YM(1)
Affiliation: :
(1)Department of Surgery, North District Hospital
Introduction: :
The management of drains post-procedure is crucial for patient safety and comfort. Complications such as tube dislodgement, stitch reanchoring, and suspected tube blockage can lead to unnecessary Accident & Emergency Department (AED) visits, placing additional strain on healthcare resources. To address these challenges, the “A-Better-Care Drain Care Program” (ABC Drain Care Program) was implemented, focusing on proactive wound care management and streamlined patient support. This program aims to minimize AED admissions by providing patients with immediate access to expertise through a dedicated hotline and tailored follow-up care.
Objectives: :
The primary objective of the ABC Drain Care Program is to reduce the number of emergency admissions related to drain complications. By facilitating direct communication between patients / caregivers, community nurses and wound care professionals, we aim to address potential issues promptly. Secondary objectives include enhancing patient education regarding drain care, improving the continuity of care post-discharge, and utilizing resources efficiently to alleviate stress on the AED. Through this program, we intend to empower patients and caregivers to manage their care and ensure that any complications are addressed in a timely manner either in clinic or directly admitted to the day ward.
Methodology: :
The ABC Drain Care Program was developed with a multi-faceted approach that included patient education, hotline support, and structured pathways for assessment. Patients receiving drains (e.g., PTC, PTBD) were discharged with clear instructions and a hotline number for immediate assistance. Data was collected over three years, from 2022 to 2024, monitoring the number of cases handled through phone consultations, clinic assessments, and ward admissions. The program outlined specific procedures for triaging cases based on the severity of the issue, ensuring that patients received the appropriate care in a timely manner.
Result & Outcome: :
Between the years 2022 and 2024, the total number of cases managed through the program increased from 87 to 175, reflecting a growing recognition of the program’s effectiveness. Approximately 170 cases were successfully resolved via telephone consultations, demonstrating the efficacy of remote support in managing drain-related issues. Of the remaining cases, 21 were assessed in the wound nurse clinic, 6 in the surgeon clinic, and 95 required admission to the day ward. Notably, another 95 cases necessitated inpatient care due to infectious concerns or day ward capacity issues. A total of 33 cases were recommended for AED attendance, primarily featuring patients with mobility impairments or issues unrelated to drains. The estimated percentage decrease in AED admissions due to the ABC Drain Care Program is approximately 62.1%. Overall, the ABC Drain Care Program has proven to effectively reduce emergency admissions, streamline care, and improve patient outcomes, highlighting a successful model for managing outpatient drain care.
