Authors: (including presenting author): :
NG MS(1), YEUNG PH(1), CHAN YKJ(1), LAM YF(1O), NG ML(1), LEUNG LBS(1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Department of Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Keyword 2: :
Rehabilitation Program
Keyword 3: :
Haematological Malignancy
Introduction: :
Statistical report from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry in 2023 showed that there were 2782 new cases with haematological malignancies (including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma) in Hong Kong, where the mean incidence age was 65 years old. Patients with haematological malignancies experience vulnerabilities like frailty and comorbidities at diagnosis or during treatment period due to the nature of disease and side effects of treatment. Early detection and referral for multi-disciplinary rehabilitation are crucial for these patients. This program was implemented in Geriatric Day Hospital (GDH) to strengthen patients’ functional status and hence their quality of life.
Objectives: :
1. To evaluate the effectiveness of functional outcomes in patients with haematological malignancies after joining the GDH rehabilitation program
2. To assess patients’ satisfaction on the nurse-initiated GDH rehabilitation program referral
Methodology: :
From January to December 2025, a nurse-initiated GDH rehabilitation program referral was introduced to patients with haematological malignancies. 10 patients were recruited with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) scored 1-2 at the time of referral (whereas patients’ premorbid ECOG PS were 0-1). Referral forms with patients’ premorbid condition, current activities of daily living and latest haematology plans were sent to GDH which were then screened by GDH nurse in-charge. First assessment by Geriatricians would be arranged within 4 weeks. A 8-12 weeks bi-weekly rehabilitation program was launched after first assessment. Pre and post program tests include Gait speed, Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Reach (FR) and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (Lawton IADL) were performed by physiotherapists and occupational therapists to evaluate the effectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation. A 7-point Likert scale survey was performed to review patients’ satisfaction about the referral and outcomes after rehabilitation.
Result & Outcome: :
Among the 10 recruited patients, all of the above functional status showed improvement after GDH rehabilitation program. Gait speed and MBI showed average increment of 4.76% and 6.31%. BBS, FR and Lawton IADL had improved 9.77%, 20.00% and 33.20% respectively. In patients’ satisfaction survey, the average score for GDH rehabilitation referral was 6.7 out of 7 and all of them were satisfied with the outcomes after completion of program.
Above results showed desirable outcomes after implementing GDH rehabilitation program with multi-disciplinary approach. In the future, it is encouraged to have early referral for those deconditioned patients with haematological malignancies. This facilitates the improvement of functional status and ECOG performance status of patients, especially for the potential autologous or allogeneic transplantation candidates.
