Authors: (including presenting author): :
Lai KW (1), Tsui YC(1), Tang LM (1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Department of Physiotherapy, Prince of Wales Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Walking aids prescription
Keyword 2: :
Fall prevention
Introduction: :
Walking aids prescription and training are common referrals for lower limb injury patients in the Accident and Emergency department (AED). In 2024, over 568 patients were referred for walking aids prescription, consisting 39.6% of physiotherapy referrals in AED, Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH). Therefore, physiotherapy service of walking aids prescription highly demanded in AED to facilitate mobility and patient discharge. However, there is no physiotherapy service available in AED during evening or holiday. Patients are required to return for ambulatory training on the next working day. This imposes risk of falling caused by improper use of walking aids and poor compliance to the recommended weight bearing status. Therefore, a formal educational material of walking aids training is necessary to prevent further injury.
Objectives: :
To enhance the physiotherapy service with patient empowerment materials in AED by promoting proper ambulation techniques during non-working hours of physiotherapists and minimise the risk of fall.
Methodology: :
Since January 2025, all patients whom reattended AED for walking aids prescription were selected to assess their accuracy in walking aids utilization. They were allocated into two groups: Individuals who did not received educational materials (Group A) and those who received educational materials (Group B). An assessment tool of accuracy of using walking aids was used. Patient’s competence of using walking aids and their compliance on recommended weight bearing status were assessed. A survey was applied in group B to evaluate their satisfaction to the educational materials. All assessment outcomes of group A and B were summarised and compared through descriptive statistics and Chi-square test of independence.
Result & Outcome: :
In 2025, 67 patients were selected to assess their competence and technique in using walking aids with regard to their recommended weight bearing status. Group A consisted of 46 patients and 21 patients in group B. 95% of patients in group B were able to demonstrate accurate walking procedures with appropriate walking aids, while only 46% of patients in group A were able to perform (p=0.0001). Moreover, 26% of patients in group A experienced fall injury or were in risk of falling due to improper use of walking aids, while no patient in group B fell or was in risk of falling (p=0.0128). Overall, patients agreed that the content of educational pamphlet and videos can promote confidence in walking aids usage and reduced risk of fall. Therefore, the educational pamphlet is effective to promoting patients’ competence and confidence in using walking aids and minimising the risk of falling.
