Authors: (including presenting author): :
Chan KK, Wong PH, Tang WY, Lai SW, Cheng YC, Mak YK
Affiliation: :
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Patient Empowerment
Keyword 2: :
Self-Wound Dressing
Keyword 3: :
Public Healthcare Fee Reforms
Introduction: :
The Patient Empowerment on Self-Wound Dressing Program was established at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) since 2014. Over the past decade, the program has empowered over 450 patients and caregivers with skills and knowledge to self-manage their wounds. The program has significantly reduced reliance on General Outpatient Clinics (GOPC) and Community Nursing Services (CNS) and avoided unplanned readmission. In light of recent public healthcare fee reforms, this program offers a feasible alternative with economic benefits for both patients and caregivers. Despite its long-standing implementation, the program’s overall effectiveness and the specific profiles of successful adopters remain underexplored. A systematic evaluation is essential to inform future service planning and optimization.
Objectives: :
This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Patient Empowerment on Self-Wound Dressing Program at PYNEH and identified patient and caregiver profiles associated with the successful self-dressing adoption.
Methodology: :
A 10-year retrospective review used standardized questionnaires and telephone interviews to assess program satisfaction and clinical outcomes. A convenience sample of 156 participants was analyzed. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression were used to examine associations between sociodemographic factors, wound characteristics, and adoption success.
Result & Outcome: :
The program achieved an 84% satisfaction rate and a 2% unplanned readmission rate. In total, more than 6,000 GOPC and CNS dressing visits were spared. Patients with chronic ulcers were significantly more likely to adopt self-dressing (OR = 6.12, p = 0.004). Marital status was the most significant sociodemographic predictor of adoption confidence, highlighting the critical role of caregiver support. Furthermore, 99% of participants perceived the program as cost-effective and convenient. A decade of experience demonstrates that this patient empowerment program is safe, effective, and sustainable, bridging hospital and home care. It fulfills the needs of patients and their caregivers, while avoids unplanned readmission. Identifying suitable patient profiles is essential for targeted implementation. Looking ahead, in the context of recent healthcare reforms, self-wound dressing is well positioned to reduce service dependency while promoting positive self-care behaviors. Preliminary observations indicate increased patient and caregiver interest following fee reforms. Future development should explore extending the program to convalescence units and selected disease-specific care pathways to meet growing demand. The anticipated rise in wound care needs underscores the importance of continued attention from healthcare authorities.
