Authors (including presenting author) :
Chong KW (1), Li KL (1), Lui CY (1), Yau CY (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, Shatin Hospital
Introduction :
Based on caregivers feedback from Carer Empowerment Program (CEP) in our department, 65% of caregivers expressed that they would like to learn more about car transfer skills for their elderly. In order to meet this caregiver need, caregiver education on car transfer should be enhanced.
Objectives :
1. To promote community accessibility of the elderly by formulating various car transfer methods and organizing car transfer resources
2. To empower OT colleagues to provide car transfer training to elderly and caregivers
Methodology :
1. A car transfer working group had been formed. Available resources related to car transfer was gathered, reviewed and analyzed. It included OT experience, videos, pamphlets, websites and books.
2. A flow chart with car transfer methods was formulated to facilitate OT colleagues to select appropriate car transfer methods for elderly with different functional levels.
3. Car transfer methods were video-taped for educating proper transfer technique to OT colleagues and caregivers.
4. A car transfer kit with collection of car transfer aids was created for demonstration.
5. Carer Empowerment Program (CEP) was enriched with videos, demonstration and practice of car transfer methods for carers.
Result & Outcome :
1. In-service training on car transfer methods, aids and related resources was conducted to OT colleagues in Dec, 2018. 2. A practical session was created for skills training to OT colleagues through videos, onsite demonstration and trial in Apr, 2019. 3. Assessment session was conducted in Jun, 2019 to assess the car transfer skills of OT colleagues. Passing rate was 100%. Standardization of the car transfer skills among OT colleagues was achieved. OT colleagues were empowered to provide car transfer training to elderly and caregivers. 4. Individual car transfer training attendance increased more than 85% after the formation of car transfer working group. 5. 190 carers attended car transfer training session in Carer Empowerment Program (CEP) from Apr to Nov, 2019. Upon half year post discharge telephone follow up, up to 73% of caregivers reported that they have increased in confidence and kept using public transportation after discharge back to community.
