Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong YW(1), Tung KT(1), Wong SY(2), Wan OM(1), Lai SY(1), Chan SF(2)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, United Christian Hospital (2) Health Resource Centre, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
Women who suffered from Gynaecological Diseases would have to perform hysterectomy. With many uncertainties, this group of patient would have many worries and anxieties. The psychosocial activities and empowerment program of SFC help patients to overcome the difficulties and get a positive attitude to face the operation of hysterectomy and their patient journey. Sze Fai Club (SFC), a patient support group, is therefore established with the collaborative effort by Gynaecology Ward and Health Resource Centre since 1996.
Objectives :
The objectives of establishing the patient support group are to: 1. relieve psychological distress of hysterectomy 2. empower disease self management 3. strengthen the support at the post operative phrase and during rehabilitation 4. promote love and care to patients and carers 5. enhance Partnership with Patients and Community and improve patient communication
Methodology :
The activities of SFC include Pre-Admission, Hospitalization and After-Discharge. 1. Preoperative Sharing - Nurses join preoperative talks to enhance the knowledge for reducing anxiety - Well-trained peer volunteers share experiences and skills of facing the disease and promote positive attitudes 2. Inpatient Care and Peer Support -Peer volunteers ward visit patients before and after operation for providing care and support. -Physical and psychological support by nurse. 3. Empowerment after Discharge -Continuity support though regular health lectures and sharing sessions. -Regular psychosocial activities of the Health Resource Centre are held for enhancing mutual support and improving quality of life. Medical and nursing colleagues through participating activities promoting love and care to patients and enhancing team spirit.
Result & Outcome :
From December 2018 to December 2019, SFC held twelve Preoperative Sharing, two Health lectures and one Christmas party. Total 210 patients and 36 family members joined. The evaluation performed after each Health Lectures and events, over 90% of patients and family members expressed that relieve stress of hysterectomy. Moreover, all the patients felt those activities improve communication and receiving concern and care of peer support. Conclusion: Body, mind, community and spirit are very important to the sick. SFC patient support group improves patient care and enhance patient’s quality of life, also collaboration with the community. On the other hand, SFC enhances the team spirit of medical and nursing colleagues.
