Authors (including presenting author) :
Ng KY (1), Lee KC (2), Au Yeung SH (3), Lee M (4), Ng YB (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, United Christian Hospital (2) Nursing Services Division, United Christian Hospital (3) Central Sterile Supply Department & Theatre Sterile Supply Unit, United Christian Hospital (4) Department of Ear, Nose & Throat/Ophthalmology/ Dentistry & Maxillofacial Surgery, United Christian Hospital & Tseung Kwan O Hospital
Introduction :
It was no doubt that optimal patient care involves a coordinated approach by multidisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals. Inter-departmental collaboration is crucial to facilitate the provision of seamless and streamlined care across different settings.
Objectives :
(1) Explore inter-departmental collaboration opportunities;
(2) Promote mutual understanding between staff from different ranks and departments;
(3) Explore and adopt good practice from others.
Methodology :
Inter-departmental visitation was coordinated. Participants were asked to join the briefing sessions which introduce the objectives of the visitation, debriefing session which participant have to express their suggestion towards collaboration between departments. Besides, participants were requested to complete a worksheet and evaluation form after visitation.
Result & Outcome :
Two identical visitation to the AED, an Acute Geriatric Ward and Discharge Lounge were held in November 2019. A total of 22 participants from 14 departments joined. Participants mentioned that they got better understanding of other departments. For instance, collaboration between community nurse and AED which optimize use of community care services for relieving the pressure of acute bed, the setup of emergency medical ward in AED to minimize unnecessary medical admission. Also, the setup of discharge lounge to accommodate M&G patients waiting for NEATS thereby minimize patients’ waiting time in ward thus avoid access block. Participants from surgical and orthopedic departments stated that they would consider similar service model. Besides, participant from ICU mentioned that they understood more about the admission difficulties in general wards and would convey this message to their colleagues in order to reduce conflicts between departments. Furthermore, participants were able to observe good practices including prepare linen package in advance to facilitate admission bed turnover. Participants claimed they would adopt these practices in their workplace. Conclusions: Inter-departmental visitation was effective in buildup mutual understanding between staffs and inspiring colleagues to facilitate collaborations across departments. Yet easier said than done, it was suggested to organize inter-departmental visitation regularly and follow-up action should be taken afterward in order to put the idea into practice.
