Authors (including presenting author) :
KWONG TK(1), TSANG HL(2), SZETO WL(2), TANG SK(1), LEE KY(2), SZE MP (2), CHENG YL(2), WONG KH(2), CHENG SP (2), CHENG LK(2)
Affiliation :
(1) Nursing Service Division, United Christian Hospital, (2) Department of Psychiatry, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
To address the psychological wellbeing and facilitate a smooth integration for new graduates starting a lifelong career in psychiatric nursing, the Department of Psychiatry, United Christian Hospital (UCH) have launched a proactive and innovative preceptorship program since 2018. The Psy ToUCH program, with the meaning of To UCH - Psychiatry, which is a 10-day induction program to familiarize newcomers with each psychiatric clinical setting in UCH. The program consisted of lectures and experiential learning including role plays, games and site visit. Newcomers would experience the patient journey comprehensively through our psychiatric services in UCH and community partners in Kowloon East Cluster (KEC). For the second intake in 2019, 18 new graduates were welcomed and 26 nursing staff were involved from the department. The nursing staff from supervisory level were invited to deliver lectures and activities, whereas junior staff shared their valuable experience and professional development as peer sharing. A well-designed induction program would definitely reduce insecurity of newcomers and yet users’ feedback could value its effectiveness. Evaluation was thus collected at the end of program and suggestions are made based on the comments from participants.
Objectives :
(1) Strengthen awareness through comprehensive exposure to different clinical settings
(2) Gain insights by understanding the collaboration between various clinical units
Methodology :
After the 10-day induction program, all participants were invited to complete a set of evaluation forms aiming at logistics arrangement and outcome effectiveness. Comments for each individual session were collected, thus applicability of each topic could be assessed.
Result & Outcome :
With all sessions completed in the evaluation form by the participants, they found this program not only giving them a chance to revise what they have learnt from textbook, but also to familiarize them with the setting in real clinical units. Owing to this interactive program, they built up sense of belonging and cohesion via experiential learning. The newcomers also acquired a thorough understanding to the psychiatric settings in UCH and gained psychological support as there is sufficient time for interaction in this 10-day program. Members highly appreciated the valuable opportunity of visiting Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness (ICCMW) which truly demonstrated the essence of community partnership in genuine psychiatric practice.
