Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan CS (1), Koo HW (2), Liu TY (3)
Affiliation :
(1) Dietetic Department, Tin Shui Wai Hospital, (2) Dietetic Department, Tuen Mun Hospital, (3) Dietetic Department, Pok Oi Hospital
Introduction :
During the pandemic of COVID-19, disruption of clinical services is inevitable. Patients who are obese and have pre-diabetes are less likely to attend face-to-face clinic visits with dietitians in order to maintain social distancing. However, this may deprive them of accurate information and timely assistance which are crucial to weight management and delay in development of diabetes. New service delivery is required to serve these patients.
Objectives :
Trial of new service delivery through
1)Combination of clinic visits and frequent telecare (Zoom) follow ups.
2)Utilization of common food items and meal replacement products.
Methodology :
Patients aged > 18 years and body mass index (BMI) > 25kg/m2, with or without pre-diabetes were invited to join the 3-month intensive weight management program. Body weight, height, dietary habits, lab results (if any) and patients’ satisfaction were assessed during the 1st and 2nd clinic visits. Instruction of using meal replacement was given on the 1st clinic visit. Biweekly to monthly Telecare follow ups (Zoom) were scheduled to participants in between the two clinic visits.
Result & Outcome :
Twelve patients joined the program from Sept, 2020 to Dec, 2020. Nine out of twelve patients completed the program. Only completers’ data were presented. Mean age, body weight, BMI was 42±16 years, 92.5±23.9kg, 35 ± 6kg/m2 respectively. Three were male (25%). On average 4 Telecare follow ups were given to each patient. Average weight loss was 5.6±4.8kg, around 5.5±3.2% initial body weight. Four patients (25%) achieved weight loss > 5%. One patient (8.3%) achieved weight loss > 10%. Reduction in either fasting glucose or HBA1c levels were observed in 4 patients (25%). No adverse effects were reported after using meal replacements.
In general, patients’ acceptance to the program was high. Seven out of nine patients (78%) were very satisfied with the program. Six out of nine completers (66%) agreed that they would pay for Telecare service in the future when payment methods in HA Go are available.
