Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan CHH (1), Lau YLA (1),Lui CYG (1), Li CM (1), Chan CKG (1), Yip WH (1), SS Ng (1), Pang WMS (1), Chow KM (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital
Introduction :
COVID-19 pandemic imposed an unprecedented challenge to internship. The optimal arrangements of training and deployment of interns to isolation ward team under this crisis was unknown.
Objectives :
We aim to design an isolation ward intern deployment system to address their training need, learning experience, psychological well-being and safety
Methodology :
Recruitment was done prior to the rotation to identify volunteers. Each selected intern was deployed to isolation ward team for a period of one month. They were responsible for the care of patients in both isolation wards and enhanced surveillance wards. Briefings by ID team and intern coordinators were hold before each deployment. Updates on latest COVID-19 situation, revision on infection control guidelines and practical tips on serving in isolation wards were given during the briefing. Peer sharing by interns from previous rotation was also provided. PPE audit and up-to-date mask fit test were ensured before deployment. During the deployment, interns were encouraged to actively participate in patient care by conducting ward rounds and performing bedside procedures under supervision. Constant support and regular two-way communication with the interns and supervisors to answer interns’ needs were maintained throughout the deployment period. Post-deployment debriefing and survey were performed to further refine the logistics.
Result & Outcome :
17 interns completed the post-deployment survey. They were highly satisfied with the overall experience of the isolation ward team deployment (average 4.76/5). They found the pre-deployment briefing was useful (average 4.35/5). Specifically, they found that the briefing addressed their psychological concerns (average 4.1/5), and found the PPE audit and re-fit test useful (average 4.41/5). During the deployment, they found their workload manageable in both daytime (average 4.41/5) and during on-call (average 3.95/5). They found that adequate and suitable protection was given (average 4.70/5), they were being treated as part of the team (average 4.41/5) and they have learnt new knowledge (average 4.70/5). All (100%) expressed that, if given a chance, they will choose to join the isolation ward team again. An isolation ward intern deployment system with proper briefing, constant support and active involvement of interns in the clinical care of patients may enhance interns’ learning experience and training, while maintaining their psychological well-being and safety during COVID-19 pandemic.
