Authors (including presenting author) :
Lee SK (1), Leung YY (1), Liu YM (1), Tse TK (1), Tam CY (1), Leung KM (1), Lau TL (1), Tsang SF (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Physiotherapy, Princess Margaret Hospital
Introduction :
Common congenital musculoskeletal conditions referred for in-patient (IP) Physiotherapy include clubfeet, overlapping toes, torticollis and multiple joint contractures. These cases are usually followed up in Physiotherapy out-patient department (OPD) upon discharge for further management. Currently, verbal handover is adopted for communication between IP and OPD therapists.
As deformities may vary in children having the same condition, additional time is required in documenting the joint deviation. It might be difficult for OPD therapists to visualize the conditions based on those descriptions. Hence, if iPad could be used for taking the clinical photos and updating Allied Health Progress Notes (AHPN), communication between therapists could be enhanced.
Objectives :
To provide visualized interpretation for monitoring patient progress and reviewing treatment effectiveness.
To enhance communication between IP and OPD Physiotherapists.
Methodology :
Initial assessment of all musculoskeletal conditions would be documented in AHPN with the use of AH Form App in the iPad. The affected parts would be captured with iPad using the Clinical Cam App. Verbal consent from parents would be obtained and recorded in AHPN.
For patients staying for more than one week, weekly assessment would be performed with new clinical photos uploaded. Discharge summary would be provided upon discharge. Therapists in OPD and other disciplines could retrieve the findings from AHPN and Patient Album in Clinical Management System.
Result & Outcome :
From June to December 2020, there were three cases with multiple joint contractures and clubfeet documented with AHPN. The trial run showed that the process was successful. A total of 12 feedbacks were received from Paediatric Physiotherapists. The satisfaction rate to e-documentation was 100% with all of them very satisfied. They agreed that it provides easier information retrieval and shorter handover time. Handovers were more consistent and effective. Additionally, communication between health care professions was enhanced.
To provide a visualized interpretation on patients’ conditions, clinical photos will be uploaded via iPad in January 2021. It is proposed that staff satisfaction survey and compliance on clinical photo and AHPN will be reviewed by July 2021. Clinical photos and AHPN will also be implemented in other Paediatric conditions if the feedback is positive.
