Authors (including presenting author) :
Lam PL, Mak YMK, Mak KS, Ho YL, Yeung W, Chan LW, Chan YH, Chu WT, Ng WC, Tsung WC
Affiliation :
Cheshire Home, Shatin
Introduction :
Coronavirus had spread exponentially and threatened everyone, especially the elderly. Cheshire Home, Shatin (SCH) is comprised of high risk old-aged infirmary and disabled patients. A series of measures had been implemented to prevent the outbreak of COVID-19 in SCH.
Objectives :
1. To implement COVID-19 outbreak prevention measures but not affecting the service in SCH
2. Maintain connection and support between patients and their relatives with the help of technology
3. To support acute hospitals with surplus of personal protective equipment (PPE) and stringent utilization in SCH
4. Proactive early COVID-19 test for identification of origin
Methodology :
1. Virtual visitation was introduced for patients and relatives. The virtual visitation was provided weekly or more frequently upon request.
2. During non-office hour, off-site doctors provided tele-consultation with hospital iPad.
3. Allied health provided tele-rehabilitation service for discharged patients.
4. Telemedicine was arranged for patient following up in Li Ka Shing Psychiatric Out-patient Department in Princes of Wales Hospital.
5. Infection control team regularly advised on and supervised infection control measures in SCH.
6. In view of increasing demand of PPE in acute hospitals for confirmed COVID-19 cases, stringent PPE utilization within SCH was reinforced. Surplus was sent to acute hospital for support.
7. Supervisors liaised with staff clinic for early COVID-19 test for staff with symptoms.
8. All infirmary patients should provide negative result before admission during the pandemic.
9. Disabled residents in Chalets who used to purchase daily necessities outside were recommended to do online shopping to minimize day-leave frequency.
10. Active promotion of Influenza vaccine to staff and patients was carried out to minimize Twindemic risk.
Result & Outcome :
Up to current, no patient or staff of SCH acquired COVID-19.
493 episodes of virtual visitation were arranged from and 70% patients experienced video calls with family. 4 suitable patients experienced telemedicine psychiatric follow-up.
9 pre-admission patients provided negative COVID-19 results. 21 staff with symptoms proactively tested and resumed working in clinical areas after the result was negative. 78.9% staff and 75% patients received influenza vaccination.
Conclusions
A series of interventions implemented SCH have successfully kept our high risk patients from COVID-19 infection. These measures will be continued as to protect patients and staff in SCH and to maintain the services of SCH.
