Introduction
Patients commonly experience difficulties in personal care tasks due to the disease or deconditioning upon discharge. But the caregivers' needs are often given low priority in the management of patient upon discharge. Carer education plays an important role in preparing patients and carers physiologically and psychologically for early discharge. In the conventional intervention, an occupational therapist will conduct individual carer training skills to patient’s carer. To improve our workflow efficiency, we designed a carers empowerment program.
Objectives
(1) To equip carers with knowledge and skills for discharge planning (2) To enhance the independence of the patients; (3) To encourage sharing and discussion within the group; (4) To deliver service in a more effective way
Methodology
Occupational therapists will conduct ADL assessment to patients transferred to medical unit of TMH. Patients were stratified by their level of assistance required. Minimal to moderate assistance level patients were referred to the carer empowerment program if needed. The group was conducted by one OT and one PCA. It contained educational and practical session, assistive device and home modification were introduced. Home screening was also initiated for indicated cases. In practical session, carers were invited to participate in role-play. Carers could learn from each other interactively through feedback and discussion. Each session lasted for 30-45 minutes.
Results & Outcome
9 sessions of carer empowerment group were held from September 2017 to November 2018. 40 carers attended the groups. A satisfaction survey was conducted and majority of participants appreciated the group (Extremely & Strongly Agree: 89%). Most of them believed the group improved their knowledge and skills (Extremely & Strongly Agree: 78%) and boosted their confidence (Extremely & Strongly Agree: 78%). Most importantly, they agreed that the group facilitated future care planning (Extremely & Strongly Agree: 85%). Feedback from case therapists expressed the group could streamline the workflow and could facilitate discharge planning. Each carer empowerment group could serve 4-5 carers at the same time. When compared with conventional individual carer training around 30 minutes for each patient, the group training can enhance occupational therapist workflow efficiency. Conclusion To conclude, feedbacks from participants provided evidence in supporting the carer empowerment program. The objectives of the group were achieved through this mode of service delivery. The carer empowerment program can shorten the discharge planning time.
Co-location with:
