The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) COVID-19 Physiotherapy Service Staff Engagement Program: Engaging Staff, Enhancing Preparedness for the Pandemic Service

Ms Shirley Ka Wai Lee¹, Dr David Tai Wai Yu¹, Dr Andy Chi Ming Chan¹

¹Physiotherapy Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong

Introduction:

In the emerging challenge of COVID-19 pandemic, there was significant demand of Physiotherapy service for old-aged and critically-ill patients, who suffered from deconditioning and respiratory failure, in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) of Hong Kong.

Only few Physiotherapists have been deployed during the early phase of pandemic in March 2020. When another outbreak was approaching in mid-June 2020, QEH COVID-19 Physiotherapy Service Staff Engagement Program has been established to enhance staff preparedness and ensure adequate workforce with safe practice.

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness and staff satisfaction of the program

Methodology:

The program started since early June 2020. It involved simulation training to share skills to ensure safe and effective practice, reinforcement of infection control measures, prior wards tour round for workflow familiarization, and clinical attachment to enhance practical skills. Besides, on-site support for each staff during the early phase of their roster was provided for timely assistance. Daily debriefing was provided for service improvement and psychological support.

Results:

Forty-one Physiotherapists joined the program and have been deployed. Staff satisfaction survey was conducted and response rate was 85.4% (35 respondents out of 41 participants). All colleagues agreed (54.3% strongly agree, 45.7% agree) they have obtained required skills and knowledge to perform necessary tasks in clinical setting. All of them also satisfied with the program (68.6% strongly satisfied, 31.4% satisfied).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the program enhanced staff preparedness, in terms of clinical skills and psychological well-being, to ensure staff could provide safe and effective treatment to the patients.

Biography:

Shirley obtained her professional training in 2003. She serves as Senior Physiotherapist of Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Hong Kong. She has extensive clinical experience in Adult Intensive Care Unit, Cardiac Care Unit, Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit and Respirology Wards. With her vast experience in Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy, Shirley keens to share clinical knowledge and skills with other Physiotherapists. She has organized series of simulation trainings, e.g. early mobilization for critically-ill patients, ventilator hyperinflation, suction audit and infection control practice, so as to improve staff competency. Shirley also actively participates in the Physiotherapy professional body, in terms of organizing various seminars/workshops for Physiotherapists.