Page 26 - HKU Nursing 25th Anniversary Booklet

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Community Engagement

C IT I Z E NSH I P A N D C O M M U N IT Y

Our contributions during difficult times

Back in 2003 when the SARS epidemic affected Hong Kong badly, our nursing students, collaborated with
medical students, to kick off a campaign to promote personal hygiene and preventive measures to the general
public by setting up booths at MTR stations. Our teachers and students also conducted a telephone health
education programme for older people and visited primary schools to promote SARS prevention. Moreover, our
researchers examined the role of nurses in combating the spread of the virus and developed a nursing care model
to improve infection prevention measures for healthcare workers.

Seventeen years later, the whole world faced the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. With advances in technology,
we were able to effectively deliver health messages to communities inside and outside Hong Kong. Our colleagues
and students developed videos to debunk some of the myths surrounding COVID-19 and demystified rumours by
offering sound advice based on science. They also provided guidance on ways to take care of mental well-being
during such unprecedented times. These videos have been distributed across Hong Kong and have also been
shared widely in Asian countries. Our colleagues also developed a video about home hygiene to educate both the
general public and volunteers who support our senior citizens in their homes. This video not only provides important
practical information, but it also helps older adults feel they have some control over their lives despite uncertainty.

A nurse-led tele-care protocol also addressed the health needs of socially isolated older adults. For service
providers, the School prepared an online course for workers and volunteers in the elderly service units of NGOs to
help them cope with the pandemic situation. We also participated in the Universal Community Testing Programme
organised by the HKSAR Government. Our colleagues conducted studies and investigations related to the physical
and mental well-being of the general public, students, patients, and service providers with a view to ensuring
holistic care even during the most difficult of times.