Page 160 - HA Convention 2015

Masterclasses

MC10.2 Primary Care Service 14:30 Theatre 1

Tuesday, 19 May The Development of Primary Care in Hong Kong
Chan S
Food and Health Bureau, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Health is an important asset to all cities around the world. It is in particular imperative for sustainable development of modern
metropolis like Hong Kong. Our population is expanding and ageing. It is estimated that by 2041, Hong Kong’s population
will reach 8.5 million with persons aged 65 or above accounting for 30% of the total population. Against daunting challenges
like prevalence of chronic diseases and ever-rising care demands by the elderly community, a good primary care system is
essential for promoting and maintaining population health.

Primary care provides preventive care as well as comprehensive and holistic management of diseases. Evidence-based
practice is an essential element in primary care as it facilitates delivery of quality primary care with effective interventions.

Putting the idea of evidence-based approach into our local context, reference frameworks for the care of major chronic
diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as preventive care for different population groups, including children
and older adults, have been developed with strong participation and support from expert groups comprising both academics
and practitioners. Primary Care Office also provides professional and secretariat support to such expert groups. These
reference frameworks provide common reference for healthcare professionals to provide continuing, comprehensive and
evidence-based care in the community, empower patients and their carers, and raise public awareness of the importance
of the proper prevention and management of chronic diseases. Various promulgation activities for the reference frameworks
are being conducted, including organisation of Continuous Medical Education seminars through collaboration with
professional associations, and production of reminders in various forms to facilitate primary care providers in adopting the
recommendations of the reference frameworks during their daily practice.

Apart from showcasing these Hong Kong Reference Frameworks, we look forward to wider use and application of these tools
in primary care settings in both public and private sectors to underpin the various initiatives rolled out by the Government in
recent years.

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