Prevention in primary care is better than cure: The Hong Kong Reference Framework for Preventive Care for Older Adults--translating evidence into practice

• Published in: Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi Vol. 21; no. 4; pp. 353 - 359
• Main Authors: Sin, Cecilia K L, Fu, S N, Tsang, Caroline S H, Tsui, Wendy W S, Chan, Felix H W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: China Hong Kong Academy of Medicine 01.08.2015
• Subjects: Adults; Advisory Committees; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Chronic illnesses; Disability; Disease prevention; Health behavior; Health education; Health Services for the Aged - standards; Hong Kong; Humans; Lifestyles; Older people; People with disabilities; Polypharmacy; Practice Guidelines as Topic - standards; Preventive Health Services - methods; Preventive Health Services - standards; Preventive medicine; Primary care; Primary Health Care - methods; Primary Health Care - standards; Quality of life; Hong Kong; Hong Kong China; China; Primary health care; Aged; Preventive medicine
• DOI: 10.12809/hkmj144326
• ISSN: 1024-2708

An ageing population is posing a great challenge to Hong Kong. Maintaining health and functional independence among older adults is of utmost importance, and requires the collaborative efforts of multiple health care disciplines from both the private and public sectors. The Reference Framework for Preventive Care for Older Adults, developed by the Task Force on Conceptual Model and Preventive Protocols under the auspices of the Working Group on Primary Care, aims to enhance primary care for this population group. The reference framework emphasises a comprehensive, integrated, and collaborative approach that involves providers of primary care from multiple disciplines. In addition to internet-based information, helpful tools in the form of summary charts and Cue Cards are also produced to facilitate incorporation of recommendations by primary care providers into their daily practice. It is anticipated that wide adoption of the reference framework will contribute to improving older adults' health in our community.