Utlilisation patterns of primary health care services in Hong Kong: does having a family doctor make any difference?

Primary care should be a gate-keeper for secondary health services to prevent illness, improve health, enable coping with illness, and satisfy needs. The family doctor model has been proposed by the government as a solution for the rising demand for quality primary health care services for the ageing population in Hong Kong. This study aimed to explore the utilisation rates and patterns of various primary health care services, and the process and outcomes of primary care consultations in Hong Kong, and whether having a family doctor makes any difference.<p></p> The objectives were to determine the rates and patterns of utilisation of different primary health care services, the process (including non-drug managements) and patient self-reported outcomes (enablement, change in health, and satisfaction) following primary care consultations, and any difference in the care for people with and without a regular family doctor

Patient morbidity and management patterns of community-based primary health care services in Hong Kong

Population ageing and changes in the socioeconomic structure affect the disease pattern. Chronic diseases and psychological illnesses are major health care burdens in the 21st century.1 Primary care doctors are taking care of an increasing load of patients with chronic illness.<p></p> This study aimed to explore the patterns of diseases and their management presenting to primary care doctors in Hong Kong, and whether different funding methods had an effect on these patterns

Patient morbidity and management patterns of community-based primary health care services in Hong Kong

Population ageing and changes in the socioeconomic structure affect the disease pattern. Chronic diseases and psychological illnesses are major health care burdens in the 21st century.1 Primary care doctors are taking care of an increasing load of patients with chronic illness.<p></p> This study aimed to explore the patterns of diseases and their management presenting to primary care doctors in Hong Kong, and whether different funding methods had an effect on these patterns