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Multidisciplinary teams of medical and social professionals have an edge over physicians in
solo practice in providing primary care. These primary care professionals provide
components of healthcare that are not provided by a specialist doctor, such as rehabilitation
and lifestyle modification important for individuals with multi-morbidities. Furthermore, the
vision of an integrated, holistic, patient-centred approach in primary care
stands in stark contrast with the fragmented and overly specialist-oriented system in Hong
Kong. Interviewees mapped out visions of blueprint of a healthier, primary care-led system in
Hong Kong, often drawing from international examples such as the health system in
Toronto (Canada).

Stakeholders’ voices

The most important services provided by the DHC are really the allied health
services. The occupational therapists, the physiotherapists, the dietitians-
which are very difficult for a solo private doctor to have access to and too
expensive for the patients to visit on their own. We’re talking about diabetes
mellitus. They need a lot of [supporting] services.

Academic

The Hospital Authority cannot, is not, and will not be able to
provide a generalist-led health promotion, health awareness
and health screening process. So alternative systems must be
established. In Toronto, Ontario, hubs of clinics [have been set
up] at local levels. [It] would be a very desirable option [for
Hong Kong to follow]. They have a comprehensive team of staff
with targets of health promotion as well. Diet, exercise, and
lifestyle are so fundamentally important. Mental health is also
greatly neglected [in Hong Kong].
Academic

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