DOI: 10.12809/hkmj144326
© Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
 
MEDICAL PRACTICE
Prevention in primary care is better than cure: The Hong Kong Reference Framework for Preventive Care for Older Adults—translating evidence into practice
Cecilia KL Sin, MB, BS, FHKAM (Family Medicine)1; SN Fu, MB, BS, FHKAM (Family Medicine)1; Caroline SH Tsang, MB, ChB, FHKAM (Community Medicine)1; Wendy WS Tsui, MB, ChB, FHKAM (Family Medicine)1; Felix HW Chan, MBBCh, FHKAM (Medicine)2
1 Primary Care Office, Department of Health, Hong Kong
2 Clinical Advisory Group on Reference Framework for Preventive Care for Older Adults in Primary Care Settings, Hong Kong
Corresponding author: Dr Caroline SH Tsang (caroline_tsang@dh.gov.hk)
 
 Full paper in PDF
 
Abstract
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.
 
 
 
Introduction
Advances in medicine and increased life expectancy mean that Hong Kong is expecting an ageing population, and a significant increase in the number and proportion of older adults. According to the Census and Statistics Department of Hong Kong SAR, it is estimated that by 2041, the number of Hong Kong residents aged 65 years and above will increase from 0.9 million in 2011 (13% of the population) to around 2.6 million (30% of the projected population).1
 
This ageing population poses not only a threat but also a challenge to the current health care system. It is anticipated that the prevalence of common chronic diseases will be further increased with a consequent escalating demand on various health services for older adults. Strategies to promote health, prevent chronic diseases, and preserve functional ability of older adults are therefore vital.
 
In order to provide a general reference for provision of continuous, comprehensive, and evidence-based care for older adults in the primary care setting, the Reference Framework for Preventive Care for Older Adults in Primary Care Settings2 was developed by the Task Force on Conceptual Model and Preventive Protocols under the auspices of the Working Group on Primary Care. It was developed according to the latest research evidence, with contributions from the Clinical Advisory Group that comprises experts from academia, professional organisations, private and public primary care sectors, and patient groups.
 
The reference framework consists of a core document supplemented by a series of modules that address various aspects of disease management and preventive care for older adults.2 To date, the core document, and the modules on health assessment and falls have been developed.
 
This article summarises the main contents and highlights a practical use of this reference framework to enhance the delivery of preventive care for older adults in primary care setting in Hong Kong. Details of the evidence that supports the recommendations are available in the core document of the reference framework.2
 
Role of primary care in the preventive care of older adults
As the first point of contact, primary care providers are in a prime position to promote health, prevent and monitor disease, and reduce functional disabilities.3 Primary care physicians provide health education, risk assessment, and follow-up care for medical conditions. They also advise and refer patients for appropriate health care services as necessary, and provide support and advice to family members and carers. It is firmly established that patient education and counselling in the primary care setting contributes to a better understanding of health and can thus influence an individual to adopt health protective behaviour.4
 
Only 0.5% of clinical encounters among older people at a local primary care level are initiated for a physical checkup.5 It has been suggested that apart from designated appointments in primary care settings, health assessment can be performed opportunistically over time and during multiple visits. Indeed, every clinic visit to a primary care provider should be seen as an opportunity to screen for any physical, psychological, or social problems.6 7 When one considers that 80% of the Hong Kong population have consulted a primary care provider in 1 year, with a mean of eight primary care visits per year,8 there is ample opportunity for primary care providers to discuss preventive care services.
 
Evidence-based preventive care for older adults
The core document2 provides up-to-date evidence-based recommendations for preventive care of older adults in primary care setting. These recommendations can be categorised into various health domains, including vaccination, adoption of a healthy lifestyle, dental health, chronic diseases, cancers, functional disability, mental disorders, polypharmacy and adverse drug reactions, and assessment of social network and support. A summary of the recommendations is listed in Table 1.9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 Although the recommendations aim to support primary care providers in decision-making, the care provided for each patient should also be individualised.
 

Table 1. Summary of recommendations on preventive care for older adults in primary care settings
 
Practice of evidence-based recommendations for older adults with different functional capacity
Older adults vary in their needs and functional capacity. In a healthy active older adult, the emphasis will often be on health promotion and disease-prevention activities. At the other extreme, a frail older adult with additional special needs will require a comprehensive assessment and formulation of an individualised care plan. The needs and condition of an older adult may also change over time. It is not uncommon to see a healthy active older adult suddenly becomes disabled following an untoward event.
 
In order to formulate a personalised care plan and effectively implement the evidence-based recommendations, three categories of functional capacity of older adults have been proposed—independent with no known chronic diseases, independent with chronic diseases, and older adults with disabilities.
 
For all older adults and as far as applicable, promotion of a healthy lifestyle and early identification and appropriate management of risk factors—such as unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and tobacco use—should form the cornerstone in prevention or management of chronic diseases. A healthy lifestyle is known to be positively associated with better physical and mental health as well as longevity, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and more quality-adjusted life years.33 34 Thus promoting a healthy lifestyle should be one of the main focuses in healthy ageing.
 
For older adults of all functional stages, a healthy lifestyle and modification of behavioural risk factors should be promoted as much as is practical. Table 2 provides a summary of the recommendations.
 

Table 2. Recommendations on lifestyle advice
 
Independent with no known chronic disease
Staying active and healthy is essential to the quality of life. The functional decline that occurs with ageing may be due, at least in part, to lifestyle, behaviour, diet, and the environment, which are all modifiable factors.35
 
The primary objective for this category of older adults is to maintain optimal functional capacity and prevent or delay the development of chronic disease, thus helping to extend a healthy active life. In addition to health education and promotion, a systemic health assessment and early identification of chronic diseases are important.
 
The recommended items for assessment in this category of older adults are listed in Table 3. Details of preventive care can be found in the respective chapter of the core document2 and/or module quoted in brackets.
 

Table 3. Recommendations on preventive care for independent older adults with no known chronic diseases
 
Independent with chronic diseases
Older adults with chronic diseases vary in clinical heterogeneity, number of chronic conditions, severity of illness, and functional limitations. Chronic diseases exert a synergistic effect such that the combined disabling effect of different diseases is greater than the combined effect of each.36 As the number of chronic diseases in an individual increases, the risk of mortality, poor functional status, unnecessary hospitalisations, and adverse drug events also increases.37 38 39 Multiple chronic diseases can be accompanied by loss of function, reduced independence, and increased risk of depressive illness. These subsequently contribute to frailty and disability.37 40
 
The objectives of preventive services in these older adults are to appropriately manage their chronic diseases with reference to both secondary and tertiary prevention, as well as to maintain functional independence. The recommendations on preventive care for independent older adults with chronic diseases are summarised in Table 4. Details about preventive care can be found in the relevant chapter of the core document and/or module quoted in brackets.2
 

Table 4. Recommendations on preventive care for independent older adults with chronic diseases
 
Older adults with disabilities
Older adults who suffer multiple debilitating diseases (such as stroke, dementia, or arthritis) are likely to face disabling barriers that inhibit or prevent their integration into the community. Chronic pain is also common in this group of older adults and invariably jeopardises physical, psychological, and social wellbeing.
 
The approach to this group is early intervention to prevent further loss of function, so as to maintain optimal functional capacity and improve quality of life, and also facilitate integration into society for those who have relatively mild disability. A comprehensive assessment should be offered to this group of older adults with complex needs, and should encompass physical, psychological, and social aspects of care (eg ability in self-care, hearing and visual impairment, incontinence, falls, depression, cognitive impairment, malnutrition, polypharmacy, social support, and carer stress).
 
The recommendations on preventive care for older adults with disabilities are listed in Table 5. Details about preventive care can again be found in the relevant chapter of the core document and/or module quoted in brackets.2
 

Table 5. Recommendations on preventive care for older adults with disabilities
 
The two-page summary
A 2-page summary (Fig) has been developed to provide a quick reference for primary care providers on preventive care for older adults. It provides a summary of the evidence-based recommendations for preventive activities and the practice of recommendations for older adults with different functional capacities. The relevant chapter of the preventive care is stated in the summary for further information and supporting evidence. It can also be downloaded from the Primary Care Office website (http://www.pco.gov.hk/english/resource/files/Summary_page_older_adult.pdf).
 

Figure. Two-page summary of the Hong Kong Reference Framework for Preventive Care for Older Adults in Primary Care Settings
 
Patient education materials
In a busy clinic, patient education material is an effective means to deliver preventive care information to patients and their carers. The resources related to the health care of older adults are available in Annex 3 of the core document.2 These resources provide information for the local community and help primary care providers coordinate care with other professionals and specialists. Families can also be put in touch with community-based services. With appropriate care, older adults can achieve optimum health and improve their quality of life.
 
Conclusion
Effective preventive care of older adults can be achieved through health education and promotion, prevention and monitoring of diseases, and reduction of functional disabilities. Primary care providers play an important role in providing patient-centred, comprehensive, continuing, and coordinated preventive care to older adults in the community. In addition, continued efforts of different health care providers, professional organisations, social service agencies, and all stakeholders are needed to provide a supportive environment for active and healthy ageing. It is hoped that through the development and promotion of this reference framework, more emphasis can be placed on preventive care in older adults. This will improve their health and promote healthy ageing.
 
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