Serial surveys performed in Hong Kong showed that the prevalence of mental disorders in Hong Kong is worsening. For instance, a population-based study showed that around 38% of respondents considered their mental health to be poorer, with approximately 49.4% and 41.3% of the study participants demonstrating symptoms of mild to severe depression and anxiety, respectively [1]. The situation is compounded by the impact of these mental disorders being extended to our younger generation aged 6 to 17 years; a recent study found that 25% of Hong Kong children and adolescents suffered from a mental disorder in the past 12 months [2]. Most patients with mental disorders, including anxiety and depression, are seen in primary care settings by family physicians and allied health professionals. However, the most commonly cited barriers to seek support among these patients included "lack of available mental health services" and 'long waiting times for service" [1]. Besides, it is anticipated that the health service demands for mental problems becomes increasingly substantial. Hence, primary care providers are in a privileged position to provide first-contact, comprehensive, continuous, and tailored intervention to prevent and manage mental health issues in the community and clinic settings.
This seminar will review existing primary care, community resources that could be utilised to manage this increasing healthcare demand. These include: 1). competence and proficiency of family physicians to handle common psychiatric disorders; 2). various self-support groups in non-government organizations; 3). novel digital mental health platforms that could engage patients; 4). telepsychiatry and excellence of family medicine training; and 5). health-social collaboration via multidisciplinary, joint initiatives among key stakeholders in primary care. The talk will also identify the current challenges and opportunities to expand innovative strategies, as well as future perspectives to fund research studies and inform healthcare policy.
