Kai Sing Sun1, Tai Pong Lam1, Kwok Fai Lam2, Tak Lam Lo1,3, David Vai Kiong Chao1,4, Edmund Wing Wo Lam1, Dan Wu5. 1. Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. 2. Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. 3. Kwai Chung Hospital, Hong Kong, China. 4. Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, United Christian Hospital and Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong, China. 5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project-China, Guangzhou, China.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: While qualitative studies suggested that continuity of care by primary care physicians (PCPs) facilitated consultations for psychological problems, there was limited quantitative evidence. This survey compared management of psychological distress between patients with and without a regular PCP. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted with 1626 adult primary care attenders from 13 private and 6 public clinics in Hong Kong. Management of psychological distress between respondents with a regular PCP and those without were compared. Effects of demographic factors were adjusted for by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Among the 1626 respondents, 650 (40.0%) reported that they had ever experienced psychological distress. Of the 650 respondents experienced distress, 307 (47.2%) had a regular PCP. A significantly higher proportion of patients with a regular PCP than those without reported: (i) their PCPs sometimes/often asked about psychological problems [37.7 versus 20.1%, adjusted OR = 2.241]; (ii) they sometimes/often mentioned their psychological problems to PCPs [45.2 versus 24.9%, adjusted OR = 2.503]; and (iii) their distress had been treated by PCPs [22.1 versus 13.4%, adjusted OR = 1.702]. CONCLUSION: Patients with a regular PCP have around double odds of receiving mental health care. Continuity of care by PCPs should be emphasized in mental health care delivery.
BACKGROUND: While qualitative studies suggested that continuity of care by primary care physicians (PCPs) facilitated consultations for psychological problems, there was limited quantitative evidence. This survey compared management of psychological distress between patients with and without a regular PCP. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted with 1626 adult primary care attenders from 13 private and 6 public clinics in Hong Kong. Management of psychological distress between respondents with a regular PCP and those without were compared. Effects of demographic factors were adjusted for by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Among the 1626 respondents, 650 (40.0%) reported that they had ever experienced psychological distress. Of the 650 respondents experienced distress, 307 (47.2%) had a regular PCP. A significantly higher proportion of patients with a regular PCP than those without reported: (i) their PCPs sometimes/often asked about psychological problems [37.7 versus 20.1%, adjusted OR = 2.241]; (ii) they sometimes/often mentioned their psychological problems to PCPs [45.2 versus 24.9%, adjusted OR = 2.503]; and (iii) their distress had been treated by PCPs [22.1 versus 13.4%, adjusted OR = 1.702]. CONCLUSION:Patients with a regular PCP have around double odds of receiving mental health care. Continuity of care by PCPs should be emphasized in mental health care delivery.
Authors: Emily Tsui Yee Tse; Cindy Lo Kuen Lam; Carlos King Ho Wong; Weng Yee Chin; Rebecca S Etz; Stephen J Zyzanski; Kurt C Stange Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2021-09-21 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Tai Pong Lam; Hoi Yan Chan; Leon Piterman; Mei Wa Wong; Kai Sing Sun; Kwok Fai Lam; Tak Hon Chan; Wu Dan; Agnes Tiwari Journal: BMC Fam Pract Date: 2020-07-30 Impact factor: 2.497