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Conclusion: a holistic capacity planning blueprint and policy framework on end-of-life care is due

Hong Kong’s elderly population will increase to one million plus (Census and Statistics Department,
2017) in the next twenty years. Rapid population ageing will see an emerging prevalence of caregivers,
and a rising need for EoLC services in Hong Kong. Our study indicates that today, already 11.2% of Q10
respondents needed to provide daily care to the elderly, or to individuals with chronic conditions within
their own household. The role of caregivers will become increasingly prominent and the need for EoLC
services will continue to rise.
OHKF welcomes the current legislative proposal on promoting advance directives and dying-in-place in
Hong Kong. Concluding our study findings, however, the key development areas of end-of-life care for
the Government’s reflection include: the lack of education and advocacy, the low engagement level of
citizens in community end-of-life care services, as well as the fragmentation of current service
provision.

Most importantly, it is evident to us that a solid vision and comprehensive policy framework should be
devised in order to facilitate the realisation of a ‘good death’ in Hong Kong. Our health system shall
take on a holistic approach in health service provision so that needs of individuals are consistently met
throughout the entire life course; including the final stages of life. As we move towards a primary care-
led, person-centred, integrated health system, community resources should continuously be leveraged
upon as we shift care burden from our currently overstretched public health system into the community.
Fragmented service provision should be overcome with policies that encourage integration throughout
the system to enable the provision of quality, comprehensive and continuous care throughout all stages
of life as we move towards a more dignified end-of-life journey for all Hong Kong citizens.

NOTE 1: The term ‘communities’ is understood as outside of hospitals, including nursing homes and individual homes.

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