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Policy direction 4:

Hong Kong must facilitate system-wide integration
through exploring the use of a multidisciplinary data
communication system and adopting a system-wide
standardised mental health care protocol to enhance
care experiences

The multidisciplinary nature of mental health implies that different service providers
across sectors are often involved in the care process that may necessitate persons
with mental health conditions to repeat their stories to different service providers.
Health data communication and standardised care protocols are key in facilitating
the integration of mental health services. Australia’s mental health system offers
an example of an integrated mental health system that uses a secure data sharing
platform for all relevant care providers, including physicians and allied health
professionals (such as psychologists and social workers). The Australian system also
implements a common assessment and referral tool to match patients to the most
suitable level of care. In Hong Kong, beyond improving different forms of formal and
informal care, the Government must be proactive in taking a system-level approach
in ensuring integration and coordination between mental health services. While
data privacy remains a major concern in Hong Kong, data communication between
multidisciplinary care teams should be explored to facilitate effective and efficient
coordination, as should standardised care protocols for assessing patients’ needs and
guiding mental health practitioners on the best course of treatment.

While various data communication platforms are in place within the HA and beyond,
such as the Electronic Health Record Sharing System, consideration should be
given to enable medical and psychosocial professionals to access and efficiently
communicate via such platforms. To achieve data communication and ensure that
relevant care professionals are given timely and appropriate access level to patients’
clinical and psychosocial health information, the Government should explore the
use of a data system that allows key health and social sector professionals, such as
psychiatrists, CPs, social workers, and relevant health professionals, to communicate
mental health information. The use of such a data system must also consider
patients’ data privacy and user autonomy.

In relation to service provision, Hong Kong’s mental health system does not
generally employ a common assessment tool between all relevant mental healthcare
professionals. As a consequence, patients with similar mental health conditions may
receive different referrals for care, depending on the professional they seek care
from and the metrics that are used. To ensure consistent care quality and referral
of patients to appropriate care levels, the Government should consider adopting a
mental health sector-wide protocol including a systematic common assessment and
digital decision-making tool to standardise diagnoses and follow-up care.

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