Dicky Chow: Three-step Approach to Promote Public Life and Death Education
Dicky Chow: Three-step Approach to Promote Public Life and Death Education
【Adding Life to Years: Comprehensive End-of-Life Care for All】
【Dicky Chow: Three-step Approach to Promote Public Life and Death Education】
Our Hong Kong Foundation (OHKF) launched its latest policy advocacy report entitled Adding Life to Years: Comprehensive End-of-Life Care for All on 9 Apr. The report highlighted that while Hong Kong's Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Bill was commendable in promoting end-of-life care (EoLC), this bill alone might not be sufficient to address the full range of care needs. Discussions on EoLC should not be limited to the last 6 to 12 months of one's life but should be a topic that can be discussed by citizens of all ages. Services should also be expanded beyond medical care to encompass the medical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of citizens in their final stage of life, ensuring holistic care.
There is a palpable disparity in awareness and information dissemination among the population. Although a substantial percentage of individuals (75%) felt comfortable or did not experience any discomfort discussing life and death issues, a staggering 70% lacked awareness of EoLC, underscoring the opportunity to enhance education in this domain.
Therefore, it is crucial to provide EoLC education strategically. Hong Kong can strategically promote public life and death education by adopting a three-step approach targeting individuals at different stages of life and with varying levels of preparedness, which involves raising awareness, facilitating discussion, and taking action. For EoLC service providers, the Government should empower health and social care professionals through enhanced university curriculum and on-the-job training, as well as ACP training.
【Adding Life to Years: Comprehensive End-of-Life Care for All】
【Dicky Chow: Three-step Approach to Promote Public Life and Death Education】
Our Hong Kong Foundation (OHKF) launched its latest policy advocacy report entitled Adding Life to Years: Comprehensive End-of-Life Care for All on 9 Apr. The report highlighted that while Hong Kong's Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Bill was commendable in promoting end-of-life care (EoLC), this bill alone might not be sufficient to address the full range of care needs. Discussions on EoLC should not be limited to the last 6 to 12 months of one's life but should be a topic that can be discussed by citizens of all ages. Services should also be expanded beyond medical care to encompass the medical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of citizens in their final stage of life, ensuring holistic care.
There is a palpable disparity in awareness and information dissemination among the population. Although a substantial percentage of individuals (75%) felt comfortable or did not experience any discomfort discussing life and death issues, a staggering 70% lacked awareness of EoLC, underscoring the opportunity to enhance education in this domain.
Therefore, it is crucial to provide EoLC education strategically. Hong Kong can strategically promote public life and death education by adopting a three-step approach targeting individuals at different stages of life and with varying levels of preparedness, which involves raising awareness, facilitating discussion, and taking action. For EoLC service providers, the Government should empower health and social care professionals through enhanced university curriculum and on-the-job training, as well as ACP training.
