Hongkongers receptive to end-of-life services outside hospitals, survey finds
Up to 72 per cent want to receive such care in community care organisations
Hongkongers are broadly receptive to end-of-life services outside hospitals, according to a new survey revealing that up to 72 per cent wanted to receive such care in community care organisations.
Researchers said the results showed the general public was accepting of end-of-life services at home or from social service agencies, elderly or nursing homes. In light of insufficient manpower at local public hospitals, they said, it has become necessary to extend these services in the community.
Community is one of the most important components in providing end-of-life services
Dr Amy Chow Yin-man, project director and associate professor at the University of Hong Kong’s faculty of social sciences, said a lack of medical staff had prompted public hospitals to set aside end-of-life services to patients with severe illnesses such as cancer. “Community is one of the most important components in providing end-of-life services,” she said.