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Prioritization in Health Care and Ageism

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Aging in Hong Kong

Part of the book series: International Perspectives on Aging ((Int. Perspect. Aging,volume 5))

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Abstract

Limitations in health-care resource result in the need for health-care prioritization in many countries. It is important to examine whether ageism may influence the prioritization process. The portrayal of issues relating to the elderly in Hong Kong tends to be negative. The need for health-care prioritization is not openly discussed or acknowledged. A survey on how the Hong Kong public prioritizes health services showed high rankings accorded to technological advances over services such as care of the elderly and end of life care. The findings are different from a similar survey in the UK, which ranked end of life care as the second highest. An approach based on risk benefit analyses and engagement with service users is indicated in the health-care prioritization process.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong

    Benise Mak, P. H. Chau & Jean Woo

  2. Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, and The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong

    Jean Woo

Authors
  1. Benise Mak
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  2. P. H. Chau
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  3. Jean Woo
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Correspondence to Benise Mak .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, 9F Clinical Sciences Building, Shatin NT, 00000, Hong Kong SAR

    Jean Woo

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Mak, B., Chau, P.H., Woo, J. (2013). Prioritization in Health Care and Ageism. In: Woo, J. (eds) Aging in Hong Kong. International Perspectives on Aging, vol 5. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8354-1_11

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