About the Speaker

Prof. Wing-chung Chang

The University of Hong Kong

Prof. Wing-chung Chang is a Clinical Associate Professor and the Chairperson of Department of Psychiatry in the School of Clinical Medicine, an Assistant Dean (Wellbeing) of the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, and a Principal Investigator of the State Key Laboratory of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, the University of Hong Kong (HKU). He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK) and HK College of Psychiatrists and an Honorary Consultant at Queen Mary Hospital, and has served as a Vice President of HK College of Psychiatrists, and a Member of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health, Food & Health Bureau, HKSAR Government. His clinical and research work focuses on early intervention for psychosis, outcomes of early psychosis and bipolar disorder, negative symptoms and amotivation, and adverse physical health outcomes associated with mental illness and psychiatric medication treatment. He has published over 200 research articles in international peer-reviewed journals, including 82 first/corresponding-authored articles, and has been an HKU Scholars in the TOP 1% from 2019 onwards for 5 consecutive years. 

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SPEECH TITLE

Integration of Mental Health into Primary Care – the Role of the Family Doctor 

Abstract

A study by Mathers & Loncar projected depressive disorder would be one of the top three leading causes of disability and mortality in the world by 2030.  A study by the WHO found wide treatment gaps in depression in that only 7% to 28% of people with depression received treatment in different regions of the world.  Our local study in 2010-12 found that 10.9% of primary care patients were screened positive of depression but <25% reported ever seeking professional help.  Stigma and limited access are the major barriers to mental health care.   The WHO and World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) jointly declared that integrating mental health into primary care is the only viable way to narrow the treatment gap.  To serve the purpose, WONCA has published a Guidance on six core competencies of the family doctor in primary mental health care: 1. Values of considering mental and physical health equally important; 2.  Communication and interpersonal skills; 3. Assessment and diagnosis of mental health problems; 4. Management of common mental health problems; 5. Collaboration and referral; and 6. Reflective practice.   A family doctor for everyone is the key to the prevention, early detection and effective treatment of mental health problems.  

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