Adoption of Recommendations in the Reference Framework for Children's Health in Primary Care: A Survey of Practices, Barriers, and Enablers Among Primary Care Practitioners in Hong Kong
Author(s)
Chenwen Zhong, PhD, Junjie Huang, PhD, Martin Chi Sang Wong, MD.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
OBJECTIVES: The adoption of the Reference Framework for Children’s Health (RF) is crucial for improving child health outcomes. This study evaluates primary care physicians' (PCPs) adherence to various RF components and explores barriers and enablers to its implementation in public and private healthcare settings in Hong Kong.
METHODS: A quantitative survey was conducted with 484 physicians from both public and private sectors. The survey assessed adherence to all RF items. Enablers and barriers to RF adoption were also examined. Regression analysis identified key factors influencing the RF's appropriateness, acceptability, and feasibility.
RESULTS: The most frequently adhered-to RF components were preventive and advisory practices. A total of 71.69% (n=347) of physicians regularly provided information to parents on managing acute pediatric diseases. Similarly, 71.07% (n=344) encouraged smoking cessation, and 70.45% (n=341) advocated for childhood immunizations. Adherence to other RF components was lower: 77.69% (n=376) rarely screened for hearing loss in newborns, and 76.24% (n=369) seldom screened for vision problems in children aged 3-5 years. Moreover, 72.73% (n=352) rarely collaborated with teachers, social workers, and parents on mental health issues. Over 80% identified guideline-related enablers, while 62% recognized guideline-related barriers. Regression analysis indicated that attitudes towards framework integration (<0.001), language barriers (0.003), and having 16-25 years of experience (0.003) were significant factors.
CONCLUSIONS: Gaps in adherence to the RF, especially in screenings and collaborative care, were identified. Barriers, such as integration difficulties and language issues, should be addressed to improve adoption. Targeted strategies are necessary to enhance RF integration in both sectors.
METHODS: A quantitative survey was conducted with 484 physicians from both public and private sectors. The survey assessed adherence to all RF items. Enablers and barriers to RF adoption were also examined. Regression analysis identified key factors influencing the RF's appropriateness, acceptability, and feasibility.
RESULTS: The most frequently adhered-to RF components were preventive and advisory practices. A total of 71.69% (n=347) of physicians regularly provided information to parents on managing acute pediatric diseases. Similarly, 71.07% (n=344) encouraged smoking cessation, and 70.45% (n=341) advocated for childhood immunizations. Adherence to other RF components was lower: 77.69% (n=376) rarely screened for hearing loss in newborns, and 76.24% (n=369) seldom screened for vision problems in children aged 3-5 years. Moreover, 72.73% (n=352) rarely collaborated with teachers, social workers, and parents on mental health issues. Over 80% identified guideline-related enablers, while 62% recognized guideline-related barriers. Regression analysis indicated that attitudes towards framework integration (<0.001), language barriers (0.003), and having 16-25 years of experience (0.003) were significant factors.
CONCLUSIONS: Gaps in adherence to the RF, especially in screenings and collaborative care, were identified. Barriers, such as integration difficulties and language issues, should be addressed to improve adoption. Targeted strategies are necessary to enhance RF integration in both sectors.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-09, ISPOR Real-World Evidence Summit 2025, Tokyo, Japan
Value in Health Regional, Volume 49S (September 2025)
Code
RWD2
Topic Subcategory
Data Protection, Integrity, & Quality Assurance
Disease
SDC: Pediatrics