Hypertension and diabetes are prevalent among older patients aged over 65 in Hong Kong, presenting a significant disease burden. Research shows that when patients are involved in making decisions about their care—a process called shared decision-making (SDM)—the quality of care improves. However, many older adults in Hong Kong don’t take part in SDM, often because they struggle to understand health information, known as low health literacy (LHL). This makes it harder for them to understand their treatment choices or talk to doctors about their concerns. Those most affected by LHL tend to have lower education, income, and health status, underscoring health inequities within this issue.

This project aims to support older adults in making informed healthcare decisions with their doctors. It will develop Patient Decision Support Aids, including: 1) Patient Decision Aids (PDAs) – providing clear, easy-to-understand information about treatment options, including benefits and risks. 2) Question Prompt Lists (QPLs) – helping patients ask important questions and communicate more effectively with their doctors.
These tools will be co-designed with elderly patients and healthcare professionals to ensure they are practical and user-friendly. They will be available on a mobile app, along with workshops to build patients' confidence in using them. While the primary focus is on hypertension and diabetes, the app will also serve as a resource hub, offering summaries and links to decision aids for other health conditions.

The impact of this initiative will be multifaceted. At the individual level, elderly patients will be more empowered and confident in managing their health, which is expected to lead to improved self-management, greater treatment adherence, and better health outcomes. At the system level, integrating these tools into a user-friendly mobile app will expand access to evidence-based decision support materials beyond hypertension and diabetes. The app will serve as a hub for decision aids on other chronic conditions, potentially reaching a broader population of older adults and caregivers.

• Elderly patients with hypertension and diabetes (n = 100): The aids enhance their understanding of health information and communication with healthcare providers.Healthcare professionals and students (n = 50):


• Healthcare professionals and students will co-create decision aids, enhancing their understanding of patient needs and preferences. Students will participate in training workshops to gain practical experience.


• Elderly patients (n = 500): The aids App offers summaries to decision aids for various other health conditions

2025

Healthcare, Well-being