TY - JOUR
T1 - Bridging the gap in ageing
T2 - Translating policies into practice in Malaysian Primary Care
AU - Ambigga, Krishnapillai S
AU - Ramli, Anis
AU - Suthahar, Ariaratnam
AU - Tohit, Noorlaili
AU - Clearihan, Lynette
AU - Browning, Colette
PY - 2011
Y1 - 2011
N2 - Population ageing is poised to become a major challenge to the health system as Malaysia progresses to becoming a developed nation by 2020. This article aims to review the various ageing policy frameworks available globally; compare aged care policies and health services in Malaysia with Australia; and discuss various issues and challenges in translating these policies into practice in the Malaysian primary care system. Fundamental solutions identified to bridge the gap include restructuring of the health care system, development of comprehensive benefit packages for older people under the national health financing scheme, training of the primary care workforce, effective use of electronic medical records and clinical guidelines; and empowering older people and their caregivers with knowledge, skills and positive attitudes to ageing and self care. Ultimately, family medicine specialists must become the agents for change to lead multidisciplinary teams and work with various agencies to ensure that better coordination, continuity and quality of care are eventually delivered to older patients across time and settings.
AB - Population ageing is poised to become a major challenge to the health system as Malaysia progresses to becoming a developed nation by 2020. This article aims to review the various ageing policy frameworks available globally; compare aged care policies and health services in Malaysia with Australia; and discuss various issues and challenges in translating these policies into practice in the Malaysian primary care system. Fundamental solutions identified to bridge the gap include restructuring of the health care system, development of comprehensive benefit packages for older people under the national health financing scheme, training of the primary care workforce, effective use of electronic medical records and clinical guidelines; and empowering older people and their caregivers with knowledge, skills and positive attitudes to ageing and self care. Ultimately, family medicine specialists must become the agents for change to lead multidisciplinary teams and work with various agencies to ensure that better coordination, continuity and quality of care are eventually delivered to older patients across time and settings.
U2 - 10.1186/1447-056X-10-2
DO - 10.1186/1447-056X-10-2
M3 - Article
C2 - 21385446
SN - 1447-056X
VL - 10
JO - Asia Pacific Family Medicine
JF - Asia Pacific Family Medicine
M1 - 2
ER -