To download the Chinese version of the issue digest, please click here. You may find the links to download the full version of these articles on the issue table of content page.

Hong Kong Med J 2006;12:115-8

Hypertension-related mortality and morbidity is a significant health problem that causes an enormous burden on health care resources and the community. The disease is also being diagnosed in a younger population in Hong Kong. Private doctors often play an important role in the management of hypertension, however, related data are scarce in Hong Kong. The authors investigated the practice of blood pressure measurement by private doctors and the treatment prescribed to hypertensive patients. Details are published in the April 2006 issue of Hong Kong Medical Journal.

A total of 225 completed questionnaires were analysed. Findings revealed that around 25% of the respondents measured blood pressure in all new patients aged above 18 years; about 30% of doctors also reported that hypertensive status was unknown in over 30% of their patients prior to their first clinic visit when it was consequently diagnosed. Calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, diuretics, and beta-blockers were the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive medication. More that half of respondents stated that drug efficacy was the reason for selecting a given drug. About 65% cited that public education about hypertension was insufficient, and around 30% believed that self-medication would have a very significant effect on drug compliance.

The study concluded that private doctors should be encouraged to measure blood pressure as a matter of routine that enable early diagnosis and timely treatment. There is also a need to raise public awareness of hypertension.

Hong Kong Med J 2006;12:141-8

Antibiotics are the most widely prescribed drugs, yet their indiscriminate and excessive use within hospitals promotes the emergence of antibiotic-resistant organisms. Strategies that optimise antimicrobial use are thus essential. The concept of an 'antimicrobial stewardship programme' as a means to achieve optimal prescribing is being increasingly discussed and adopted in hospitals. A consensus group was formed to discuss the implementation of this programme in Hong Kong. Details are published in the April 2006 issue of Hong Kong Medical Journal.

Data search was performed independently by three members of the working group. Five commonly asked questions about an 'antimicrobial stewardship programme' were selected for discussion by the participants in a meeting on 3 January 2005. Published information on the rationale, components, outcome measures, advantages, and disadvantages of the programme was reviewed. The timing, potential problems, and practical issues involved in the implementation of an 'antimicrobial stewardship programme' in Hong Kong were then considered. The consensus statement was circulated to and approved by all participants.

Antimicrobial resistance substantially raises already-rising health care costs and increases patient morbidity and mortality. Pattern of prescriptions in hospitals can be improved through the implementation of an 'antimicrobial stewardship programme'. A 'universal' and 'continuous' 'antimicrobial stewardship programme' should now be established in Hong Kong hospitals.