Developments in nursing practice in primary health care in Hong Kong: opportunities and challenges

The significance of primary health care to the health of individuals and communities has been well established but the development of primary health care and nursing practice within the context of primary health care remains varied in different countries and settings. This paper focuses on developments in nursing practice in primary health care in Hong Kong, using three community-based research projects to identify the opportunities and challenges created for nurses working in these settings. The projects were established in response to identified health needs and to target cancer education, HIV/AIDS and chronic health problems. Opportunities include the development of professional autonomy, innovative approaches to clinical practice, and developing skills in working with a diverse range of professionals and communities. Challenges include managing uncertainty and the development of evaluation systems to demonstrate health gains from nursing interventions.