Experts in psychiatric care have reached a consensus that Hong Kong needs more acute adult psychiatric inpatient beds and better staffing ratios to improve patient outcomes and integrate care with community services.
A multidisciplinary panel of 29 mental health professionals—including psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and social workers—participated in a two-round online Delphi survey to identify optimal inpatient care standards. Most panelists (68%) had more than 20 years of professional experience.
The panel recommended a median of 68 psychiatric inpatient beds per 100,000 population (interquartile range: 11) and a nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:4. These benchmarks are higher than current capacities in Hong Kong, reflecting a recognized need for increased resources.
Key factors influencing bed requirements included population needs, such as the prevalence of severe mental illnesses and substance use disorders. For inpatient care, the panel identified three major themes: staffing adequacy, service integration with community care, and quality-focused clinical practices.
The findings highlight the importance of investing in both infrastructure and personnel. Improved staffing ratios and additional beds could enhance care efficiency, patient safety, and treatment quality for adults with acute psychiatric needs.
The consensus provides actionable guidance for policymakers and healthcare administrators aiming to balance inpatient and community mental health services in Hong Kong. Addressing current gaps may improve outcomes for patients with severe mental illnesses.
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