(DSE) — Health Management and Social Care (HMSC) tutor

2025-05-11

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) — Health Management and Social Care (HMSC) Explained

Health Management and Social Care (HMSC) is an Applied Learning (ApL) subject in the DSE curriculum. It aims to cultivate students’ understanding of health sciences, social services, and public health while enhancing practical skills. The course integrates theory with real-world applications and is ideal for students interested in healthcare, social work, public health, or nursing.

1. Curriculum Structure

The DSE HMSC curriculum is divided into core units and elective units, covering areas such as personal health, social care policies, healthcare systems, and service management.

1.1 Core Units (Compulsory Content)

(1) Personal and Social Health

Health concepts: Physical, psychological, social, and spiritual health (as defined by WHO).
Health determinants: Lifestyle (e.g., diet, exercise), environment (e.g., air pollution), and genetics.
Common health issues: Chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension), infectious diseases (influenza, COVID-19), mental health concerns (depression, anxiety).

(2) Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Health promotion strategies: Government policies (e.g., anti-smoking laws), community programs (e.g., vaccination drives).
Disease prevention: Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention levels.

(3) Social Care and Services

Welfare system: Hong Kong’s CSSA, elderly welfare, support for people with disabilities.
Social service organizations: NGOs such as the Hong Kong Red Cross, Po Leung Kuk.

(4) Careers in Health and Social Care

Healthcare systems: Public (Hospital Authority) vs. private (private hospitals).
Career options: Nurse, social worker, physiotherapist, public health officer, etc.

1.2 Elective Units (Based on school offerings or student interests)

Typically includes two of the following areas:

Practical Health Care (e.g., basic nursing skills, first aid knowledge)
Social Care Services (e.g., elderly care, support for special educational needs)
Public Health Management (e.g., epidemic control, health policy analysis)

2. Assessment Methods

HMSC assessment includes School-Based Assessment (SBA) and public examinations, with the weighting depending on the course provider (e.g., VTC, HKU SPACE).

2.1 School-Based Assessment (SBA – 30% to 50%)

Practical assignments: Designing health promotion activities, writing community health reports.
Research projects: Investigating specific health issues (e.g., youth mental health) and proposing solutions.

2.2 Public Examination (50% to 70%)

Written exam: Multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, case analysis (e.g., assessing a community’s health needs).
Practical assessment (in some programs): Simulated nursing procedures, first aid skill tests.

3. Learning Objectives and Skills

Knowledge

Understand core concepts, policies, and service systems related to health and social care.

Skills

Health assessment, communication skills (e.g., with patients or the elderly), event planning.

Attitudes and Values

Develop empathy, social responsibility, and concern for the rights of disadvantaged groups.

4. Who is This Subject Suitable For?

Students interested in healthcare, nursing, social work, or public health.
Those who enjoy communicating with others and are eager to serve the community.
Students aspiring to pursue careers in healthcare management or social services.

5. Further Studies and Career Pathways

5.1 Local Higher Education

University Programs: Nursing, Social Work, Public Health, Psychology.
Post-secondary Institutions: Higher Diploma programs in Health Care and Social Services by VTC.

5.2 Career Options

Healthcare: Nurse, physiotherapy assistant, health consultant.
Social Services: Social worker, elderly care worker, special education assistant.
Public Health: Health promotion officer, community health researcher.

6. Common Teaching Materials and Resources

Textbooks: Health Management and Social Care (Hong Kong Educational Publishing Co.)
Government resources: Websites of the Department of Health and Social Welfare Department.
Practical exposure: Visits to hospitals, elderly centres, or social service agencies.

Conclusion

DSE Health Management and Social Care (HMSC) is a highly practical subject that combines medicine, social sciences, and public policy. It is suitable for students who are socially conscious and wish to enter related professions. The curriculum emphasizes both theory and practice, with opportunities for internships and research projects to build hands-on experience and prepare for future academic or career development.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference only. For details, please refer to the official website of the Hong Kong Education Bureau: www.edb.gov.hk/tc/index.html
This article is a draft written and compiled by AI. Edited by Professor Jonathan Chan, Chief Editor: Eric Lau.