Jiading district in Shanghai hosts a symposium on the "3+X" family doctor service model on March 15. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]

Jiading district in Shanghai held a symposium on the "3+X" family doctor service model on March 15, aiming to further improve the health management service platform of the intelligent community.

The service model is one of the major cooperative projects between Jiading and the World Health Organization (WHO). The "3" refers to one family doctor, one health manager and one service management center, and the "X" refers to several support centers. The model is set up to enhance service and create a patient-oriented integrative health service system.

Fang Yunfen, director of the Jiading District Health Commission, gave a comprehensive explanation of the "3+X" service model at the symposium. The family doctor plays a major role in providing services of general clinics and essential health care, maintaining and promoting the health of people living in the communities. The health manager acts as a supporter. The combination of the doctor and the health manager is designed to improve service efficiency and learn more about people's health requirements.

By capitalizing on information technologies, residents can choose the time to visit the doctor, which saves waiting and cuts the average clinic time by 60 percent. The service process was also simplified so that patients can now pay through mobile payment models, such as WeChat and Alipay.

Zhao Kun from the development and research center of the National Health Commission spoke highly of Jiading's "3+X" model, saying that it provides perspective and references for China's medical reform.

The "3+X" service model was initiated more than two years and was well-received in Gongyequ, Nanxiang and Huating communities. Jiading plans to make further studies on the pilot sites and apply the model around the whole district.

Jiading district will host a seminar on a WHO project in July at which it will share the family doctor service model with other Asia-Pacific countries.