Transforming healthcare in Singapore: Embracing community care for a healthier tomorrow

By Denise Lin, Managing Director – Health & Public Service, Accenture

The twin pressures of an aging demographic and chronic health conditions are creating a perfect storm in Singapore's healthcare landscape. As the elderly demographic is projected to increase from 15% in 2020 to 25% by 2030, the demand for long-term healthcare services is intensifying. Chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, which require ongoing management, are placing an immense strain on the existing healthcare infrastructure. This situation is pushing the traditional hospital-centric model to its limits and highlighting the urgent need for a transformative approach.

In this blog post, we will explore the shift towards community care and the pivotal role of digital innovation in its successful implementation. We outline strategic approaches to effectively integrate community care into the healthcare system, aiming to enhance the well-being and resilience of Singapore's population.

Navigating healthcare challenges

According to a survey conducted by Accenture on digital adoption in Singapore, several key challenges have been identified in the healthcare sector. About one-third of Singaporeans find healthcare services overpriced, impeding access to necessary care, with only 47% never facing financial difficulties in affording medical care. Trust issues also persist, as only 41% of Singaporeans trust technology companies with their digital healthcare information, potentially hindering the integration of essential digital technologies. Additionally, despite the availability of digital health tools, low adoption rates prevail due to concerns over data privacy, security, and tool quality, coupled with a lack of awareness and training. Moreover, there is a crucial need for enhanced coordination and communication among healthcare providers to improve the overall healthcare experience.

The shift towards community care

To address these challenges, Singapore is pivoting towards a community-based care model. This shift focuses on making healthcare more accessible and cost-effective by moving services from hospitals to local communities, which helps eliminate common barriers like transportation difficulties and long wait times. The decentralised approach enhances healthcare accessibility, fostering trust and familiarity between patients and providers while prioritizing preventive care.

By promoting regular check-ups, health education, and lifestyle interventions, community care allows for early detection and management of health issues, preventing them from developing into more serious conditions. This proactive strategy enhances individual health outcomes and contributes to a more efficient healthcare system.

Digital innovation and security in healthcare

From improved care coordination to cost-effective service provision and enhanced patient empowerment, digital technologies are reshaping the healthcare sector.

The National Electronic Health Record (NEHR) is central to this digital transformation, facilitating seamless care coordination and streamlining processes by eliminating duplicate procedures and paperwork, thereby improving efficiency, saving time for both providers and patients. By digitalising and consolidating patient health records across different care providers to create a singular, streamlined view of a patient’s health history, healthcare professionals gain instant access to comprehensive medical histories, enabling more accurate diagnoses, informed treatment decisions, and improved patient experience and outcomes.

Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring are revolutionising the delivery of healthcare services in Singapore. Through virtual consultations, patients can connect with healthcare professionals from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for in-person visits and minimising transportation challenges. Remote monitoring devices track vital signs continuously, facilitating the early identification of health issues and timely intervention.

The significance of healthcare security is paramount in today's digital age. With sensitive patient data, strict regulatory requirements, and escalating cyber threats, it is a critical necessity to protect patient data, ensure privacy, and support safe treatments. Additionally, strong security ensures operational continuity and enhances patient trust. As healthcare increasingly digitalises, a fortified security posture is instrumental for the secure and effective adoption of innovations such as telemedicine and electronic health records.

Strategic approaches for integration

To effectively integrate community care into Singapore's healthcare system, several strategic approaches can be adopted. Expanding primary care networks (PCNs) and equipping them with NEHR and other digital tools is crucial. This allows healthcare professionals to access comprehensive patient histories, track health trends, and deliver personalised care. Leveraging digital technologies enables remote consultations, health monitoring, and efficient care coordination, enhancing care continuity and quality.

Additionally, using NEHR for preventive care can significantly improve population health by analysing data to identify risk factors and implement targeted interventions, addressing health issues proactively. This would reduce healthcare system burdens, promote healthier communities, and enhance overall well-being.

Building strong local partnerships and infrastructure is also important. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organisations, and social service agencies fosters a supportive ecosystem for community care. For example, Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society and Lion Befrienders have demonstrated significant impacts through their community-based programs. Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society runs various initiatives that promote holistic wellness and social health among the elderly, such as active aging hubs and therapeutic programs, which integrate seamlessly with digital health tracking to provide comprehensive care. Similarly, Lion Befrienders engages seniors through befriending services and social activities that are complemented by health monitoring technologies, ensuring continuous care and support.

Finally, promoting digital literacy and public education is crucial for the successful integration of community care. Equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to use digital health tools and navigate the healthcare system enables them to actively manage their health. Educational initiatives must focus on raising awareness of community care services, highlighting the benefits of digital tools, and providing effective training on their use. Additionally, incorporating health literacy and education into these programs empowers patients with the knowledge to make informed decisions and take proactive steps towards better health. By bridging the digital divide and enhancing health literacy, Singapore can help ensure equitable access to community care services for all citizens.

A vision for sustainable healthcare

Transforming towards community care makes Singapore's healthcare system more responsive, accessible, and sustainable. This shift addresses key challenges and aims to ensure efficient, effective care for all Singaporeans. With the rising digitalisation of healthcare, robust security measures are key to driving innovations forward. This holistic approach enhances care quality and builds a resilient, trustworthy healthcare system for the future.

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