Ann Acad Med Singap
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Nov 2003
ReviewConsiderations in the assessment and management of older people with chronic pain.
The aim of the paper is to describe the philosophical underpinnings and methodologies in the management of chronic pain in older people. ⋯ Chronic pain in older people is an emerging problem in the specialty of geriatric medicine. The traditional multidisciplinary approach is likely to give good results.
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Aged care services have been rapidly and systematically established in Singapore over the past two decades in anticipation of the challenges that will accompany the rapid ageing of our population. This paper presents an overview of the geriatric services that have developed in Singapore, funding for these services, and aged care-related training programmes for doctors and nurses in Singapore. ⋯ Over a short span of 20 years, a comprehensive framework of services has been developed to meet the needs of our ageing population. While much has been accomplished, there is a need for continuous review of our services and healthcare policies to identify areas for further improvement.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Nov 2003
A palliative care approach to end-stage neurodegenerative conditions.
Neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and motor neurone disease, are progressive and incurable conditions that ultimately lead to a state of total functional incapacitation and death. These conditions are "terminal" and, therefore, should be managed with a palliative care approach. This article highlights some of the issues in caring for patients with end-stage neurodegenerative conditions from a palliative perspective. ⋯ Patients with end-stage neurodegenerative conditions have needs similar to that of advanced cancer patients. Therefore, the principles and practice of palliative care should be applied to such patients. This may also mean that palliative care training should be undertaken in nursing homes, where a large number of such patients are located.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Nov 2003
A prospective audit of critical incidents in anaesthesia in a university teaching hospital.
We aimed to reduce mortality and morbidity in anaesthesia by identifying common factors contributing to critical incidences and 'near misses'. ⋯ Critical incident reporting is a useful tool for quality assurance programmes. It analyses human and systems problems to ensure improved patient care.