Ann Acad Med Singap
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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.
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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 · Sep 2003
Review Comparative StudyPublic disclosure of healthcare performance information and its application to the Singapore context.
The increasing worldwide trend towards publicly and actively disclosing healthcare provider performance information requires that healthcare professionals in Singapore understand the relevant issues and implications. The current evidence suggests that there needs to be caution in any related move here in Singapore, since the benefits have not been entirely established and the associated problems not inconsequential. This article identifies public accountability and the commercial need to demonstrate value as possibly the main drivers for local public disclosure. It concludes that a proper needs analysis and true stakeholder involvement are necessary in contemplating such an initiative locally.