Advance Care Planning Singapore: The Ultimate 3-Step Guide

Advance care planning (ACP) is a crucial aspect of healthcare, allowing individuals to express their preferences for future medical care in the event that they become unable to make decisions for themselves. In Singapore, ACP is becoming increasingly important as the population ages and faces complex medical challenges.

10 Reasons Why Advance Care Planning Is Essential in Singapore

1. Avoids Uncertainty: ACP ensures that your wishes are known and respected, even when you cannot express them directly.
2. Reduces Burden on Loved Ones: ACP relieves the emotional and practical burden on family members by clarifying your care preferences.
3. Improves Quality of Life: ACP promotes patient-centered care that focuses on your values and preferences.
4. Facilitates Open Dialogue: ACP initiates conversations about end-of-life care, encouraging communication and understanding among family members.
5. Promotes Respect for Autonomy: ACP respects your right to make informed decisions about your own healthcare.
6. Avoids Unwanted Medical Interventions: ACP helps prevent unwanted or burdensome medical interventions that may not align with your values.
7. Empowers Patients: ACP gives you control over your care, allowing you to make decisions that reflect your priorities.
8. Reduces Healthcare Costs: ACP can potentially reduce healthcare expenses by avoiding unnecessary or unwanted medical treatments.
9. Reflects Your Values: ACP is an opportunity to document your wishes and ensure that your values and beliefs are upheld even when you cannot communicate them yourself.
10. Peace of Mind: ACP provides peace of mind for both you and your loved ones, knowing that your care preferences are documented and will be honored.

3-Step Guide to Advance Care Planning in Singapore

Step 1: Start the Conversation

• Initiate conversations with your family, healthcare providers, or trusted individuals about your values, beliefs, and preferences for future medical care.
• Consider your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being when making these decisions.

Step 2: Document Your Wishes

• Use a legally recognized Advance Care Planning document to record your preferences.
• Include your wishes for medical treatments, life-sustaining measures, and other aspects of care.
• Sign and date the document in the presence of witnesses.

Step 3: Share and Review

• Share your Advance Care Planning document with your healthcare providers, family members, and anyone else who may be involved in your future care.
• Regularly review and update your document as your preferences or circumstances change.

Key Statistics on Advance Care Planning in Singapore

• According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), only about 10% of Singaporeans have completed an Advance Care Plan.
• A survey by the National Healthcare Group (NHG) found that 78% of Singaporeans believe ACP is important, but only 32% have discussed it with their healthcare providers.
• The number of Advance Care Planning documents registered with the Central Advance Care Plan Repository (CACPR) increased from 1,000 in 2014 to over 50,000 in 2021.

Creative New Word: Advance Care Plapreneur

An Advance Care Plapreneur is an individual or organization that develops innovative ways to promote and facilitate Advance Care Planning.

New Applications for Advance Care Planning

• Online ACP Platforms: Digital platforms that enable individuals to create and manage their Advance Care Plans online.
• ACP Mobile Apps: Mobile applications that provide information, guidance, and tools for ACP.
• ACP Gamification: Gamified experiences that encourage individuals to engage with ACP in a fun and interactive way.
• ACP Chatbots: Virtual assistants that provide information, support, and resources for ACP.
• ACP Social Media Campaigns: Social media campaigns that raise awareness and promote ACP among the general public.

Table 1: Types of Advance Care Planning Documents

Table 2: Benefits of Advance Care Planning

| Benefits |
|---|---|
| Reduces uncertainty and anxiety for both you and your loved ones. |
| Ensures your wishes are respected, even if you cannot communicate them yourself. |
| Promotes open and honest conversations about end-of-life care. |
| Empowers you to make informed decisions about your own healthcare. |
| Can potentially reduce healthcare costs by avoiding unwanted or unnecessary medical interventions. |

Table 3: Challenges in Advance Care Planning

| Challenges |
|---|---|
| Lack of awareness and understanding of ACP among the general public. |
| Resistance or reluctance to discuss end-of-life care. |
| Cultural and religious barriers that may influence ACP decisions. |
| Difficulties in finding appropriate healthcare providers who are trained in ACP. |
| Lack of resources and support for ACP, especially in underserved communities. |

Table 4: Strategies to Promote Advance Care Planning

| Strategies |
|---|---|
| Public education campaigns to raise awareness and understanding of ACP. |
| Integration of ACP into healthcare settings, such as hospitals and clinics. |
| Training and education for healthcare professionals on ACP. |
| Development of innovative tools and resources to facilitate ACP. |
| Collaboration with community organizations and faith-based groups to promote ACP. |

Conclusion

Advance Care Planning is an essential component of healthcare in Singapore, providing peace of mind, ensuring respect for patient autonomy, and facilitating seamless end-of-life care. By following these 3-steps and utilizing the resources available, individuals can take control of their future healthcare and empower their loved ones to make informed decisions on their behalf.