Unveiling the Misconceptions about Palliative Care in Singapore
Understanding the True Essence of Palliative Care
- Improving Quality of Life: Not just for the dying but for anyone suffering from a serious illness
- Support for Families: Providing relief and assistance to whole families coping with illness
Survey Insights on Public Perception
- Misconceptions:
- Palliative care is only for the last six months of life
- Exclusively for the dying
- Choosing palliative care means giving up on other medical treatments
Survey Details
- Conducted by: Kantar
- Sample Size: 1,000 Singapore residents
- Date: July 2024
National Progress in Palliative Care
- Increase in Palliative Medicine Physicians: Almost doubling from 47 in 2014 to 88 in 2024
- Duration of Care: Median duration from referral to death is 22 days
Public Awareness and Accessibility
- Awareness:
- 70% have heard of palliative care
- 31% claim to know what it is about
- Accessibility: 64% of respondents found palliative care moderately to highly accessible
Positive Experiences and Initiatives
- Positive Ratings: 71% rated palliative care service as good or extremely good
- Initiatives:
- Partnership with Tan Tock Seng Hospital to launch the Air Master service
- Providing cardiopulmonary rehabilitation sessions for chronic heart and lung conditions
Call to Action
- Mr. Lee Poh Wah’s Insight:
- Palliative care is often associated with care for the dying, but its broader scope is to relieve symptoms and enhance quality of life
- Early integration of palliative care can prevent unnecessary suffering and enhance patient support
Analysis
This rewritten content sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding palliative care in Singapore and emphasizes the importance of understanding its true essence. The article highlights crucial survey insights, national progress in palliative care, public awareness, positive experiences, and ongoing initiatives to enhance accessibility and support. It also emphasizes the need for early integration of palliative care to prevent unnecessary suffering and enhance patient well-being.
By providing clear, informative, and engaging content, this article aims to educate readers about the significance of palliative care and encourage a shift in perception towards early utilization of these crucial services for a better quality of life.