NUH initiative helps terminal cancer patients to have more comfort, time with loved ones

Care pathway relieves them of the burden of unnecessary medications and interventions

- Zhaki Abdullah Correspondent

The National University Hospital team driving appropriate care efforts includes (from left) Adjunct Associate Professor Adrian Kee, Adjunct Associate Professor Samuel Ow, Adjunct Associate Professor Amelia Santosa, Dr Ada Teo and advanced practice nurse Lim Suan Tee. PHOTO: NUH

(NUH)

Between October 2024 and August 2025, 108 terminal cancer patients hospitalised at the National University Hospital (NUH) benefited from an initiative that aimed to relieve them of the burden of unnecessary medications and interventions.

During this period, these patients took an average of three fewer oral medications, with some taking 13 fewer. They also underwent fewer vital-signs checks and finger pricks to check their blood glucose, with some experiencing up to 52 fewer blood glucose pricks.

The patients were also able to save on expenses, with the reduction in blood glucose pricks alone allowing them to save an average of $60 each, with some saving up to $740.

This approach allowed them to focus on their comfort and quality of life, as well as spend more meaningful time with their loved ones, the hospital said.

Since October 2024, NUH has collaborated with the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) to introduce an appropriate care end-of-life pathway for cancer patients.

The initial cohort of 108 was selected based on criteria such as a prognosis of about one month to live, said Adjunct Associate Professor Samuel Ow, who leads the project.

Doctors, nurses and pharmacists came together with the aim of enhancing care for these patients, the senior consultant with the haematology-oncology department at NCIS, told reporters on Oct 9.