Debated in Parliament on 30 Nov 2022.
Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health (a) how will the Ministry enhance the knowledge and understanding of palliative and end-of-life care amongst healthcare professionals; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider making these topics a strategic priority in the curricula for all doctors and nurses.
There has been significant efforts in palliative care training for healthcare workers over the years. The National Outcomes Framework for Medical Graduates, introduced in December 2018, guides medical schools in developing their curricula and specifies core learning outcomes on palliative care. Over 100 physicians have undergone the Graduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine programme.
Our local nursing schools provide palliative care training to all nurses. Most recently, the Palliative Nursing Competency Framework was rolled out in October 2022.
In addition, MOH is working with partners, such as the Singapore Hospice Council and the Agency for Integrated Care, to increase awareness of palliative care and end-of-life issues amongst healthcare professionals through training courses, seminars and conferences.
PAPERCUTS