Training for Healthcare Professionals Who Support Patients Who Are Neurodivergent or Have Disabilities, and Their Families

Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked the Minister for Health what training do healthcare professionals, including administrative staff, nurses and doctors receive in relation to providing support for patients who are neurodivergent or have disabilities, including their family members and visitors at healthcare settings.

Healthcare professionals are trained to treat all patients with compassion and respect, including patients who are neurodivergent or have disabilities and their family members. This involves listening and personalising their care, based on their care goals and best interests as well as giving additional time for consultation.

The treatment of conditions which give rise to the disability, for example autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental or learning disorders, would be by care teams who have had additional specialty training. For instance, clinical psychologists are trained to provide psychotherapy and rehabilitative therapies and may work with psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals on treatment programmes.

Administrative staff will take note of additional needs and concerns in supporting healthcare professionals and their patients. Patients and family members may also approach Medical Social Workers for psychosocial support and caregiving advice, if they need additional assistance.