Challenges Facing the Singapore Healthcare System
Question 1 (50 marks):
Singapore’s healthcare system has consistently achieved high standards and quality of care, despite its burgeoning population boom and the rising healthcare cost.
(a) Appraise FIVE (5) main emerging challenges facing the Singapore healthcare system.
(25 marks)
(b) Discuss FIVE (5) initiatives undertaken by the Singapore government in ensuring the continued provision of affordable and holistic healthcare for the individuals and the families.
(25 marks)
Question 2 (25 marks)
Examine FIVE (5) main advantages social workers bring to the multidisciplinary healthcare practice that contribute towards positive outcomes for service users and their families.
(25 marks)
Question 3 (25 marks)
Case study
Tony, aged 40, is a successful businessman at the prime of his life. He has a high paying job and a closely-knitted family. His wife is a home-maker. Together with their two daughters (aged 10 and 12), the family recently moved to a newly completed condominium. Looking forward to this new phase of living, Tony was doing every step possible to ensure his family has a comfortable living. Tony also exercises regularly and keeps to a regime with his diet. However, situations took an unexpected turn one morning when Tony suddenly collapsed at the gym while running on a treadmill. As he was rushed in time to the hospital, the Doctor managed to perform emergency operations as he had a major artery block. It has been three weeks since the onset. Tony was transferred from the ICU to the general ward. He is now on the slow steps to fuller recovery but he would have to undergo cardiac rehabilitation, a medically supervised program aiming to assist Tony to regain his functioning. Tony desperately desired to get well but he was still unable to transfer himself independently from bed to chair. Throughout this period, his wife and extended family stood with him despite reeling in shock. Tony felt depressed yet at the same time, he is determined to push himself somewhat thus there were times he complained to the hospital there were insufficient therapy exercises in the ward. As you are a medical social worker in the cardiac multidisciplinary team, you have been asked to provide an updated psychosocial assessment to the team.
(a) Analyse this case with attention to the sociodemographic and psychological factors
that may play an integral role in Tony’s recovery process.
(15 marks)
(b) Apply the appropriate ethics and values in working with Tony and his family.
(10 marks)
It is very important to use what is taught in class to answer the questions so I have uploaded the lecture slides. Thank you.
Singapore social work and Healthcare
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Singapore social work and Healthcare
Question 1 (a)
The healthcare system in Singapore confronts various emerging challenges. Firstly, the system deals with an aging population requiring more intricate and expensive healthcare services (Class Resource). This shift in demographics amplifies the demand for Healthcare and poses a challenge for the system to uphold the quality of care amidst the escalating cost of Healthcare. Secondly, there is a shortage of healthcare professionals, and the reliance on foreign healthcare workers is worrying. The issues mentioned above raise worries about the longevity of the workforce, the ability to understand different cultures, and adherence to ethical principles in the profession. These concerns were highlighted in the Code of Professional Ethics, the second revision of 2004 by the Singapore Association of Social Workers and the National Association of Social Workers in 1991 (Tan et al., 2022). Thirdly, there is an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as hypertension, cancer, and diabetes that necessitate long-term management and care coordination. Another challenge affecting the healthcare system is the lack of awareness of mental health issues and the negative attitudes toward seeking help. At the same time, it lacks crucial hospital facilities like beds, nurses, and nursing centers. Finally, the healthcare system cannot adapt to the new technology to enhance healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes while ensuring the privacy and security of data.
Question 1 b)
The Singaporean government has implemented various measures to guarantee accessible and comprehensive healthcare services for individuals and families. Primarily, the government has launched Medisave, a national program for medical savings that enable people to save part of their earnings for healthcare expenses. Medishield, a national health insurance plan, has been established to provide coverage for basic healthcare needs, including hospitalization and selected outpatient treatments (Class Resource). The government has also set up polyclinics, which offer the public affordable primary healthcare services and health screening. Furthermore, the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) has been implemented to provide subsidized healthcare services to lower-income households and older adults. Lastly, the government has invested in technology and innovation to enhance healthcare delivery, such as telemedicine and electronic medical records, to improve patient outcomes and cost efficiency. These initiatives indicate the government's dedication to ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare for all Singaporeans (Tan et al., 2022).
Question 2 (25 marks)
Social workers provide several benefits to multidisciplinary healthcare practices that contribute to positive patient and family outcomes. Firstly, they are equipped to address patients' emotional and psychosocial needs, which can significantly impact the...