NCCS launches specialist programme in Palliative Medicine
Monday, 27 February 2006

Singapore 27 February 2006 - National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and Flinders University of South Australia have signed an MOU to offer Singapore’s first interdisciplinary university course for doctors and nurses in palliative care. The programme- Graduate Certificate in Health (Palliative Care)- was a response to the growing demand and interest in palliative care locally and internationally.

Growing Demand for Palliative Care

Palliative medicine is increasingly recognised as a specialist field and is a growing area of clinical practice throughout the world. NCCS which hosts the secretariat of the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN) has seen the number of network members increase by over 10% in the past two years. Through the network, up to 28 countries and nearly 900 individual members and their organizations have sought consultancy for the development of palliative care. These countries include Australia, Japan, China, Vietnam and India.

Nature of the Specialist Programme

The Graduate Certificate in Health (Palliative Care) will be a one year programme open to doctors and nurses wanting to specialise in the field. In contrast to the current provision of short courses on specific topics, the comprehensive specialist programme will provide a structured and evidence-based framework for trainees to understand holistic care of people living with life- limiting illnesses. It includes modules on clinical assessment and management of commonly encountered symptoms as well as skills for communication on sensitive issues in the palliative care context.

This is a significant milestone in the development of palliative care in Singapore. Through the course, we hope to improve the skills and professionalism of palliative care practitioners in Singapore and S.E. Asia, ‘ said Dr Cynthia Goh, Head, Palliative Medicine, NCCS.

Customising Course to Local Contexts

This first specialist programme will tap on the established programmes at Flinders to provide locally relevant training. Together with the theoretical evidence- based components, there are accredited clinical experience modules. Part of the curriculum requires candidates to participate in a four-week supervised attachment at accredited hospices in Singapore. Having a local specialist programme is useful given the cultural and religious sensitivities involved in the practice of palliative medicine. Dr Peh Tan Ying, Resident Physician, NCCS elaborated, ‘In Singapore decision making on patient care is often shared between the patient and his family. We take the family’s opinions into consideration when deciding how best to communicate end-of-life issues to patients. Local lecturers who practise and fully understand the local context will provide invaluable input.’ Doctors like Dr Peh would have considered the local specialist programme if it were offered earlier. She had enrolled in an overseas distance learning palliative medicine course.

More Effective Palliative Care Management

This specialist programme is a significant step towards developing palliative medicine as a specialist field. As a regional and national cancer centre, we believe in continuously developing our expertise to provide comprehensive cancer care and training. Patients can soon look forward to the improved skills and increased number of professionals providing palliative care,’ said Prof Soo Khee Chee, Director/ NCCS.

Fellowships and Scholarships available

Recognising the importance of palliative care, the Lien Foundation – Singapore Hospice Council will be setting up a fellowship fund worth up to $1.22 million to support worthy candidates applying for the course. The course fees are expected to come to S$10 000 a year and 3 types of scholarships and fellowships are available :

Department of Palliative Medicine
National Cancer Centre
11 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169610|
Tel: (65) 64368183 / Fax: (65) 62207490
E-mail: dpmysl@nccs.com.sg

About Flinders University Palliative Care Programme

The Flinders course currently has more than 170 students enrolled from around the world. It is equipping social workers, occupational and physical therapists, doctors and nurses together with pastoral care workers to train in this crucial area of clinical care. It has a busy research program with links in both Europe and North America as well as multi site links across Australia. The Flinders’ department of palliative and support services has academic staff from the fields of nursing, medicine, sociology, psychology and education.

About Palliative Care

Palliative care services help patients with advanced stages of a disease by optimising pain and symptom management, rehabilitation, as well as offering nutritional and psychosocial support.

For background info on palliative cancer care, please check :

Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network
http://www.aphn.org/

Singapore Hospice Council
http://www.singaporehospice.org.sg

Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association
http://www.chpca.net/home.htm

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
http://www.nhpco.org/templates/1/homepage.cfm

Palliative Care Australia
http://www.pallcare.org.au/