A Multi-Dimensional Approach in Enhancing Patient-Centred Care for Diabetic Foot
Care Continuum
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National University Health System
29 January 2026
The primary aim of the Hot Clinic initiative was to create a targeted outpatient service that could intercept potential. The impact of the project extends beyond the collaborative, as the team is committed to its continued progress and sustainability.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 29 January 2026
Tags: Cost Saving, Time Saving, Workflow Redesign, Care Process ＆ Redesign, Productivity, Quality Improvement, Care Continuum, Chronic Care
About this Content
Aims
The primary aim of the Hot Clinic initiative was to create a targeted outpatient service that could intercept potential admissions by providing timely, specialized care, thus acting as a critical juncture in the patient care continuum.
Background
Diabetes is a growing health problem with a significant global health disease burden. The prevalence of diabetes in Singapore was 8.7% in 2021-2022. In the context of Singapores rapidly aging population with steadily increasing life expectancy, morbidity from chronic and non-fatal health problems caused by diabetes continues to present important challenges for the countrys health system.
Methods
A multidisciplinary team conducted a diagnostic journey and analysis, visually mapping the entire process to identify care gaps from admission to discharge. An affinity diagram was used to find common patterns among the identified issues, and a cause-and-effect diagram was employed to explore root causes further. Additionally, a Pareto chart was used to prioritize the top root causes based on their impact on the problem.
Results
Reduction in hospital admission rates. Number of admissions averted as the patients were seen earlier in outpatient setting resulting in timely care.
Conclusion
The impact of the project extends beyond the collaborative, as the team is committed to its continued progress and sustainability. By prioritizing continuous improvement, the team is dedicated to achieving long-term success and making a lasting difference in diabetes care and vascular complications management.
Lessons Learnt
The successful outpatient management of the Hot Clinic referrals underscores the efficacy of this approach. With patient satisfaction reported to be high and the acknowledgement of the system's efficiency, the focus should now be on refining the referral pathways and digitalising it through an e-referral process.
Additional Information
The Hot Clinic's expansion is planned across several phases to broaden its impact on diabetic foot care management. Digitalising the referral process has kickstarted with discussions between the NUH Vascular team, Chief Medical Informatics Officer, and Polyclinic team.
Keywords
Diabetes, Patient-Centred Care, Diabetic Foot, Vascular Complications, Hospital Admissions
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | National University Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Endocrinology |
Project Lead(s) | Rajesh Babu Dharmaraj |
Project Member(s) | Caesar Gimao |
Connect with this contributor!
Dr Rajesh Babu Dharmaraj - rajesh_babu_dharmaraj@nuhs.edu.sg