[AVBC 2025] Reducing Post-Caesarean Section Length of Stay Through an Integrated Communication Strategy
Care Process & Redesign
Appropriate & Value-based Care Conference
SingHealth
28 November 2025
Length of Stay, Patient Education, Discharge Planning, Communication Strategy, Value-Based Healthcare. A structured approach with multidisciplinary commitment emphasizing enhanced communication across healthcare teams, standardized.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 28 November 2025
Tags: Quality Improvement, Care Process ＆ Redesign, Workflow Redesign, Value Based Care, Length Of Stay, Discharge Planning
About this Content
Aims
Length of Stay, Patient Education, Discharge Planning, Communication Strategy, Value-Based Healthcare
Background
Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) is a key condition within the National Value-Driven Care (VDC) programme. Despite established clinical pathways, overall clinical quality index (CQI) remained suboptimal, primarily due to extended post-operative length of stay (LOS) exceeding 3 days. Extended stays not only increase resource utilisation but also heighten the risk of hospital-acquired complications and reduce patient satisfaction.
Methods
Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) is a key condition within the National Value-Driven Care (VDC) programme. Despite established clinical pathways, overall clinical quality index (CQI) remained suboptimal, primarily due to extended post-operative length of stay (LOS) exceeding 3 days. Extended stays not only increase resource utilisation but also heighten the risk of hospital-acquired complications and reduce patient satisfaction.
Results
Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) is a key condition within the National Value-Driven Care (VDC) programme. Despite established clinical pathways, overall clinical quality index (CQI) remained suboptimal, primarily due to extended post-operative length of stay (LOS) exceeding 3 days. Extended stays not only increase resource utilisation but also heighten the risk of hospital-acquired complications and reduce patient satisfaction.
Conclusion
A structured approach with multidisciplinary commitment emphasizing enhanced communication across healthcare teams, standardized patient education, and streamlined discharge planning effectively reduced post-operative LOS for patients undergoing LSCS. This initiative demonstrates how targeted communication strategies can improve operational efficiency while maintaining quality of care, advancing value-based healthcare delivery.
Lessons Learnt
Success factors include strong senior leadership engagement, multidisciplinary commitment, and data-driven decision making. Structured communication pathways are essential for complex care coordination and reducing process uncertainty. Strategic timing of patient education across their care journey enhances patients expectations and preparedness for discharge.
Keywords
Length of Stay, Patient Education, Discharge Planning, Communication Strategy, Value-Based Healthcare
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | SingHealth |
Organization(s) Involved | Singapore General Hospital |
Platform(s) | Appropriate & Value-based Care Conference |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Healthcare Administration |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
Project Lead(s) | Chan Hong |
Project Member(s) | Devendra S/O Kangagalingam |
Connect with this contributor!
Chan Hong - chan.hong@sgh.com.sg