Engagement and Empowerment of Caregiver

Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 11 February 2026

Tags: Workforce Transformation, Informal Workforce Transformation, Caregiver

About this Content

Aims

To increase caregiver involvement in the acute hospital setting by increasing the average number of tasks performed per trained caregiver from 4 to 5 tasks within three months in Ward 63C. The project aims to achieve two goals: increase family members' willingness as registered caregivers during patient hospitalization and increase registered caregivers' willingness to stay as active partners in the healthcare system.

Background

Aging population in Singapore is putting increasing pressure on the healthcare system. One crucial factor influencing this pressure is the level of caregiver involvement. Inactive caregiver involvement is a complex national healthcare issue. Overcoming this requires a multi-faceted approach beyond hospitals' control, such as government, communities, and families joining in to create a harmonious healthcare future for all.

Methods

The project involves interventions and initiatives such as embracing early caregiver involvement as part of admission orientation, promoting public awareness on the benefits of being an active caregiver, promoting patient-centered care, defining caregiver roles and responsibilities, providing flexible teaching and learning, and simplifying caregiver registration.

Results

Total of 33 caregivers (over 138 days) were observed during the pre-intervention period and 43 caregivers (over 183 days) were observed post-interventions. Caregivers performed 599 tasks during the pre-interventions period and 888 tasks post-interventions. The average number of tasks observed per trained caregiver increased from 4.1 during the pre-intervention period to 5.4 post-intervention.

Conclusion

By leveraging the potential of empowered caregivers, the project seeks to enhance patient experience with caregiver multi-faceted contributions, optimize resources, and deliver better healthcare for Singapore's aging population. Activated caregivers are also able to continue quality care at home, easing pressure on hospitals.

Lessons Learnt

The project demonstrated that with education, clear roles, and supportive infrastructure, caregivers can provide basic care and emotional support, ultimately improving patient experience and freeing up resources.

Keywords

caregiver, patient experience, healthcare, empowerment, hospital

Innovators' Details

Connect with this contributor!

Singapore Healthcare Management Secretariat - singaporehealthcaremanagement@singhealth.com.sg

Project Attachment

1119_SGH_SHM_2025_Engagement_and_Empowerment_of_Caregiver.pdf