Enhancing Care Delivery in ICH Through Therapy Assistant Workforce Transformation
Workforce Transformation
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National Healthcare Group
26 November 2025
To redefine the role of therapy assistants (TAs) by empowering them to independently manage patients and adopt. The initiative has created an efficient system supporting high-quality care delivery while addressing workforce challenges during the.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 26 November 2025
Tags: Workforce Transformation, Job Redesign, Trans-Disciplinary, Upskilling, Workforce Performance, Workforce Productivity, Workforce Sustainability
About this Content
Aims
To redefine the role of therapy assistants (TAs) by empowering them to independently manage patients and adopt transdisciplinary capabilities.
Through targeted upskilling initiatives, TAs are trained to provide seamless support across physiotherapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and speech therapy (ST). By equipping them with skills to support transdisciplinary model across PT, OT, and ST - the team aimed to bridge the manpower gap, improve care delivery and create a more sustainable workforce model.
Background
Traditionally, Therapy Assistants (TAs) have been limited to an assisting or supporting role, working exclusively within a single discipline under the direct supervision of therapists. This arrangement restricted their potential and limited the flexibility in manpower allocation across disciplines. With a shrinking workforce and rising healthcare demands due to an ageing population, hiring sufficient therapists became challenging, resulting in delayed care and urgent workforce gaps.
Methods
The following strategies and interventions are driving this change:
1. Standardization of Competencies across Tertiary Rehab (TR) and Intermediate Rehab & Subacute (IRSA).
2. Collaborative Efforts across Levels, Programs and Disciplines.
3. Workforce Specialization and Upskilling.
4. Implementation of TA-Led Models with the use of Cadence in EPIC.
5. Enhanced Mentorship System.
6. Outcome Tracking Mechanisms.
7. Stakeholder Engagement and Feedback.
Results
The Workforce Transformation initiative has yielded significant productivity gains. These changes have transformed TAs into a critical pillar of care delivery, adapting to growing demands despite AHP manpower constraints.
1. Enhanced Task Offloading and AHP Optimisation: TAs now manage selected tasks traditionally performed by AHPs such as providing TA-Led for patients who required minimal assistance.
2. Workforce Scalability and Independence: TA workforce expanded from 32 to 56 FTE and their independent competency rate increased from 37.5% to 87.5% overall.
3. Technology-Driven Optimisation: Implementation of Cadence in EPIC.
Conclusion
The initiative has created an efficient system supporting high-quality care delivery while addressing workforce challenges during the first year of operation in a new environment. The plans ahead are to progress towards the ideal state of full implementation across the entire ICH (Integrated Care Hub).
Lessons Learnt
1. Collaborative Leaderships and Teamwork: Inter-discipline collaboration is essential for overcoming challenges and ensuring smooth transitions.
2. Clear Communication: Transparent communication with all stakeholders is crucial.
3. Thorough Planning: Early planning and stakeholder alignment ensure smooth process and transition.
4. Setting Direction and Robust Tracking: Clear direction and robust tracking mechanisms are essential to monitor outcomes and ensure sustainability.
The success of this initiative relied heavily on the interdependency among therapists, TAs, and department leads. Their collaboration is critical in aligning goals, ensuring effective knowledge transfer, and monitoring outcomes. This project exemplifies a transformative approach to workforce development, maximising resource utilisation while fostering professional growth and service excellence.
Additional Information
This project has won National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Awards 2025 under Best Practice (Workforce Transformation) category.
Keywords
Therapy Assistant, Workforce Transformation, Care Delivery, Upskilling, Transdisciplinary
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Integrated Care Hub |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health, Healthcare Administration |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Allied Health, Psychology, Respiratory Therapy, Speech Therapy, Healthcare Administrators, Operations |
Project Lead(s) | Ong Cheng Hong |
Project Member(s) | Sharon Sew |
Connect with this contributor!
Ong Cheng Hong - cheng.hong.ong@nhghealth.com.sg
Sharon Sew - sharon.sew@nhghealth.com.sg
Simon Lau Wing Tai - simon.wt.lau@nhghealth.com.sg
Ernest Thia - ernest.ck.thia@nhghealth.com.sg
Donna Chiang - donna.hy.chiang@nhghealth.com.sg