Improving Inpatient Diabetes Care in TTSH
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National Healthcare Group
29 January 2026
To reduce complication rates and improve the quality of patient care, safety, and long-term outcomes for inpatients with. The IDCP has shown promise in improving inpatient diabetes care and has potential for expansion to other hospitals and nationwide.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 29 January 2026
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Product Evaluation, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Cost Effectiveness, Product Development
About this Content
Aims
To reduce complication rates and improve the quality of patient care, safety, and long-term outcomes for inpatients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) through the Integrated Diabetes Care Programme (IDCP).
Background
The national burden of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and its complications is unacceptably high. Diabetes was the 8th most common condition of hospitalisation in Singapore in 2014, and in 2019, 33.3% of patients admitted to TTSH had DM.
Methods
The IDCP was implemented using an Interrupted Time Series method, with the creation of an IT system named SPARK to identify and stratify DM patients into risk categories. The programme involved up-skilling of physician extenders and collaboration with NHG institutions.
Results
There was a statistically significant improvement in inpatient hypoglycaemia rates and readmission rates, with a reduction in average length of stay for DM patients. The programme also contributed to cost savings and improved glycemic control.
The programme facilitated the transition of DM patients into the community and developed the healthcare ecosystem within the hospital, cluster, and nation.
Conclusion
The IDCP has shown promise in improving inpatient diabetes care and has potential for expansion to other hospitals and nationwide.
Lessons Learnt
The use of SPARK and up-skilling of healthcare professionals led to increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness in managing DM patients.
Keywords
Diabetes, SPARKS, ODCP, Hypoglycaemia, IDCP, Intergrated care
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Tan Tock Seng Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Healthcare Administration, Medical, Nursing, Pharmacy |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Healthcare Administrators, InfoTech, Operations, Medical, Endocrinology, Nursing, Nursing Research, Pharmacy |
Project Lead(s) | Quek Zhi Han |
Project Member(s) | Teo Hwei Yee |
Connect with this contributor!
Quek Peng Lim Timothy - timothy_quek@ttsh.com.sg
Quek Zhi Han - Zhi_Han_QUEK@ttsh.com.sg