Partner to Care Program
Care Continuum
Training ＆ Education
National University Health System Quality Improvement
National University Health System
25 March 2026
To achieve a 30% improvement in caregiver preparedness scores (pre vs post) among 45 caregivers at JCH and NTFGH from May to. Challenge Status Quo: Mindset shift of staff to have forward thinking approach that strengthens healthcare partnerships with public.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 25 March 2026
Tags: Care Continuum, Intermediate and Long Term Care ＆ Community Care, Home Care, Value Based Care, Discharge Planning, Training ＆ Education, Collaborative Learning, Informal Workforce Transformation, Caregiver
About this Content
Aims
To achieve a 30% improvement in caregiver preparedness scores (pre vs post) among 45 caregivers at JCH and NTFGH from May to July 2025.
Background
Caregiver involvement is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of inpatient care. A national survey (Duke-NUS, 2019-2020) found that only 5% of caregivers received formal training, with 1 in 4 providing care alone. In addition, 40% of the caregivers reported poor health and 27% showed signs of depression. Limited caregivers' participation in the hospital setting can lead to increased caregiver stress, reduced continuity of care and delayed discharges. To address this gap, the initiative focuses on early caregiver engagement, offering hands-on opportunities supported by extended visiting hours, caregivers' friendly amenities and patient-caregiver interaction tools.
Methods
Formation of workgroup, site visit to Alexandra Hospital, setup of caregivers' facilities, design of brochures/posters, train-the-trainer sessions for individual departments, launch in JCH wards (March 2023) then spread to NTFGH wards (September 2023), structured caregiver engagement from admission through discharge, hands-on training with return demonstrations, adapted Caregivers' Preparedness Survey (Archbold et al., 1990) with pre- and post-surveys, enhancement initiatives including Caregiver-Patient Engagement Trolley and bedside exercises by physiotherapists.
Results
50% increase in overall confidence in caregiving role
48% increase in overall confidence in handling medical equipment (wound care, feeding tubes, walking aids)
52% improvement in ability to manage emotional stress as caregiver
50% increase in preparedness to respond effectively in emergency situations
86% of caregivers satisfied with facilities provided
96% of healthcare workers stated importance of engaging extended caregivers throughout patient's stay
93% of healthcare workers agreed discharge process becomes easier with extended caregiver presence
96% of caregivers felt program provided adequate support for emotional wellbeing and stress
Lessons Learnt
Challenge Status Quo: Mindset shift of staff to have forward thinking approach that strengthens healthcare partnerships with public and ensure sustainable outcomes. Adopt positive work culture: Foster an environment that values innovation and shared responsibility. Feedbacks and Iterative Improvement: Conduct periodic feedback sessions with nurses and caregivers to gather insights on program effectiveness and refine strategies accordingly to ensure the program evolves to meet needs effectively.
Keywords
caregiver engagement, discharge planning, preparedness, hands-on training, patient-caregiver partnership
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | Ng Teng Fong General Hospital |
Platform(s) | National University Health System Quality Improvement |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health, Healthcare Administration, Nursing |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Healthcare Administrators |
Project Lead(s) | Nellie Tan |
Project Member(s) | Teo Hui Sin |
Connect with this contributor!
Nellie Tan - er_tt_nellie@nuhs.edu.sg