When SGH patient Mdm Yip Kwai Fong learnt about Advance Care Planning, she took a courageous step to ensure her healthcare wishes were heard. Discover how a simple conversation with her close relatives brought peace of mind.
“Ensuring my voice is heard”
Madam Yip Kwai Fong, aged 73, lives in her 4-room flat with her helper. Despite her age and medical conditions, she remains an active member of the community. Her days are often filled with laughter and camaraderie when she participates in various activities organized by the Active Aging Centre in Chinatown.
Mdm Yip suffers from heart disease, has high blood pressure and high cholesterol. During a routine home visit by SGH community nurses, she was introduced to Advance Care Planning (ACP). Initially, she was curious yet hesitant. However, as the nurse explained the benefits, she began to see the wisdom in having such an important discussion. She recognized the benefits of discussing her healthcare preferences with her close relatives, who often work overseas. “It’s about ensuring my voice is heard,” she said.
Taking control of her story
A session was arranged with Ms Fu Yee Wen, a Community Nurse trained in ACP discussions, with Mdm Yip and her two younger sisters. The discussion was conducted face-to-face, with the youngest sister joining them virtually through video conference. Mdm Yip shared her views on living well, emphasizing, “If I become critically-ill, I don’t want life-sustaining treatment that won’t allow for meaningful interactions with my loved ones.”
Mdm Yip’s nieces and nephews were informed about her ACP after it was done and they were supportive of her wishes too.
“We’ve got you, Auntie,” her nephew said. The ACP discussion was recorded in her medical records in SGH, providing clarity and peace of mind for everyone involved. Now, her family knows exactly how to represent her in discussions about her treatment plans with the medical team, should she become unable to, alleviating the burden of uncertainty. “I feel like I’ve taken control of my story,” Mdm Yip reflected.
ACP webinars for staff
The SGH ACP Workgroup hosts a series of lunch time webinars for staff to share insights and strategies in promoting and facilitating ACP for patients. The webinar on 31 July 2024 looks at translating ACP into bedside decisions. Three seasoned clinicians from the Emergency Department, Medical Intensive Care Unit and the Internal Medicine - Supportive and Palliative Care Service will offer their insight and experience. Register here
https://for.sg/sghacpwebinar for this free webinar.
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