Dr Khoo: Continuing treatment at home will help patients, especially the elderly, recover better.
There has been increasing demand for home healthcare in recent years, according to industry professionals.
They say that among the care services requested by the public are for patients with acute, sub-acute and chronic conditions.
Sunway Healthcare Group hospital and healthcare operations managing director Dr Khoo Chow Huat said the models of home healthcare in Singapore and Australia involved remote monitoring and telehealth options.
“We realised there is rising demand and a gap in the local market for such services,” he said.
Dr Khoo said instead of being warded at the hospital, patients could continue their IV antibiotic drips at home.
“Instead of visiting the hospital once a week for physiotherapy over several months, a patient could conduct the session at home via teleconsultation with his or her doctor.
“This will help patients, especially the elderly, recover better since the home tends to be a more comfortable environment.
“In addition, it reduces the risk of hospital-acquired infections,” he highlighted.
Sunway Home Healthcare deputy general manager Dr Ng X’un-Jin said with technology revolutionising healthcare delivery, vital signs like blood pressure and glucose readings could be monitored in real-time.
Its resident medical officer Dr Ng Chin Nee said: “We have evidence that patients recover more effectively and swiftly in the comfort of their own home, especially for the elderly, many of whom are grappling with complex diagnoses such as stroke, cancer, pneumonia, sacral sores and fractures.
“This data underscores the importance of home-based care in facilitating optimal recovery and well-being.”
Additionally, the medical experts said this vital service would alleviate the strain on hospital resources and ultimately improve the overall healthcare ecosystem.
