Only 3 in 10 Singaporeans know what palliative care is about: Survey

Most Singaporeans prefer to die at home, but only three in 10 of them know what palliative care is about. A survey conducted by local non-profit Lien Foundation on more than 1,000 adult Singaporeans highlighted common misconceptions and barriers towards palliative care. CNA speaks to Associate Professor Alethea Yee, Director of Education at the Lien Centre for Palliative Care, and a Senior Consultant at the National Cancer Centre. She talks about Singapore's current palliative care capabilities, training for healthcare professionals and how the Government will need to adapt to changing health needs. Also weighing in is Dr Neo Han Yee, Head of Department and Senior Consultant of Palliative Medicine at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. He talks about what palliative care entails, convincing patients and caregivers to begin palliative care earlier, and how realistic it is for healthcare professionals to take on palliative care responsibilities.