ANNUAL REPORT 2016 / 2017

Transcription

1 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 / 2017 RETHINKING AGEING IN SINGAPORE

2 OUR PURPOSE A geriatric institute based in Singapore to conduct research and education on age-related health issues to promote healthy ageing OUR VISION A research institute to help Singapore better prepare for the challenges of an ageing population 1

3 ABOUT US The Geriatric Education & Research Institute (GERI) was set up in 2015 as a national entity under the Ministry of Health (MOH) to strengthen geriatric education, research and service planning in the health services and clinical aspects of ageing. To achieve our vision in helping Singapore better prepare for the challenges of an ageing population, GERI s initiatives are centred around five key programmes, namely, Geriatric Education, Health Services & Policy Research, Seniors Care Delivery & Health Outcomes, Frailty Identification, Prevention and Management and Clinical Geriatrics & End of Life. The programme leads work hand-in-hand with our faculty to ensure that relevant expertise is brought onto the table. The strong dedicated team of researchers, educators, biostatisticians and health economists are engaged in collaborative work to fuel our mission in promoting healthy ageing in Singapore. The institute is also equipped with robust research infrastructure, such as the Smart Home and Gait Lab. GERI welcomes potential partners to join us as faculty member or collaborator to transform Singapore s healthcare landscape to successful ageing. OUR KEY PROGRAMMES GERIATRIC EDUCATION HEALTH SERVICES & POLICY SENIORS CARE DELIVERY & HEALTH OUTCOMES FRAILTY IDENTIFICATION, PREVENTION & MANAGEMENT CLINICAL GERIATRICS & END OF LIFE 2

4 OUR KEY PROGRAMMES Geriatric Education Health Services & Senior Care Delivery Frailty Identification, Policy Research in Community & Prevention & Health Outcomes Management Programme Lead: Programme Lead: Programme Lead: Programme Lead: A/Prof James Low Dr Wong Chek Hooi Dr Wong Chek Hooi A/Prof Wee Shiou Liang A/Prof Philip Yap The ageing population brings with it many challenges, one of which is in the training and upskilling of geriatric healthcare professionals. Geriatric Education endeavours to develop improved training methods for healthcare professionals, so as to promote quality care for the elderly. With the increased eldercare services in Singapore, there is a need to assess and evaluate current practices to advance the state of knowledge in healthcare for the ageing population. Coupled with an ageing population, an increase in life expectancy puts pressure on public healthcare facilities. It is thus important to integrate the management of healthcare into the community. To maximise the level and functional independence among the elderly, it is important to understand the determinants of frailty in order to innovate solutions to prevent and manage it. Clinical Geriatrics & End of Life (NEW) Programme Lead: A/Prof Ding Yew Yoong With an increased life expectancy, it is inevitable that the elderly will experience co-morbidity of illnesses. Clinical geriatric research helps to identify and diagnose age-related diseases. 3

5 MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Prof Pang Weng Sun Ever since our soft launch in 2016, GERI has been committed to our purpose in rethinking ageing in Singapore. Looking back on the past year, we have been focused on developing and refining our research projects to address the future challenges of an ageing Singapore. Amidst a wider research portfolio, the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Study (SLAS) is one of GERI s more notable projects guiding clinical practices in the local geriatric scene. Through rigorous methodology, prospective studies such as the SLAS provide direction for clinicians and healthcare professionals on the ground, enabling them to anticipate and meet the challenges of our future elderly population. As Singapore prepares for her ageing population, it is important for GERI to remain aligned to the national vision of helping our seniors age-in-place. It is our duty to remain committed to planning and conducting top-quality translational research. With this in mind, we have been actively collaborating with external stakeholders to sharpen the quality of our research projects. Over the past year, we have been collaborating with institutions to harness their expertise and technological know-how in augmenting our research projects. The Centre for Ageing and Research & Education (CARE) and Neeuro Pte Ltd are two of such examples. In addition, we have also been working with community stakeholders in the North and Central Singapore to provide as well assess new and existing programmes. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Board and Senior Management of Alexandra Health System (AHS) who were tasked by the Ministry of Health in 2015 to set up and develop GERI. With the public healthcare reorganisation in January 2017, AHS has been integrated with the National Healthcare Group (NHG) and responsibility for the governance of GERI now falls under NHG. Moving forward, it is our goal to be at the forefront of geriatric research in Singapore. I would like to challenge all researchers in GERI to upkeep their tenacity and quest for excellence in the Institute s research pursuits. At the same time, I urge all of you to stay grounded and to keep abreast with the present and future needs of our ageing population. I look forward to seeing more needs-based research and I am confident of the positive impact that we will make with our research. 4

6 OUR FIRST YEAR AT A GLANCE RESEARCH EDUCATION 10 Presentations at International 4 Workshops & seminars Conferences 1 Asia-Pacific Geriatric 3 Publications in internationally peerreviewed journals Conference 2016 COLLABORATION Evaluation reports 2 with DUKE-NUS) completed for MOH (in collaboration SPONSORSHIP 9 Projects completed in collaboration with external agencies, including hospitals, academic institutions and community partners $11,980 FUND Sponsorship value contributed to the Asia-Pacific Geriatric Conference Intramural projects funded $1,516,292 Competitive grants received 5

7 ORGANISATIONAL CHART Executive Director Prof Pang Weng Sun Deputy Executive Director Dr Wong Chek Hooi Research & Education Programmes (Programme Leads) Research & Education Resources Operations & Corporate Services Clinical Geriatrics & End of Life A/Prof Ding Yew Yoong Health Services & Policy Dr Wong Chek Hooi Frailty Identification, Prevention & Management A/Prof Wee Shiou Liang & Research Administration (Qiu Shijia, Senior Executive) Governance, Admin & Research Operations Research Support Biostatistician (Robin Choo) Health Economist (Xie Bing) Data Analytics (Rachel Li) Finance (Kong Lai Ho, Senior Manager) Operations (Stephanie Fong, Senior Executive) Human Resource External Communication Services A/Prof Philip Yap Education Manager (Nongluck Pussayapibul) Geriatric Education A/Prof James Low Seniors Care Delivery & Health Outcomes Dr Wong Chek Hooi 6

8 GERI COMMITTEE GERI Committee, Sitting (from left to right): Dr Quek Peng Kiang, Prof Chee Yam Cheng (Chair), Prof Philip Choo, Mr Tow Heng Tan, Prof Pang Weng Sun (ED) Senior Management, Standing (from left to right): Dr Willie Koh, Dr Wong Chek Hooi (DED), Dr Wee Shiou Liang, Ms Kong Lai Ho 7

9 OUR TEAM First Row (from left to right): A/Prof James Alvin Low Yiew Hock, A/Prof Wee Shiou Liang, A/Prof Ding Yew Yoong, Prof Pang Weng Sun, Dr Wong Chek Hooi, Dr Reuben Ng, Robin Choo Wai Munn Second Row (from left to right): Daniella Ng Hui Min, Dr Nguyen Ngoc Tu, Shermaine Thein Fen, Xie Bing, Liu Xiao, Alvin Wah, Wong Lok Hang, Dr Wei Kai, Nigel Teo Qun Xuan, Isabel Ng Hui Leng, Queenie Tan Lin Ling, Aizuriah Binte Mohammed Ali, Clarissa Tan Si Hui, Chan Wei Xin Ivana Third Row (from left to right): Dr Tan Pey June, Dr Mimaika Luluina Ginting, Emily Koh Jiali, Avril Soh, Lynette Ha, Chua Xin Ying, Stephanie Fong Hoe Tai, Qiu Shijia, Dr Lilian Chye Min Yen, Yeo Pei Shi, Hiew Yee Lin, Nongluck Pussayapibul, Kong Lai Ho 8

10 ACHIEVEMENTS & EVENTS

11 AWARDS PUBLICATIONS AWARDS National Health IT Excellence Award 2017: Beyond Hospital to Community for project on Telegeriatrics Nurse Training Course (TNTC) for Nursing Home Nurses Organised by: Ministry of Health Award Recipient: A/Prof James Low, programme lead for the geriatric education team. PUBLICATIONS Lo, T. J., Ha, N. H., Ng, C. J., Tan, G., Koh, H. M., & Yap, P. L. (2016). Unmarried patients with early cognitive impairment are more likely than their married counterparts to complete advance care plans. International Psychogeriatrics, 29(03), doi: /s Tam, W. J., & Yap, P. (2016). Health Care for Older Adults in Uganda: Lessons for the Developing World. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 65(6), doi: /jgs Zhou, K., Vidyarthi, A. R., Wong, C. H., & Matchar, D. (2017). Where to go if not the hospital? Reviewing geriatric bed utilization in an acute care hospital in Singapore. Geriatrics & Gerontology International. doi: /ggi

12 EVENTS 2016 ASIA PACIFIC GERIATRIC CONFERENCE (APGC) TRAINING WORKSHOPS GERI was the lead sponsor of the 2016 APGC, with a contribution amount of $11,980. Held from August 2016, the conference was graced by Health Minister Gan Kim Yong and Senior Minister of State, MOH, Dr Amy Khor. In addition, GERI researchers presented a total of 10 posters at the conference. From left: Qualitative Research Methods Workshop and Geriatric Research Seminar As part of our staff development, GERI organises workshops and seminars for staff to upgrade their skill sets and expose them to new insights from professionals in the field. 11

13 FACILITIES

14 SEMINAR ROOM BIOBANK Where knowledge connects With 100 seats, the seminar room serves as a place where thoughtful discussions and insights are shared. Transforming research through technology GERI houses its own bio-bank for the preservation of blood samples for future research. The biobank is equipped with technology that enables the blood to be stored for more than five years. 13

15 SMART HOME A leap towards the future In line with national efforts in building a Smart Nation, GERI accommodates a fully functional Smart Home, equipped with sensors and facilities that aid in the study of ageing in the community. Smart monitoring Two panels of oneway mirrors were installed for the ease of observation in an unobtrusive manner. 14

16 GAIT LAB RESOURCE CENTRE DISCUSSION ROOMS Equipped for testing The in-house Gait, Cognition and Falls Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for the measurement of gait and physiological profiles in the study of frailty. A bank of knowledge A Resource Centre is being set up to provide an archive of key geriatric policies and documents, geriatric and gerontology resources and clinical journals. A discussion room is also available for sharing and exchange of new insights. 15

17 PROJECTS

18 PROJECT OVERVIEW GERI aims to be the thought leader in eldercare research in the clinical and community setting. As part of national efforts to help seniors age-in-place, GERI has spearheaded several projects targeted at evaluating and designing interventions in the current eldercare landscape. Moving forward, GERI will be launching new programmes that are focused on clinical geriatrics in end-of-life care settings. It is our aim that our research findings will benefit not only the geriatricians, but other stakeholders as well. We hope that the relevance of our research will increase the likelihood of adoption of our research findings into practice. It is also in GERI s agenda to align with Singapore s vision of being a Smart Nation as we commence the testing of our SMART Home technologies to reinvent living and working spaces for Singapore s ageing population. MAIN OBJECTIVES Maintaining the functional capacities of seniors and helping them to age-in-place Developing a care model towards dying with dignity Increasing the capabilities and capacities of community eldercare programmes Spearheading research on ageless living and working spaces 17

19 FEATURED PROJECTS FY16 FY17 The ComSA Patient-Centred Care (COPACC) Study: Utilisation, Health and Economic Evaluation of a Community-Based Primary Care Geriatric Hub at Whampoa To evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based primary care Geriatric hub in Whampoa (ComSA Hua Mei Clinic Whampoa), which may serve as a model for the improvement of accessibility to healthcare and care management services. PI: Dr Wong Chek Hooi (GERI) Collaborators: Tsao Foundation, Ministry of Health (MOH), National Healthcare Group (NHG), GERI Source of Funding: GERI Intramural Funding National Fall Awareness and Prevention Programme: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Falls, Fall-Related Risk Factors and Fall Prevention among Community- Dwelling Older and Middle-Aged Adults in Singapore To describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of falls among community-dwelling older and middle-aged adults. This study will be used to gain valuable insights on falls and related risk factors from a life-course approach, which will in turn be used in falls prevention and education programmes. PI: Dr Wong Chek Hooi (GERI) Collaborators: Centre of Ageing Research and Education (CARE) DUKE-NUS, Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH), GERI Source of Funding: GERI Intramural Funding Walking Behaviour, Lifespace Mobility and Wayfinding Experience among Community, Dwelling Older Adults To study the relationship between the health and environments of older adults and better understand how persons with dementia (PWDs) navigate their neighbourhood as opposed to persons without dementia. PI: Dr Wong Chek Hooi (GERI) Collaborators: Singapore University of Technology & Design (SUTD), Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Housing & Development Board (HDB), MOH, Alexandra Health System (AHS), KTPH, Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), CPG Consultants, Lekker Architects Pte Ltd, PODesign Pte Ltd, Building and Construction Authority (BCA), Aim & Associates Source of Funding: The Land and Liveability National Innovation Challenge (L2 NIC) 2017 Grant by Ministry of National Development 18

20 FEATURED PROJECTS FY16 FY17 Exploring Meaning, Loss, and Identity among Terminally-Ill Patients through Engagement in Food-Related Occupational Therapy in a Community Hospital Palliative Sub-acute Care Ward in Singapore To understand how patients ascribe meaning to and cope with loss as they engage in food-related occupational therapy. The study also aims to identify sources of resilience and better understand how food-related activities relate to their self-identity via heritage and legacies. PI: Ms Han Peishan Mina (YCH) Collaborators: Yishun Community Hospital (YCH), KTPH, GERI Source of Funding: Agency of Integrated Care (AIC) Intermediate and Long Term Care 2016 Research Grant Provision of Health Service and Community Care for the Elderly: Intergenerational Roles and Equity: Timelines and Progress To study how intergenerational relationships affect healthcare services delivery, financing and policy. The study also aims to understand the value of intergenerational solidarity and compare how these factors differ across cultural contexts. PI: Prof Eliza Wong (CUHK) Collaborators: World University Network with Universities of Auckland, Bergen, Sheffield, Western Australia, Tokyo, Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), GERI Source of Funding: World University Network The Smart Home Living Lab (SHLL) Project To objectively assess the activities and functional abilities of older adults, using unobtrusive and continuous smart home technologies in frailty identification, prevention and management. PI: A/Prof Tan Hwee Pink (SMU) A/Prof Philip Yap (GERI) A/Prof Wee Shiou Liang (GERI) Collaborators: Singapore Management University (SMU) 19

21 FEATURED PROJECTS FY16 FY17 Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Study Analyses To conduct a longitudinal analysis to determine the association between malnutrition and frailty; to study social frailty in community-dwelling older adults; to identify the link between frailty phenotypes and adverse health outcomes. PI: A/Prof Ng Tze Pin (GERI) Source of Funding: Intramural Funding Knowledge-based Decision Support System for Caregivers of People with Dementia To design and develop a novel IT-driven knowledge-based decision support system for caregivers of patients with dementia, specifically to address emotional and behavioural issues. PI: Dr Kayo Sakamoto (IHPC) Collaborators: A*STAR IHPC, KTPH, GERI Source of Funding: National Innovation Challenge on Active and Confident Ageing Cognition Grant Effects of a community cognitive training programme on cognitive function, gait and balance in older adults To evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week commercially available and community-delivered computerised cognitive training programme on cognition, gait and balance amongst older adults. PI: A/Prof Wee Shiou Liang (GERI) Collaborator: Neeuro Pte Ltd, GERI Source of Funding: Intramural Funding Hearing Loss and Cognitive Impairment Prevalence and Association Among Community- Dwelling Older Adults in Singapore To estimate the prevalence of hearing loss and mild cognitive impairment, as well as to establish the relationship between the two factors amongst community-dwelling older adults. PI: Dr Rebecca Heywood (JHS) Collaborators: Jurong Health Services, Ear Science Institute Australia, GERI Source of Funding: Jurong Health Internal Research & Development (R&D) Grant Award 20

22 FEATURED PROJECTS FY16 FY17 Evaluation of Multi-domain Cognitive Preservation for People at Risk of Dementia To systematically identify community-dwelling individuals who are at risk of dementia and to spearhead and evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-domain intervention involving physical and cognitive exercises, as well as nutritional guidance in maintaining cognitive abilities amongst older Singaporeans PI: A/Prof Wee Shiou Liang (GERI) Collaborators: KKT Technology Pte Ltd. (Holmusk), Neeuro Pte Ltd, ProAge Pte Ltd., GERI Source of Funding: National Innovation Challenge on Active and Confident Ageing Cognition Grant A Fully-Integrated Smart Diaper and Monitoring System to Assist and Enhance the Healthcare of Ageing Adults To assess the utility and value of a smart sensor/system to reduce the time that users spend in soiled diapers, as well as to find ways which would optimise the use of smart diaper to detect electrolyte abnormality. PI: Prof Jackie Ying (IBN) A/Prof Philip Yap (GERI) Collaborators: A*STAR IBN, GERI Source of Funding: A*STAR MEDTECH Grant A Mixed Methods Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Community Nurse Training Programme in Singapore To assess the effectiveness of a community training programme for nurses in improving their knowledge, skills, attitudes and confidence in facing challenges, in a novel community setting. PI: A/Prof James Low(GERI) Collaborators: KTPH, Ageing-in-Place Community Care Team (AIP-CCT), GERI Source of Funding: Intramural Funding A Multicentre Study of the Effectiveness of Advanced Care Planning (ACP) Training Workshop for Health Professionals To evaluate the effectiveness of a national training workshop for Advance Care Planning (ACP) facilitators in improving knowledge, skills and confidence in administering the ACP process. PI: Dr Raymond Ng (TTSH) Collaborators: Singapore General Hospital (SGH), KTPH, TTSH, AIC, GERI Source of Funding: Intramural Funding 21

23 OTHER PROJECTS FY16 FY17 TITLE OBJECTIVES PI / COLLABORATORS SOURCE OF FUNDING Health Springs: An Innovative Wellness and Fall Prevention Approach for Singaporean Elderly in High Rise Housing To qualitatively map out the current built environment and understand older adults experiences with bathing and use these results to innovate new bathing spaces for fall prevention. Dr Wong Chek Hooi (GERI) Texas A&M University Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) GERI Intramural Funding Health Outcome & Process Evaluation on Project Trigenerational Homecare (HOPE@ Trigen) To evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary student volunteer healthcare team and their efforts to improve self-efficacy in chronic disease management among communitybased patients under the Ageing-in-Place (AIP) Programme. Dr Wong Chek Hooi (GERI) National University of Singapore (NUS) GERI Intramural Funding Psychosocial Promoters of Successful Ageing To inform preventive health interventions by studying the impact of psychological well-being on longevity. This will be done through the analysis of longitudinal studies from the USA (Wisconsin, Ohio), Singapore and Korea. Dr Reuben Ng (GERI) National University of Singapore (NUS) Seoul National University (SNU) University of Wisconsin Yale University Extramural Funding (MOE) Retirement and Health To provide insights into psychosocial retirement preparation and psychological retirement adequacy by studying the impact of retirement attitudes on health and longevity. Dr Reuben Ng (GERI) Ministry of Health (MOH) Extramural Funding A Big Data Analytics Approach to Measuring Elder Perceptions To investigate elder stereotypes across cultures and time, so as to inform policy evaluation and communication. Dr Reuben Ng (GERI) National University of Singapore (NUS) Yale University Brigham Young University Extramural Funding Ageing Mobility To analyse the travel patterns of elders on public transport to be used in the planning and execution of environmental intervention. Dr Reuben Ng (GERI) National University of Singapore (NUS) Extramural Funding Preventive Health Analytics To identify the psychosocial and behavioural predictors for falls using administrative, and/or survey data. Dr Reuben Ng (GERI) Ministry of Health (MOH) National University of Singapore (NUS) Extramural Funding Well-being of Older Taxi Drivers To build a predictive model of on-road test competency for taxi drivers above 70 years of age. Dr Reuben Ng (GERI) Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) Extramural Funding (NHG) 22

24 OTHER PROJECTS FY16 FY17 TITLE OBJECTIVES PI / COLLABORATORS SOURCE OF FUNDING Elderly Nutritional Indicators for Geriatric Malnutrition Assessment (ENIGMA): Development and Validation of a Nutritional Prognostic Index To develop and validate a Nutritional Prognostic Index (ENIGMA) for use in a geriatric outpatient or primary care setting. A/Prof Ng Tze Pin (GERI) National University of Singapore (NUS) Jurong Health Services (JHS) A*STAR BMRC and NMRC Grant Determinants of Rehospitalisation in Elderly Patients - Role of Functional Impairment To identify the risk factors of readmission and visit to the emergency department within 30-days post-discharge. A/Prof Wee Shiou Liang (GERI) Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) - Addressing the Nutritional Needs of the Ageing Consumer in Asia Recommendations from an Expert Workshop To understand the nutritional needs of ageing consumers in Asia to facilitate policy and research recommendations in meeting their needs. Professor Jean Woo (Hong Kong) GERI Fellow colleagues from China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and the Netherlands FrieslandCampina Institute Association of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) on Outcomes of Acute Geriatric Care in a Multi-Ethnic Population To study the reliability of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) measure and its clinical utility to predict hospitalisation outcomes. A/Prof Wee Shiou Liang (GERI) Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) - Mapping Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) Scores to Dementia Severity To map the modified MMSE scores to dementia severity assessed by the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale, Functional Assessment Staging Tool (FAST), and DSM-IIIR to ascertain the MMSE cutoff scores that best distinguishes each stage of dementia from the other stages. A/Prof Philip Yap (GERI) Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) - Pilot Study on the Feasibility of a Functional Power Training Programme in Frail Community-Dwelling Older Adults To assess the feasibility of a 12-week functional power training programme for frail and/or prefrail community-dwelling older adults and its effect on physical performance. Dr Lilian Chye (GERI) ProAge Pte Ltd FILOS Community Services Intramural Funding Relationships between the Changes in Physical Frailty Components and Cognitive Domains Among Frail Older Adults To explore specific relationships between the components of physical frailty and cognitive domain functioning among frail older adults via cross sectional and longitudinal analyses. A/Prof Ng Tze Pin (GERI) National University of Singapore (NUS) - Attitudes and Perceptions of Teenagers towards Seniors and Ageing To understand teenagers attitudes towards ageing and to elucidate relevant constructs which influenced positive and negative perceptions. The project also sought to validate the 10-item questionnaire used in attitude assessment. A/Prof Philip Yap (GERI) Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) - Study on Caregiving eeperience of Foreign Domestic Workers Caring for Frail Seniors in Singapore To understand the challenges faced by FDWs when caring for seniors in Singapore, as well as gain insights into their coping strategies and support assistance required. In addition, the project aims to explore the utility of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) in Singapore. Dr Tam Wai Jia (GERI) A/Prof Philip Yap (GERI) National University of Singapore (NUS) NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health 23

25 OTHER PROJECTS FY16 FY17 TITLE OBJECTIVES PI / COLLABORATORS SOURCE OF FUNDING Normative Values of Common Physical and Cognitive Measures of Healthy Adults in Singapore To establish reference values of different variables for the local population (aged 20-85) on measures of physiology, physical performance and cognition. A/Prof Wee Shiou Liang (GERI) Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) Intramural Funding MCT Based Liquid Powered Nondiary Creamer as Functional Food for People with Alzheimers' Disease To develop and conduct phase 1 study of a medium-chain triglyceride based liquid powered non-dairy creamer as functional food for people with Alzheimers Disease. Dr Xu Yunyun (SP) Singapore Polytechnic GERI Ministry of Education (MOE) 9 th Translational R&D and Innovation Grant Evaluation of CARITAS a Hospital- Community Integrated Care Network for Persons with Dementia To evaluate the effectiveness and value of CARITAS in helping to improve the quality of dementia care. It also aims to understand the means in which care integration can be achieved. A/Prof Philip Yap (GERI) National University of Singapore (NUS) Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) Intramural Funding Quality of Care and Value of Memory Clinic for PWD To assess the effects of having a memory clinic on the quality of life of PWDs, as well as the cost effectiveness of having such a service. A/Prof Philip Yap (GERI) Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) - Determinants of Formal Service Utilisation for Patients with Dementia To understand the determinants of formal dementia-related service utilisation amongst PWDs. A/Prof Philip Yap (GERI) Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) - Assessing and Implementing Person-Centred Care of Nursing Homes in Singapore To characterise the extent of person-centred care in nursing homes and determine its relationship with the quality of life amongst nursing home residents. A/Prof Gerald Koh Choon Huat (NUS) GERI National University of Singapore (NUS) Alzheimer s Disease Association (Singapore) Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health A Mixed-Method Evaluation of a Cross-cultural, Distance Teaching Programme between Singapore and Uganda To elucidate the factors which influence the educational experience of healthcare workers using distance teaching methods. A/Prof James Low (GERI) Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) National University of Singapore (NUS) Mildmay Uganda Intramural Funding A Mixed-Method Study of the Effectiveness of an Intensive Palliative Care Course for Nurses in the Long Term Care (LTC) Setting To evaluate the effectiveness of a 40-hour Palliative Care Course for Nurses in increasing their knowledge and skills, as well as generating attitude change towards long term care. A/Prof James Low (GERI) Ang Mo Kio Thye Hwa Kwan Hospital Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) Gericare@North Alexandra Health System (AHS) Gericare@North AHS Funding A Survey of the Level of Confidence and Satisfaction among Nursing Home Nurses Regarding the Telegeriatrics Nurse Training Course (TNTC) To quantitatively measure the impact of the Telegeriatric Nurse Training Course (TNTC) on the self-reported confidence levels of nursing home nurses. A/Prof James Low (GERI) Gericare@North Alexandra Health System (AHS) Gericare@North AHS Funding Death Anxiety in Acute Care Nurses Can a Workshop Make Any Difference? To assess the effectiveness of an end-of-life care workshop for nurses in the acute care setting and assess their level of knowledge and anxiety level towards managing death in an acute care setting. Dr Cheong Chin Yee (KTPH) GERI Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) Committee of Alexandra Health Research in Education (CARE) 24

26 UPCOMING PROJECTS TITLE OBJECTIVES PI / COLLABORATORS SOURCE OF FUNDING Mental Health in Later Life This project is part of the education curriculum in the new MSc Programme in Applied Gerontology. It aims to educate students on the physiological and cognitive changes between normal ageing and diseased states and to understand the diagnoses and assessments behind mental disorders. A/Prof James Low (GERI) A/Prof Wee Shiou Liang (GERI) Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Distance Teaching Programme between Singapore and SEA Countries To build upon past efforts in distance teaching in Uganda, and extend it to SEA countries. This project would help Singapore advance her strategic position as a healthcare hub in the SEA and Asia-Pacific region. TBC TBC From the Past to the Future: A White Paper on the History and Development of Geriatric Medicine in Singapore (Working title) To conduct a historical research to build up a systematic record of the history and development of geriatric medicine through literature reviews, archival material and qualitative interviews with pioneer geriatric doctors. TBC TBC Perspectives of Frailty and Frailty Screening in Singapore (Working title) To explore the perspectives of diverse stakeholder groups (older adults, geriatricians, nurses, general practitioners and emergency department physicians) on frailty and frailty screening, so as to inform improvements in the prevention, identification and management of frailty in frail/pre-frail adults. TBC TBC Person-Centred Care of Nursing Homes in Singapore To characterise the level of person-centred care provided in nursing homes with the use of Dementia Care Mapping tools and to evaluate the quality of life of nursing home residents. TBC TBC FELT: Using Films as an Empathy Learning Tool A Mixed Method Controlled Trial to Study the Use of Films as a Tool to Teach Empathy To explore the effectiveness of using films to inculcate empathy amongst medical students, so as to enhance the soft skills of clinical practice. TBC TBC 25

27 COLLABORATORS

28 OUR VALUED PARTNERS Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine 27

29 GERIATRIC EDUCATION & RESEARCH INSTITUTE Published in 2017 by the Geriatric Education & Research Institute. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, printed in any medium or retrievable from, any mass medium, whether electronic or otherwise, without prior permission from GERI.