Singapore Introduces MyACP Tool for End-of-Life Care

In a remarkable move towards empowering its citizens, Singapore has launched a pioneering online tool called myACP, designed to help healthy adults document their end-of-life care preferences effortlessly and at no cost. This innovative platform was unveiled by Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung during the Plan Your Legacy Today roadshow in Bedok.

Breaking Conventional Barriers

The Ministry of Health (MOH) emphasized that this tool marks a significant leap in making advance care planning more accessible. Mr. Ong urged everyone to embrace open discussions about future care needs, quoting a local term to encourage candid conversations and dispel cultural superstitions.

How MyACP Works: A User-Friendly Experience

Catering to individuals aged 21 and above, the myACP platform guides users in articulating their personal care preferences. This includes choices about medical treatments, daily support, and specific requirements for hygiene, companionship, and spirituality. Users can also express their priorities while weighing comfort care against life-prolonging interventions.

Additionally, individuals have the option to appoint up to two healthcare spokespersons who will advocate for their wishes if they become unable to do so. It's essential to note that myACP is specifically for those without serious health conditions, while individuals grappling with such illnesses will continue to receive specialized facilitated planning sessions.

A Surge in Legacy Planning Awareness

As of July 11, over 77,000 advance care plans have been completed in Singapore, reflecting a remarkable 40% increase since 2011. This surge indicates a growing awareness among Singaporeans regarding the significance of legacy planning, reinforcing the need to turn that awareness into actionable steps.

The Legacy Planning Roadshow: Bridging Knowledge and Action

The Legacy Planning Roadshow, organized collaboratively by various governmental bodies, seeks to educate the community on advance care planning, Power of Attorney, CPF nominations, and will creation through engaging booths, informative talks, and personalized consultations.

Progress in Palliative Care Under NSPC

The launch of myACP aligns with broader efforts under the National Strategy for Palliative Care (NSPC), initiated in July 2023. The ministry reported impressive advancements in expanding care facilities, facilitating smoother transitions from hospital to home, and enhancing the affordability of palliative services.

The number of inpatient hospice beds has risen by 15%, while home palliative care availability has increased by 25%. New supportive schemes and improved hospital discharge protocols aim to ease the journey for terminally ill patients wanting to spend their last days in familiar surroundings.

Financial Support Enhancements

The MOH has also increased MediShield Life daily claim limits for inpatient palliative care, eliminated the lifetime MediSave withdrawal cap for home palliative patients, and boosted subsidies for community palliative care, ensuring that more Singaporeans have access to crucial end-of-life resources.

Reducing Hospital Death Rates: A Goal by 2027

Furthermore, there has been a decline in hospital deaths, dropping from 62.5% in recent years to 59.8% in 2024, with an aim to decrease that figure to 51% by 2027. This shift means thousands of Singaporeans can enjoy their final moments in comfort away from hospitals.