As Singapore’s healthcare landscape faces the challenges of an aging population and increasing chronic illnesses, the need for comprehensive palliative care has never been more urgent. While traditionally associated with physical symptom management for patients with advanced illness, palliative care today has evolved into a holistic model that addresses the social, emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being. This shift in care requires health care professionals to be competent in providing psychosocial support to both patients and their family caregivers, beyond managing patients’ physical symptoms.
Rising Demand for Palliative Care in Singapore
With Singapore projected to attain “super-aged” status in 2026, more individuals are facing chronic and life-limiting illness, surging the need for palliative care. At close to 27,000 annual deaths, many of these individuals require palliative support to ensure that their final days are as comfortable and dignified as possible.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) projects that demand for palliative services will increase significantly over the next decade, and the role of psychosocial care is greater than ever.
In a study commissioned by The Palliative Care Centre for Excellence in Research and Education (PalC), over 40% of caregivers report significant psychological strain. This emotional burden often leads to burnout among caregivers, which in turn, affects the quality of care they provide. Without adequate psychological support, both patients and caregivers suffer quietly, with their emotional needs unmet.
Despite this, psychosocial support often remains an afterthought, yet it is essential to improving overall well-being.
Why Psychosocial Care Matters
Palliative care centres around the concept of treating the whole person, not just addressing physical symptoms. For patients facing life-limiting illness, this means not only relieving physical pain but also providing support for emotional distress, anxiety, and existential challenges. Psychosocial care addresses the social, emotional, psychological, and spiritual aspects of illness, helping patients navigate the difficult realities of their condition.
Developing Skills for Holistic Care
Recognising the growing need for skilled professionals in this field, PalC in collaboration with the AIC Learning Network, has developed the Certificate in Community Palliative Care: Psychosocial Care course. This course is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the essentials tools to provide comprehensive care that addresses the psychosocial needs of patients and their family caregivers in palliative and end-of-life care settings.
This course focuses on critical area such as grief and bereavement, advanced care planning, and the resources available to support caregivers. Participants will learn to apply a biopsychosocial and spiritual framework to care, helping them assess and address the psychological, social, and spiritual needs of patients and families. As holistic palliative care requires a multidisciplinary approach, this course also includes skills for working within inter-professional teams and to ensure coordinated and person-centred care.
• Duration: 28 Hours, Face-to-Face
• Cost: $784.80
Who Should Enrol?
This program is ideal for Allied Health Professionals, Psychosocial Care Workers, Community Nurses, Clinicians, Administrators, Managers, and early-career professionals in palliative and end-of-life care supporting those with life-limiting illnesses.
Leading the Change for Holistic Palliative Care in Healthcare
PalC is at the forefront of transforming Singapore’s healthcare future, by training professionals in holistic palliative care and leading the charge in shaping the future of palliative care through targeted practical training. By offering this course, PalC is shaping the future of palliative care and improving outcomes for patients and families alike.
Enrol today to enhance your skills, and become a catalyst for compassionate, holistic care. Equip yourself with the knowledge to support patients and caregivers at their most vulnerable and help shape the future of palliative care in Singapore. Be part of the change that makes a real difference in people’s lives.