Tracking Medical Interventions among Elderly Patients Near End of Life, Trends in Medical Over-utilisation and Guidelines for Proportionate Care

20 Mr Gabriel Lam asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry tracks the intensity and frequency of medical interventions among elderly patients in their final years of life, and if so, how; (b) whether any trends of medical over-utilisation have been identified; and (c) whether there are any clinical guidelines to ensure care provided for such elderly patients is proportionate to patient needs and preferences.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: We do not track the intensity of and frequency of medical interventions. The focus for patients with life-limiting illness should shift towards quality of life and if required palliative care. The proportion of patients receiving palliative care has grown from 46% in 2023 to 51% in 2025. The proportion of deaths in acute hospitals has decreased from 62.5% in 2023 to 60% in 2025.

The Ministry of Health encourages Singaporeans to complete their Advance Care Plan (ACP) to document their care preferences. The ACP tool helps their healthcare team and loved ones fulfil their care preferences towards the end of life based on their prior expressed wishes.