With Singapore's increasing life expectancy, the nation is recognised as one of the world's fastest ageing populations. At NUH, all nurses undergo a series of e-learning modules focusing on general geriatric care. Geriatric Resource Nurses (GRN) within their specific units advocate for and uphold standards of geriatric nursing care, serving as key resources in this field.
Structured programmes are also in place to ensure continual education and learning for our nurses. Complementing the efforts of our GRNs, we organise regular geriatric nursing journal club sessions and support group meetings.
Within the inpatient setting, we have introduced the Elderly Care Bundle, which acts as a framework guiding nurses in delivering care to older adults.
Mobile Acute Care for the Elderly (Mobile ACE)
The Geriatric Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) conducts screenings for older patients admitted to the Emergency Medicine Department and facilitates direct admissions to the Geriatric Unit, prioritising those with cognitive impairment and/or frailty.
Nurse-led Elderly Behavioural Support (EBS) Service
General ward nurses can refer geriatric patients experiencing behavioural issues, particularly cognitive impairment, to EBS. Here, a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is performed, followed by recommended interventions which may involve educating or providing support to the care team and/or family caregivers.
Ortho-Geriatric Service
A collaborative service led by Geriatricians and Ortho-Geriatric nurses, reviewing patients with fragility fractures under the orthopaedic specialty. The Ortho-Geriatric nurses conduct patient assessments, initiate interventions to prevent post-operative delirium, provide education on osteoporosis and coordinate the transition of care.
