The Appropriate Care (Apt Care) Programme represents our commitment to delivering care that is purposeful, evidence-based, and centred on what truly matters to our patients. Inspired by the global Choosing Wisely movement, Apt Care aims to ensure that every test, treatment, and consultation contributes genuine value—improving outcomes whilst minimising unnecessary interventions and waste.
Our ethos is simple but powerful: more isn't necessarily better. It encourages both clinicians and patients to engage in open, thoughtful conversations about the care that best aligns with patients' goals and clinical needs. This focus on appropriateness helps strengthen trust, enhance patient experience, and ensure responsible stewardship of healthcare resources. We aim to do what is right whilst challenging norms.
 |  |  |  |
Since its launch, Apt Care has been implemented across multiple areas in NUH with encouraging results.
In the End-of-Life Appropriate Care Pathway for patients with advanced cancer, teams successfully reduced non-essential procedures and medications. Patients reported less pain and discomfort, and more meaningful time with family. Nurses shared that this approach empowered them to customise care plans, resulting in higher job satisfaction and improved quality of care.
For our initiative to reduce unnecessary POCT BGM, the new evidence-based workflow led to a significant drop in daily glucose testing without compromising safety. Among 78 nurses surveyed, around 85% expressed confidence in following the new workflow, and 87% felt empowered to reduce unnecessary testing. Patients also benefited—reporting reduced discomfort, fewer needle pricks, and lower out-of-pocket costs.
.png?sfvrsn=b1d6afea_1)
These projects demonstrate that thoughtful, evidence-informed changes can lead to better patient experiences, more meaningful work for healthcare staff, and improved efficiency for the hospital.
Other projects across the hospital include consolidation of medications and medical appointments, reduction of duplicate blood tests, and appropriate follow-up of incidental imaging findings. Using Quality Improvement methodology, staff engagement and empowerment, education of patients and staff, as well as leveraging technology (including the national medical records system, EPIC), we aim to achieve sustainable change.
Apt Care continues to expand its reach, with new initiatives to reduce redundant and duplicated laboratory tests, medication reviews for frail patients, and aligning follow-up schedules to patients' actual clinical needs. Each project shares the same underlying goal—to deliver care that is clinically sound, patient-focused, and sustainable for the long term.
As NUH continues to champion a culture of mindful and meaningful care, the Apt Care Programme stands as a model of how healthcare systems can bridge quality, compassion, and value—ensuring every patient receives care that truly matters.
