Vol 40 No. 4
Full Text:
Author(s):

Wang Mingchang, Koh Thuan Wee, Sim Kok Ping, Tham Tat Yean

Published in:

The Singapore Family Physician Vol 40 No 4 - Disability Assessments

Publication date:

1 October 2014

ISSN:

0377-5305

Abstract

The "patient-centred medical home" is a model of healthcare delivery first conceived in the United States. It seeks to bring the values and principles of family medicine back into focus in this age of subspecialisation and fragmentation of care. This model is based on the following principles: a personal physician, physician-directed medical practice, whole person orientation, coordinated and integrated care, quality and safety, enhanced access to care and appropriate payment. Locally, should this model of care be implemented, a corresponding change in care delivery and funding model is needed. However, the patient-centred medical home has been associated with positive health outcomes at the primary care level in the United States. It will be interesting to see the potential impact on our healthcare system if such a model were to be implemented in Singapore.