Part 1: Rethinking Stroke Rehabilitation in Singapore

The Growing Burden of Stroke in Singapore

Stroke is a silent crisis affecting thousands of lives in Singapore every year. As the fourth leading cause of death, it is a significant public health concern. With an ageing population and increasing prevalence of risk factors like hypertension and diabetes, stroke incidence continues to rise. For survivors, the journey to recovery can be long and challenging, often requiring a combination of physical, cognitive, and emotional rehabilitation.

However, many stroke rehabilitation programs in Singapore still fall short of addressing the full spectrum of recovery needs. While physical therapy receives considerable focus, areas like cognitive function and emotional well-being are often overlooked. This gap leaves many survivors struggling with issues like mental fatigue, memory lapses, and emotional distress long after their physical recovery has begun.

The Current State of Stroke Rehabilitation in Singapore

Singapore has made significant strides in stroke care, with institutions like National University Health System (NUHS) and SingHealth providing robust acute care and rehabilitation programs. Services range from acute hospital care to community hospitals and home-based therapies, offering survivors a variety of options depending on their recovery stage.

However, challenges persist:

• Fragmented Care: Transitioning between hospital, community, and home-based care often lacks continuity, which can hinder recovery.

• Limited Awareness: Many patients and carers are unaware of available rehabilitation options, delaying access to necessary care.

• Accessibility Barriers: Cost and availability of services can limit access, particularly for lower-income groups.

  
  

Addressing the Gaps: A Holistic Approach to Recovery

The key to improving stroke outcomes lies in adopting a holistic care model. This involves integrating physical, cognitive, emotional, and social rehabilitation into a seamless, patient-centred pathway. Technologies like robotics, virtual reality, and tele-rehabilitation are emerging as game-changers in this space, helping personalize care and make it more accessible.

But technology alone isn’t enough. Public education and carer support are critical to empowering patients and ensuring long-term success.