Healthcare Transformation in Singapore With Artificial Intelligence

Siqi Liu, Qianwen Stephanie Ko, Kun Qiang Amos Heng, Kee Yuan Ngiam, Mengling Feng

Abstract: 1. IntroductionSingapore’s healthcare system is in the process of transformation. From country-wide vaccination programmes started during Singapore’s independence focusing on infectious diseases [1], to the establishment of polyclinics, general hospitals and specialist centers to address chronic disease management, to the current COVID-19 pandemic [2], healthcare challenges are constantly evolving. Although Singapore has excellent healthcare outcomes with an average life expectancy increased over the years [3], we face the combined challenge of rising healthcare costs, ageing population with an increasing burden of chronic diseases and shortage of healthcare professionals. Diabetes alone is projected to affect more than 1 million people by 2050, more than double compared to 2014 [4].To overcome these challenges, Singapore needs to transform the way it delivers care. The Ministry of Health Singapore (MOH) has framed the healthcare transformation using the “3 Beyonds” strategy – Beyond Healthcare to Health, Beyond Hospital to Community, Beyond Quality to Value” [5]. ‘Beyond Healthcare to Health’ involves strategies to promote the early detection of chronic diseases and prevent diseases with healthy lifestyles. ‘Beyond Hospital to Community’ drives a shift in care from the hospital to primary care and then to the home, enabling ageing in place at home. ‘Beyond Quality to Value’ strives for improved efficiency to achieve better outcomes while lowering costs and reducing waste....