Developments in mental capacity assessment for PWIDs
As part of our ongoing efforts to increase awareness on and to train more doctors to perform mental capacity assessment for persons with intellectual disabilities (PWIDs), SMA Centre for Medical Ethics and Professionalism (CMEP) worked with the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) to develop a Mental Capacity Assessment Tool and an online training module to educate and guide doctors.
In addition, SMA CMEP, in collaboration with MSF, organised its first seminar "Mental Capacity Assessment for PWIDs" on 30 September 2017. More than 50 doctors participated in the event which was conducted by Dr Bhavani Sriram, Dr Wei Ker-Chiah and Dr Giles Tan. Highlights included a practical demonstration of the Mental Capacity Assessment Tool via a video interview with a patient with Down syndrome. The session concluded with a panel discussion comprising healthcare and legal professionals involved with PWIDs. The next seminar is scheduled for April 2018. Do look out for it.
MOH Primary Care Survey 2014 results
On 10 October 2017, several SMA Council Members met with representatives from the Ministry of Health (MOH) to discuss the findings of the 2014 MOH Primary Care Survey. The report can be found here: https://goo.gl/mo9SNs.
In feedback, SMA asked for more financial data to be presented in future reports, as financial sustainability is one of the major concerns facing primary care clinics. We also provided suggestions on encouraging more doctors to participate in future surveys. SMA urges Members to participate in such surveys, as these represent an important source of feedback to policymakers and can potentially influence policies.
SMA eMarket Portal
From October onwards, SMA Members can embark on a new purchasing experience with SMA eMarket (https://www.smaemarket.sg). This portal connects Members with potential suppliers, such as medical device companies and clinic-related service providers, enabling them to procure services and products. It provides seamless communication and real-time order tracking features to improve the productivity for all parties. It allows Members to engage, discuss, place orders, set up delivery, and receipt goods and invoices with the suppliers.
SMA Members can access the portal with their member ID and the user guide can be retrieved at https://goo.gl/wKndHu.
Retention period for medical records
SMA recently received several queries from Members relating to medical records. We wish to take this opportunity to remind Members on two MOH documents relating to medical records:
- National Guidelines for Retention Periods of Medical Records (Dated 28 Jan 2015)
- Specific Licensing Terms and Conditions (LTCs) on Medical Records for Healthcare Institutions (Dated 06 Aug 2015)
Members can download the documents from the MOH webpage at this URL: https://goo.gl/5yoSgp.