When SGH patient Mr Khoo Seng Moy learnt about Serious Illness Conversation and Advance Care Planning, he took the step to ensure his healthcare wishes were heard. Discover how simple conversations with his care team and brother helped him to alleviate his stress and better focus on his recovery and treatment.
Mr Khoo Seng Moy, 69, who is single, has lived an independent life, residing alone in an HDB studio apartment. He remained active, working as a deliveryman and tutoring Mandarin students.
Beyond work, his life revolved around meaningful engagements, such as volunteering at a temple twice a week and cherishing family meals during festive occasions like Chinese New Year. These activities brought him immense joy and fulfilment.
Providing clarity and strength
When Mr Khoo was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer and warded at SGH, Advance Practice Nurse Chen Na, who is part of his care team and trained in Serious Illness Conversation (SIC) and Advance Care Planning, went to his bedside to discuss his end-of-life preferences.
Explains Chen Na, “A Serious Illness Conversation is a discussion we have with patients who may have a chronic life limiting condition, such as cancer, organ failure or neurodegenerative disease. We want to give them an opportunity to share with us the things that are most important to them. This helps guide treatment decisions when time-sensitive choices have to be made. This is complementary to the advance care planning discussion, which discusses and documents his preferences for end-of-life care.”
“By giving them that opportunity, we're actually are able to align our medical care with what matters most to these patients – this helps improve their quality of living, reduce their anxiety, and reduce the level of depression that they may be feeling. Because they feel more in control of the situation and more prepared for what might be ahead of them.”
During the discussions, Mr Khoo said that when faced with the weight of his diagnosis, he approached life with acceptance. “Whatever may come my way, this is life.”
Mr Khoo shared his views about his treatment, emphasizing, “Being able to talk and self-care is very important to me. So I do not want to be on long-term life support.”
Mr Khoo described the conversations as timely, as it allowed him to clear his mind and find peace amidst the uncertainties of his condition. “These conversations gave me strength,” he shared. It enabled him to pace himself better and plan for his treatment with a clearer head.
Clarifying treatment plan for reasurance
Mr Khoo also expressed his gratitude for the care team’s dedication and compassionate care. “They explained to me what it would look like if I chose to take the treatment, what benefits and or disadvantages there could be to that.” The detailed explanations and tailored treatment recommendations aligned with his goals and preferences, giving him a sense of reassurance. He acknowledged the positive impact of the team’s support, saying, “I am thankful for their detailed explanations and how they guided me through this journey.”
Alleviating burden of uncertainty
Mr Khoo went on to share his advance care planning discussion with his brother. He conveyed his wishes for end-of-life care, emphasizing, “If I become critically-ill, I want to focus on comfort, and spending more time with my family and friends rather than continue treatment that may not help me to regain my overall function.”
He recognized the benefits of discussing his preferences with his brother. “Now my brother knows what I want and he will have peace knowing that he is making the right decisions for me, in the event that I am unable to,” he said.
Path to peace
Overall, the ACP and SIC conversations provided Mr Khoo with a renewed sense of control and purpose. It alleviated his stress, brought peace of mind, and allowed him to focus on the aspects of life that mattered most to him.
ACP webinars for staff
The SGH ACP Workgroup hosts a series of lunch time webinars for staff to share insights and strategies in promoting and facilitating ACP for patients. The webinar on 19 Feb 2025 looks at how SIC and ACP are complementary communication tools in serious illness. Register here https://for.sg/sghacpwebinar2025 for this free webinar.
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