Tan Guan Hao
KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore
Title: KidSTART – Singapore’s approach towards a community-based, family centered paediatric care
Biography
Biography: Tan Guan Hao
Abstract
Community Paediatrics is a recognized subspecialty overseas, and is a relatively new concept in Singapore. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) defines it as the philosophy of delivery of child health care with the principles of high accessibility, holistic vision, collaboration with parents, interagency care and teamwork, advocacy directed at the needs of all children, and a preventive orientation. It synthesizes clinical practice with public health principles directed towards providing optimal health care to a given child within the context of the family, school, and community.
Research has also shown that experiences in a child’s early years can significantly influence his/her physical, cognitive and social development. In particular, children from vulnerable circumstances may face developmental challenges compared to their peers. On the other hand, a stronger parent-child relationship and holistic early childhood development can bring about positive impact on the child’s lifelong outcomes and narrow the developmental gaps.
KidSTART is a pilot program which aims to provide support and create a conducive environment for learning and development for Singaporean children from economically disadvantaged families. The components include a home visitation programme, a supported playgroup programme and enhanced support to pre-schools. Children from eligible families can attend one or more of these components. Through these interventions, KidSTART hopes to ensure that children benefit from warm and nurturing relationships, age-appropriate and holistic child development, and a safe and secure home environment to grow up in. For home visitation, each at-risk expectant mother and her child will be given integrated support in the domains of health, child development and social services.
In summary, there is a need to give children from these families in Singapore a good start in life. The programme is currently at the pilot stage. The creation of an integrated sustainable working model will allow for future up-scaling of such model across the entire country.