The DMHC will enable clinicians and counselors to seamlessly refer patients based on their individual needs, preferences, and risk levels, eliminating the need for patients to navigate a complex system of fragmented services, often resulting in delays in receiving appropriate care.
In addition to facilitating referrals, the DMHC will also provide a secure platform for sharing patient information among healthcare providers. This will help to ensure that patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care, even if they are seeing multiple providers.
The development of the DMHC is a key component of Singapore's National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy, which was launched in 2022. The strategy aims to create a more supportive and inclusive society for people with mental health needs.
The DMHC is being developed in collaboration with a range of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, patients, and advocacy groups. The platform is expected to be rolled out in phases, with the first phase focusing on integrating mental health services in the public healthcare sector.
The DMHC will be built on a secure and scalable technology platform that is able to meet the needs of a wide range of users. The platform will also be designed to be user-friendly and accessible to people with different levels of digital literacy.
The most common mental health conditions in Singapore are anxiety disorders (13.5%), mood disorders (10.6%), and substance use disorders (7.3%).
"The development of the DMHC is a significant step forward in our efforts to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health care in Singapore," said Associate Professor Daniel Fung, Director of the National Mental Health Programme Office. "The platform will help to break down silos between different services and ensure that patients receive the care they need when they need it.". "The DMHC has the potential to revolutionize the way mental health care is delivered in Singapore," said Ms. Jaqueline Yong, President of the Singapore Association for Mental Health. "By making it easier for patients to access the right services, the platform will help to reduce the burden of mental illness on individuals and families."
The development of the DMHC is a positive step towards creating a more comprehensive and integrated mental health care system in Singapore. The platform has the potential to improve the lives of people with mental health needs by making it easier for them to access the care they need.
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