Measuring the Maturity of Integrated Care in Singapore with the SCIROCCO Exchange Tool.

Background: How have we progressed and where are the gaps of integrated care in Singapore? Social-health care provision in the context of an ageing population is critical in the city-state's management of the unprecedented demand as the proportion of seniors with multiple complex medical needs have almost doubled in the past decade.

Objective: This study measures the maturity level of Singapore's integrated care, identifies key gaps and discusses their implications using the SCIROCCO Exchange tool, an online self-assessment tool consisting of the 12 dimensions necessary for the provision of integrated care.

Methods: A three-step mixed method Delphi study was used to derive expert consensus.

Adverse reactions and safety profile of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines among Asian military personnel.

Introduction: The use of novel mRNA platforms for COVID-19 vaccines raised concern about vaccine safety, especially in Asian populations that made up less than 10% of study populations in the pivotal vaccine trials used for emergency use authorisation. Vaccine safety issues also remain a concern in assessing the clinical risks and benefits of vaccine boosters, particularly in specific age groups or segments of the population. This study describes a vaccination exercise involving Asian military personnel, and the adverse reactions and safety events observed.

Factors influencing SARS-CoV-2 transmission and outbreak control measures in densely populated settings.

Starting with a handful of SARS-CoV-2 infections in dormitory residents in late March 2020, rapid transmission in their dense living environments ensued and by October 2020, more than 50,000 acute infections were identified across various dormitories in Singapore. The aim of the study is to identify combination of factors facilitating SARS-CoV-2 transmission and the impact of control measures in a dormitory through extensive epidemiological, serological and phylogenetic investigations, supported by simulation models. Our findings showed that asymptomatic cases and symptomatic cases who did not seek medical attention were major drivers of the outbreak.

A Personalized Mobile Health Program for Type 2 Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Single-Group Pre-Post Study.

Background: With increasing type 2 diabetes prevalence, there is a need for effective programs that support diabetes management and improve type 2 diabetes outcomes. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have shown promising results. With advances in wearable sensors and improved integration, mHealth programs could become more accessible and personalized.

Prevalence and Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Migrant Workers in Singapore.

This study examines the prevalence and outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among migrant workers in Singapore.

Virtual care to increase military medical centre capacity in the primary health care setting: A prospective self-controlled pilot study of symptoms collection and telemedicine.

Introduction: The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) recognises the potential benefits and looks to harnessing telemedicine for primary health care services. In this prospective self-controlled pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the safety, efficiency and user satisfaction outcomes of virtual care (VC) at a military medical centre.

Methods: Out of 320 patients seen during the study period, 28 were enrolled in this study and underwent on-premises VC, comprising digital symptoms collection and telemedicine in addition to the usual in-person physician consultation.

Tobacco use patterns and attitudes in Singapore young male adults serving military national service: a qualitative study.

Objectives: To explore tobacco use patterns and factors influencing tobacco use in young Singaporean men serving military national service.

Methods: A qualitative study using in-depth telephone interviews and maximum variation sampling was conducted with 29 Singaporean men who have completed their national service in 2017-2018. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

National Tobacco Control Policies from the Perspectives of Singapore Young Male Adults.

Between 2016 and 2018, tobacco control legislation has undergone several amendments to further restrict tobacco use in Singapore. This study explored the attitudes toward these policy changes and the perceived effectiveness of legislations from the perspectives of young male adults in Singapore. Twenty-nine semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted among young male adults who have completed their National Service in 2017/18 and self-reported as a smoker at pre-enlistment screening.

Emergence of norovirus GI.2 outbreaks in military camps in Singapore.

Background: Simultaneous acute gastroenteritis (AGE) outbreaks occurred at two military camps. This study details the epidemiological findings, explores possible origins, and discusses preventive measures.

Methods: Investigations included attack rate surveys, symptom surveys, hygiene inspections, and the testing of water, food, and stool samples.

Medical planning for mass-participation running events: a 3-year review of a half-marathon in Singapore.

Background: Systematically planning appropriate medical coverage for mass-participation running events is a challenge that has received relatively little attention in the medical literature, despite its potentially severe consequences. In particular, the literature lacks quantitative information on running events that medical planners can utilize for decisions on medical resource allocation and deployment.

Methods: Using a case-study approach, this study provides a detailed quantitative medical services utilization profile for the Singapore Army Half-Marathon, constructed from participant and casualty data spanning three years and comprising over 80,000 data points.

Radiological incident preparedness: planning at the local level.

Radiological terrorism has been recognized as a probable scenario with high impact. Radiological preparedness planning at the federal and state levels has been encouraging, but translating complex doctrines into operational readiness at the local level has proved challenging. Based on the authors' experience with radiological response planning for the City of Baltimore, this article describes an integrated approach to municipal-level radiological emergency preparedness planning, provides information on resources that are useful for radiological preparedness planning, and recommends a step-by-step process toward developing the plan with relevant examples from the experience in Baltimore.