During my trip to the future, I have observed a more holistic approach to medical social work, specifically in the care of children. Healthcare providers try to balance the psychosocial needs of children and families alongside the provision of medical care. The STAR Kids (Supporting Treatment Adherence and Resilience in Kids) programme is one such example; it promotes better adherence to medical treatment and recommendations among paediatric patients and their families.

STAR Kids, which started in April 2024, is a five-year programme made possible with funding from the Low Tuck Kwong Foundation, a private charitable foundation. The programme aims to support paediatric patients at KKH who are experiencing challenges in adhering to treatment recommendations and are at possible risk of medical neglect, said Judith Chew, Senior Master Medical Social Worker with KKH. She explained that between May 2022 and March 2023, more than 100 children were referred by KKH doctors to medical social workers, as they did not comply with treatment. More than 50 per cent were children with chronic health conditions.

“Children with chronic health conditions are at a higher risk of medical neglect as they have greater care demands, which places an additional pressure on parents,” explained Judith. “It is challenging to manage a child’s healthcare needs and especially so when the families are struggling in multiple domains,” she added.

Work done over the five years would be as follows:

With this programme, I envision that MSWs will have more space to work with patients and their families to not only manage emotional and psychological difficulties arising from illness demands but also extensive liaison with health care and social service professionals in order to ensure that patients’ needs are met.

I believe that the children will be better served when healthcare providers are able to empathise with their needs and challenges, as well as those of their caregivers.