Singapore’s Forward Leap: Mobile Inpatient Care @ Home (MIC@Home)

Singapore, known for its innovative approach to public services, has rapidly embraced and scaled its Hospital-at-Home program, known as Mobile Inpatient Care @ Home (MIC@Home). This initiative demonstrates a clear government commitment to transforming healthcare delivery and serves as a blueprint for other nations.

MIC@Home provides acute hospital care to clinically suitable patients in their homes, offering a comprehensive suite of services that mirror those found in a traditional hospital ward. This includes 24/7 access to a care team, remote vital signs monitoring, intravenous infusions, regular home visits by doctors, nurses, and therapists, and even diagnostics like X-rays and ECGs.

The success of MIC@Home can be attributed to several factors: strong government backing, collaborative efforts between various healthcare institutions (including general hospitals, women’s and children’s hospitals, and integrated health systems), and a clear vision for its integration into mainstream healthcare. While initially developed for acute inpatient substitution, Singapore is also exploring its potential for post-surgery early supported discharge, palliative care, and even bone marrow transplant follow-up. The emphasis is on building a robust ecosystem, including the necessary infrastructure and support systems, to ensure the long-term sustainability and scalability of the model.

Key Features of MIC@Home:

Comprehensive Services: Covers acute medical inpatient substitution, post-surgery care, and specialized services.
24/7 Access to Care Team: Patients have continuous support and monitoring.
Strong Government & Stakeholder Support: Facilitates rapid scaling and integration.
Focus on Ecosystem Readiness: Building infrastructure for long-term success.

Related Literature & Sources:

• MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation (Singapore) – Mobile Inpatient Care @ Home: Provides detailed information about the program and patient testimonials. https://www.moht.com.sg/our-programmes/integrated-general-hospital/mic-home
• Informa.com.au – Scaling up hospital in the home – what can we learn from Singapore?: This article offers insights into the success factors and challenges of Singapore’s HaH model. https://www.informa.com.au/insight/scaling-up-hospital-in-the-home-what-can-we-learn-from-singapore/