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Participants are strongly encouraged to conduct their own background research before developing any ideas or proposal. This research should uncover the issues in their Challenge area, identify the challenges faced by that target population, and develop a solution to address the challenges.
Challenge 1: Keeping track of medications
Many patients are on long term medications and/or have to take a variety of medications for multiple health issues, some having to consume more than ten types. Some patients with chronic diseases like diabetes require blood sugar monitoring along with their diabetic medications.
With chronic diseases, patients often have difficulty keeping track of the changes in medications and/or dosage over time. Patients and caregivers find it difficult to remember when to take medications at the correct times, and also to track medication intake. Often, they are also concerned about the medications, such as the side effects, drug or food interactions.
Proposed solution should address one or more of the challenges that you identify in your background research. Examples: hiVIVA, AdhereTech
Challenge 2: Improving social interactions for elderly
Elderly patients are often isolated at home, or are alone for long periods of time. Many tend to be less mobile and/or have memory issues, leading to increased isolation and loneliness. This may have affect their mental well being and have adverse consequences such as depression.
Proposed solution should promote social interaction to and connectivity among family, friends or even between senior citizens themselves, and address one or more of the challenges that you identify in your background research.
Challenge 3: Reducing Caregivers Burden & Stress
Looking after the elderly and/or handicapped is never easy. They are often expected to care for the patient at home without adequate training and may feel alone in their care of the patient.
Some common challenges faced by caregivers are juggling of other life commitments and the strain on family income. Some may lack care giving knowledge and the awareness of social services available. They often experience feelings of being physically and emotionally drained, or may not feel confident of their role and in turn feel stressed. Caregivers are seldom recognised for their role in caring for the patient.
Proposed solution should address one or more of the challenges that you identify in your background research.
Challenge 4: Promote Healthy Diet
Surrounded by a ‘food culture’, there is a tendency for Singaporeans to overeat and/or eat unhealthily. There is a trend of increasing rates of health risk factors such as raised blood pressure and obesity, which can lead to chronic problems e.g. diabetes and heart disease.
Keeping good dietary habits can be difficult due to lack of motivation or awareness. Sometimes, people find it difficult to make the right food choices or have limited accessibility to healthier foods. In recent years, many IT solutions are being developed to help improve diet habits.
Proposed solution should address one or more of the challenges that you identify in your background research. Example: Health Promotion Board (HPB) health app.
