SINGAPORE – The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) has revolutionized its overnight dialysis program by introducing plastic cannulas, significantly improving patient comfort and safety. Spearheaded by NKF chief nurse Pauline Tan, this initiative was recognized at the 16th Singapore Health Quality Service Awards on Feb 13.
NKF launched overnight dialysis in 2016 to allow patients longer dialysis sessions (six to seven hours) while sleeping, freeing up their daytime for work and family. However, involuntary arm movements often caused the metal needles to shift, leading to pain, alarm triggers, and potential blood vessel punctures, forcing 30% of patients to drop out.
Drawing from her 10 years of experience in Calgary, Canada, Ms. Tan introduced plastic cannulas, which are more flexible and reduce needle dislodgement risks. A six-month trial (2022-2023) at two NKF centres yielded positive results, with 63% of patients experiencing less pain and 85% feeling less anxious about movement during dialysis.
Encouraged by the success, NKF plans to expand the use of plastic cannulas to dementia patients from July. Although these cannulas cost 10 times more than metal needles, Ms. Tan hopes that wider adoption will drive prices down, making them the gold standard for all dialysis patients.
The awards event, hosted by SingHealth, recognized over 4,700 healthcare professionals and teams from 45 institutions for their efforts in improving patient care. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam was the guest of honor, while SingHealth CEO Ng Wai Hoe emphasized the importance of patient involvement in healthcare management.
With these advancements, NKF continues to elevate dialysis care, ensuring safer and more comfortable treatments for kidney patients in Singapore.