Introduction

The Serious Illness Conversation Guide (SICG) has been locally adapted for clinicians in Singapore to better understand the goals, values and priorities of patients, to deliver patient-centered care. 

The key elements and steps are as follows: 

• S : Set up the conversation
• U : Assess Understanding and information preferences
• P : Share Prognosis (Use only if appropriate)
• E : Explore patient's priorities, worries, sources of strength and joy
• R : Close conversation & provide Recommendations

Document the conversation

Share with key clinicians

Using the SICG in clinical practice in Singapore

Conversations regarding the goal and values of patients take place across the health-illness continuum, under the umbrella of "care planning". As part of this care planning continuum, the aim of the healthcare team should be to prepare people for both future healthcare decisions (Advance care planning or ACP) and in-the-moment decisions during times of crises when patients have a serious illness, by conducting SICs.

SICs can be iteratively conducted along the trajectory of serious illnesses. SICs can also help patients and their caregivers prepare for end-of-life decisions in advance, and lead to better Preferred plans of care (PPCs).