A narrative review of the role of geriatric advanced practice nurses in the care of frail older adults in Singapore

Abstract

In Singapore's rapidly ageing population where the demand for tailored healthcare services is increasing, but is confronted with a shortage of geriatric medicine trained physicians, innovative and sustainable ways to provide quality healthcare care for frail older adults need to be explored. Recognising, developing, growing and establishing the role of geriatric Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) in Singapore, not just in clinical practice but in education and research as well, potentially offers one such solution to this problem. This narrative review, therefore, examines the available literature on how geriatric APNs can meet the healthcare needs of frail older adults in various local healthcare settings. Using a combination of keywords, a comprehensive search for relevant literature (original articles, theses, and abstracts published in English between 1999 till present) was conducted across databases including PubMed and Cochrane Library. Additional articles referenced in chosen articles were also reviewed when deemed relevant to the topic. Based on more established overseas models of care, it is evident that geriatric APNs can positively and significantly contribute to the healthcare of frail older adults locally. However, there is ambiguity surrounding the definition and description of the APN's role in Singapore, resulting in challenges that limit APNs from functioning to the full extent of their capabilities. A clear definition of the roles, responsibilities and expectations of geriatric APNs will facilitate their effective and significant contribution to caring for frail older adults in Singapore.