Ellil Mathiyan

Mr Ellil Mathiyan
Co-Chair, SingHealth Patient Advocacy Network (SPAN)
SingHealth

Mr Ellil Mathiyan Lakshmanan is a distinguished patient advocate, double cancer survivor, and EUPATI Fellow, recognised for his leadership in patient engagement and health technology assessment. With an unwavering commitment to amplifying the patient and caregiver voice, he collaborates with healthcare professionals, institutions, and policy makers to enhance clinical outcomes and improve the patient experience.

As founding and current Co-Chair of the SingHealth Patient Advocacy Network (SPAN), Ellil has been pivotal in shaping the network's mission since its inception. He also serves as Co-founder and President of the Ostomy Association of Singapore, Interim Vice-President of the Asia-South Pacific Ostomy Association, and sits on multiple advisory panels including chairing the Ministry of Health's Agency for Care Effectiveness.

His contributions have been recognised through numerous accolades, including the President's Volunteerism and Philanthropy Award 2024, Public Service Medal (Covid-19) 2023, Singapore Health Inspirational Patient Award 2017 and more. His impact extends globally through his work with the World Health Organization, published research in patient safety and rehabilitation, and his role on the International Editorial Board of the Journal of Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality.

Presentation Synopsis

HM 13 - Choosing Wisely with Patients and Caregivers

In healthcare, more is not always better, but neither is less. Unnecessary tests and treatments can delay care, cause anxiety, and burden patients and caregivers without improving outcomes. At the same time, underuse of appropriate care can leave patients without the support they truly need. Choosing Wisely is part of a global movement that encourages thoughtful, evidence-based decision-making that puts patients first.

This session explores what Choosing Wisely means in practice – not as a cost-cutting initiative, but as a commitment to delivering care that truly matters. Through real examples, we will examine how addressing both overuse and underuse of care can meaningfully improve patient and caregiver outcomes and experience: from reducing avoidable waiting time, to ensuring patients receive the right care at the right time.

We will open with an introduction to Choosing Wisely, followed by a panel discussion with patients, caregivers, and clinicians on what shared decision-making looks like on the ground. We hope to build a culture of thoughtful decision-making, where clinicians and patients are empowered to make care decisions together.

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