Excellence recognised: CSMC shines at Healthcare Asia Awards 2026

The centre’s PEP Talk programme integrated trained patient volunteers into clinical workflows.

Cardinal Santos Medical Center received an accolade in the Patient Advocacy Initiative of the Year - Philippines category at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2026 for its Patients Educating Patients (PEP) Talk programme. The initiative incorporated peer-led health education into outpatient clinic workflows, addressing limited consultation time that often affected patients’ understanding of treatment plans, medication instructions, and infection prevention practices.

The PEP Talk introduced a structured peer education model within outpatient services. Patients and family members with successful treatment experiences were recruited and trained as Peer Educators, who delivered short health talks to patients and companions during waiting periods. Nurses or pharmacists co-facilitated the sessions to reinforce key clinical information.

Educational content focused on proper hand hygiene, correct mask use, and responsible antibiotic use. Infection control nurses and pharmacists reviewed and validated all materials for accuracy and consistency.

Pilot sessions were conducted on 9 July 2025 and 28 July 2025, with 27 outpatients and companions participating across both dates. Satisfaction reached 100% amongst peer educators and 92% amongst participants. Knowledge assessments showed measurable gains. On responsible antibiotic use, 89% of participants achieved scores of at least 80% on 9 July, increasing to 100% on 28 July. On proper handwashing and correct face mask use, 100% of participants achieved at least 80% on both dates.

The initiative operated using patient volunteers and existing clinical staff. Monthly training sessions refreshed content and rotated peer educators. A monitoring framework included quarterly assessments of knowledge retention, tracking of preventable repeat outpatient consultations, and ongoing feedback analysis. Expansion plans covered other outpatient services and community outreach programmes. The programme was identified as a leading practice by the Health Standards Organization and Accreditation Canada International.

Through initiatives like the PEP Talk Programme, Cardinal Santos Medical Center continues to demonstrate its commitment to patient-centred care, education, and advocacy—empowering patients to become active partners in their own health journeys.

Healthcare Asia Awards is an awards programme focused on acknowledging exceptional hospitals across Asia that redefine the standards of excellence in the healthcare industry. It proudly shines a spotlight on Asian hospitals that consistently go beyond conventional boundaries to provide top-tier patient care and have a lasting impact on their local communities.

The Healthcare Asia Awards is presented by Healthcare Asia Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2027 awards programme and be acclaimed for your organisation's remarkable initiatives and contributions to the healthcare industry, please contact Julie Anne Nuñez-Difuntorum at [email protected].