CSMC Lauded Across Asia for Patient-led Health Educ. Advocacy
CSMC contingent present at Healthcare Asia Awards 2026 (left to right): Samantha Faye B. Añano, Quality Control Team Leader; Arlene J. Morales, RN, Nurse Unit Manager (Outpatient & Xavier Clinic); Ofelia E. Hernando, RN, Chief Nursing Officer; and Mikaela Joie L. Pascual, Senior HR Specialist
Patient empowerment wins as Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) was praised during the industry-renowned Healthcare Asia Awards 2026 held at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center in Singapore last March 26. The hospital’s innovative Patients Educating Patients (PEP) Talk programme garnered the distinguished accolade of Patient Advocacy Initiative of the Year – Philippines.
The acclaimed programme integrated a peer-led education model into CSMC‘s workflows at its Outpatient Department (OPD) in order to maximize patients’ downtimes while waiting for consultations by transforming them into meaningful opportunities for learning and engagement.
Under the PEP Talk initiative, patients – as well as their family members – who have experienced successful treatment and management at CSMC were recruited and trained as peer educators to deliver short talks that enhance their fellow patients’ understanding of treatment plans, medication instructions, and infection prevention practices. To clarify and reinforce key medical facts and information, the hospital’s nurses and pharmacists co-facilitated the PEP sessions.
The programme focused on essential health practices, including proper hand hygiene, correct mask use, and responsible antibiotic use. All educational content were stringently reviewed and validated by CSMC infection control nurses and pharmacists to ensure its accuracy and alignment with evidence-based practices.
Pilot sessions of PEP Talk were conducted last July 9 and 28, 2025. These obtained rave reviews from patients, companions, and peer educators alike—receiving a 92% satisfaction rating from the participants, and 100% satisfaction from their peer mentors.
Building on the programme’s initial success and leveraging the relatability of shared patient experiences, CSMC is keen on harnessing the same format to bolster its health literacy campaigns at other units of the hospital.
Through initiatives like the PEP Talk, CSMC continues to uphold its commitment to champion a patient-centered culture – a patient-first community – and empower its patients to become active partners in their own health journeys.
