Developing a Sustainable Long-Term Ageing Health Care System Using the DANP-mV Model: Empirical Case of Taiwan

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Public Health
• Healthcare System Analysis
• Aging Population Studies

Background:

• The aging population, particularly baby boomers, necessitates robust long-term care mechanisms.
• Taiwan faces societal challenges due to an inadequate long-term care system for the elderly.
• Sustainable funding and continuous improvement are crucial for effective elderly care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define a long-term aging healthcare system using a multi-dimensional framework.
• To analyze Taiwan's current elderly care system and identify areas for improvement.
• To develop strategies for enhancing long-term healthcare for an aging population.

Main Methods:

• Defined the long-term aging healthcare system with five dimensions and 20 criteria.
• Utilized the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory - analytic network process (DANP) and the Multi-criteria Value Analysis (mV) model (DANP-mV).
• Analyzed Taiwan's existing system to pinpoint systemic issues and propose solutions.

Main Results:

• Identified critical issues within Taiwan's current long-term care system.
• Highlighted the need to reconsider the role of for-profit organizations in elderly care.
• Developed a continuous improvement strategy addressing the root causes of system deficiencies.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a framework for improving Taiwan's long-term aging healthcare.
• Integrating for-profit entities may be essential for system sustainability and funding.
• A strategic, problem-source-oriented approach is vital for enhancing elderly care services.