Operational Overview and Implementation Challenges of Misokkumteo, a National Tuberculosis Care Facility (2011-2024)

Homeless individuals form a vulnerable group for tuberculosis and require comprehensive, continuous patient care and support. This report describes the characteristics, treatment outcomes, and postdischarge support of residents at Misokkumteo, the only long-term tuberculosis care and support facility for homeless individuals in the Republic of Korea.

A total of 458 residents were included, all admitted between 2011 and 2024. Their general characteristics, length of stay, treatment outcomes, and self-reliance after discharge were identified using facility records and follow-up data.

Of the total number of residents, 99.3% were male, and their mean age was 53 years. The average length of stay was 196 days, and the treatment success rate was 94.9%. Residents received health education and counseling on disease management and treatment adherence, including direct observation therapy, medical and social welfare linkage services, rehabilitation, and vocational support. Following their discharge, housing support, employment linkage, and social welfare enrollment were provided.

Misokkumteo contributed to maintaining the continuum of care and supporting social reintegration among homeless tuberculosis patients. The expansion of community-based treatment support and financial assistance for comorbidity management is needed.