[Development in the National Hospice Care Service in Korea]

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Palliative Care
• Public Health Policy
• Medical Sociology

Context:

• Rising elderly population in Korea leads to increased demand for chronic illness and end-of-life care.
• Shift in living environments and hospital policies necessitates a re-evaluation of traditional care models.
• Existing hospice care in Korea lacks systematic organization and integration into a formal medical network.

Purpose:

• To develop a comprehensive and accessible hospice care model tailored to the needs of the Korean population.
• To establish a linked medical information system for existing hospice care organizations.
• To create a database of hospice care resources and services in Korea.

Summary:

• A survey identified 40 organizations providing partial or full hospice care, but they lack network integration and standardized practices.
• Terminally ill patients desire pain control, psychological, social, and spiritual support, with non-hospice patients expressing greater unmet needs.
• Current hospice care standards, training, and management in Korea fall short of international benchmarks.

Impact:

• Provides a foundation for defining hospice care standards and guiding medical care costs.
• Facilitates the establishment of a national hospice care database and communication network.
• Enables the development of organized visiting home nursing care systems to improve patient and family support.