거동불편 대상자를 위한 방문진료의원 모형: 1년 6개월간의 운영사례 보고

초록

This case study sought to explore whether home-based primary care can be an effective model for homebound older adults and people with disabilities in South Korea. The number of older adults with disabilities is expected to increase rapidly in the near future according to population aging trends. Thus, a care model in which doctors go directly to the patient’s home could address many complex medical needs and concerns. The Visiting Doctors Program of Medical Home was begun in March 2019 by two doctors and one nurse. Thus far, 2,070 home visits have been conducted to a total of 292 homebound older adults and people with disabilities. It was witnessed that there has been high patient satisfaction, reduced nursing home admission, development of various types of home healthcare services, establishment of a community care network, and support for in-home hospice care as achievements. The Visiting Doctors Program has developed a successful care model despite having a completely different operating structure from traditional outpatient clinics, with care only provided during in-home visits. The Visiting Doctors Program can be operated within the current health insurance fee system in South Korea. Comprehensive analyses and in-depth follow-up studies are needed to design disseminating models of home-based primary care.

키워드