Home-visit medical care uncovers hidden vulnerable groups, bridging healthcare and welfare in Gyeonggi

Gyeonggi Province's integrated community care system, particularly its home-visit medical services, is proving effective in identifying and supporting vulnerable residents. The system, bolstered by the "Care Integration Support Act" implemented in March, has facilitated over 7,000 home visits in just two months.

These visits go beyond basic medical care. Healthcare professionals identify complex needs, including food insecurity, housing issues, and gaps in care, during their home visits. This allows for the timely referral of individuals to integrated care hubs like township and village administrative welfare centers, ensuring they receive necessary support.

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At the time of the visit, the patient had not eaten for about 20 days, and during the examination, signs of suspected cerebral infarction and gout were found. The patient was promptly transferred to Paju Hospital, a rear support hospital of the Gyeonggi Provincial Medical Center, and received one-stop care from emergency room treatment to integrated ward admission and medical expense support, recovering their health.

The province is expanding its network, recently adding eight new centers in seven cities. These new facilities will operate under the support of the Gyeonggi Provincial Medical Center, receiving training and consulting. The initiative aims to extend its reach to end-of-life and hospice care, with existing programs already providing education and services for those in their final stages of life.

"We plan to provide education on end-of-life care at home-visit medical centers," said Yoo Young-cheol, head of Gyeonggi Province's Health and Welfare Bureau. "This will help patients with mobility issues spend their final moments with dignity at home, rather than solely relying on hospital transfers."

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We plan to provide education on end-of-life care at home-visit medical centers. This will help patients with mobility issues spend their final moments with dignity at home, rather than solely relying on hospital transfers.