Korean J Hosp Palliat Care.  2011 Dec;14(4):212-217.

Analysis of Use of Government Support for Palliative Care Units in Korea

• Kim HY
• Yoo ES
• Kim Y
• Kong KA
• Song HY
• Choi JY

Abstract

PURPOSE
Since 2005, the Ministry of Health & Welfare has provided financial support to promote palliative care for terminal cancer patients. We analyzed how palliative care facilities used the funding between 2006 and 2010.
METHODS
Frequency analysis was conducted by the item of expenditure based on fiscal reports of the palliative care facilities. Linear regression analysis was performed to examine a trend over time. Kruskal-Wallis test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used to compare expenditure items, the number of provision of financial support and type of palliative care units.
RESULTS
About a half of the fund was spent to pay care givers salary, improve facilities and purchase equipment regardless of the year, the number of financial support provided or facility type. By year, the operation cost for palliative care program and the education cost for health care workers have significantly increased in linear regression analysis (P<0.01). However, the amount of financial support for the low income group has decreased over years (P=0.024). This trend was affected by evaluation criteria and weight.
CONCLUSION
The government aid for palliative care units has been used to improve facilities and equipment. Moreover, desirable changes were noted such as a higher portion of expenses for program operation and care giver training to enhance the quality of care. However, the evaluation criteria need to be adjusted to prevent any further decrease in the support provided to the low income group.

Keyword

Palliative care/organization & administration; Government financing; Practice guidelines as topic

MeSH Terms

Caregivers
Delivery of Health Care
Financial Management
Financial Support
Financing, Government
Health Expenditures
Humans
Korea
Linear Models
Palliative Care
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Salaries and Fringe Benefits