Korean J Hosp Palliat Care.  2019 Sep;22(3):105-116. 10.14475/kjhpc.2019.22.3.105.

How to Implement Quality Pediatric Palliative Care Services in South Korea: Lessons from Other Countries

• Kim CH
• Kim MS
• Shin HY
• Song IG
• Moon YJ

• KMID: 2457649
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14475/kjhpc.2019.22.3.105

Abstract

PURPOSE
Pediatric palliative care (PPC) is emphasized as standard care for children with life-limiting conditions to improve the quality of life. In Korea, a government-funded pilot program was launched only in July 2018. Given that, this study examined various PPC delivery models in other countries to refine the PPC model in Korea.
METHODS
Target countries were selected based on the level of PPC provided there: the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, and Singapore. Relevant literature, websites, and consultations from specialists were analyzed by the integrative review method. Literature search was conducted in PubMed, Google, and Google Scholar, focusing publications since 1990, and on-site visits were conducted to ensure reliability. Analysis was performed on each country's process to develop its PPC scheme, policy, funding model, target population, delivery system, and quality assurance.
RESULTS
In the United Kingdom, community-based free-standing facilities work closely with primary care and exchange advice and referrals with specialized PPC consult teams of children's hospitals. In the United States, hospital-based specialized PPC consult teams set up networks with hospice agencies and home healthcare agencies and provide PPC by designating care coordinators. In Japan, palliative care is provided through several services such as palliative care for cancer patients, home care for technology-dependent patients, other support services for children with disabilities and/or chronic conditions. In Singapore, a home-based PPC association plays a pivotal role in providing PPC by taking advantage of geographic accessibility and cooperating with tertiary hospitals.
CONCLUSION
It is warranted to identify unmet needs and establish an appropriate PPD model to provide need-based individualized care and optimize PPC in South Korea.

Keyword

Palliative care; Hospice care; Pediatrics; Adolescent; Delivery of health care

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Child
Delivery of Health Care
Disabled Children
Financial Management
Great Britain
Health Services Needs and Demand
Home Care Services
Hospice Care
Hospices
Humans
Japan
Korea*
Methods
Palliative Care*
Pediatrics
Primary Health Care
Quality of Life
Referral and Consultation
Singapore
Specialization
Tertiary Care Centers
United States