Development and Analysis of Community Based Independent Home Care Nursing Service

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop the framework of community-based home care nursing delivery system, and to demonstrate and evaluate the efficiency of it. The study was carned out over a period of 3years from September 1996 to August 1999. The researchers developed Standards for operations, this was all aimed toward a home care recording system, and an assessment intervention algorithm for various diseases quality control and standardization. In the center, 185 patients enrolled, and of the enrollments cerebrovascular disorder and cancer were the most prevailment diseases. Also, a home care nursing activity classification was developed in six domains. Those domains were assessment, medication, treatment, education and consultation, emotional care, and referral or follow-up care. Ten sub-domains were divided according to the systematic needs. Among these nursing activities, treatment, assessment, and education and consultation were frequently performed. In sub-domain classification, skin integrity, respiration, circulation, and immobility related care were provided most frequently. The cost of home care nursing per visit was also suggested. The cost include direct and indirect nursing care, management, and transportation cost. Also, the researchers tried to overcome the limitations of hospital-based home care to provide more accessible, efficient, safe, and stable home care nursing. Therefore, clients were referred from other patients, families, public health care centers, industries, and even hospitals. As a result of this study, several limitations of operation were found. First, it was difficult to manage and communicate with doctor in the emergency situations. Second, there was too much time spent for transportation. This was because they are only five nurses, who cover all of the areas of Seoul and nearby cities. Third, preparation for special care of home care nurses was lacking. Fourth, criteria for the termination of care and the frequency of home visits were ambiguous. Finally, interconnection with home care machinery company was so yely needed. New paragraphs' strategies for solving these problems were suggested. This study will be the basis of community-based home care nursing, and the computerized information delivery system for home care nursing in Korea.