The National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) held the Acute Hospital Care at Home Policy and Practice Dialogue Forum during the Fifth Cares Expo Taipei at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center on September 12, 2024. The NHIA aimed to engage the public in discussions to raise awareness of the importance of the Acute Hospital Care at Home Program.
With a rapidly aging population, Taiwan is set to become a super-aged society by 2025. According to NHIA statistics, as of 2022, older adults aged 65 and above account for around 17.3% of all insured individuals, and approximately 41.57% of all healthcare expenses are attributed to this group. Both figures have been gradually increasing each year. In response to President Lai's Healthy Taiwan agenda, the NHIA implemented the Acute Hospital Care-at-Home Trial Project this July. Additionally, with the joint efforts of the medical sector and other stakeholders, the NHIA is working to build a society for senior citizens and improve the health of all Taiwanese people.
Minister Tai-Yuan Chiu of the MOHW stated in his opening remarks at the forum that demand for healthcare and long-term care is increasing, with numerous medical facilities investing in studies of gerontology and geriatrics. The goal of these studies is to ensure health for everyone while prolonging life expectancy for the public. Minister Chiu referenced his presentation at the Presidential Office's Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee on August 22, highlighting that a smooth connection between healthcare and long-term care is one of the key targets in achieving a Healthy Taiwan. The implementation of the Acute Hospital Care-at-Home Trial Program, the improvement of the Integrated Home Care Project, and the enforcement of Long-Term Care 3.0 are critical guidelines to safeguard the health of all Taiwanese people and support safe aging and care at home. The MOHW will continue to compile and integrate resources and opinions from various sectors to create a human-centered, community-oriented integrated healthcare system.
Director General Chung-Liang Shih of the NHIA specified that a total of 160 teams from 692 medical facilities across Taiwan have signed up to participate in the Acute Hospital Care at Home Program. These teams consist of 3,571 medical personnel. The Acute Hospital Care at Home Trial Program provides medical services for patients with pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and soft tissue infections. As of August, 71 of the participating medical facilities have treated a total of 255 patients; of these, regional hospitals and clinics accounted for 32% and 28% of all patients, respectively, representing 60% of the total patients in the program.
The majority of the patients in the project are older adults aged over 75 who are totally dependent. Of these, 52% required acute hospital care for urinary tract infections, while 30% required care for pneumonia. The overall mean duration of care is 5.4 days; for patients with pneumonia, the mean duration is 6.2 days, and for those with urinary tract or soft tissue infections, it is approximately 5 days. Nearly 90% of all patients are cured of their infections with the treatments provided by the program and do not require referral to the ER or hospitalization. Moreover, the care team can conduct evaluations to adjust or introduce long-term care services when necessary. Director General Shih specified that the trial program helps integrate the NHI's home care and long-term care resources, creating a blissful Taiwan through an integrated service model encompassing home, community, institutions, healthcare, and welfare.
Director General Shih pointed out that experts have shared valuable experiences in this forum. Their contributions help the public better understand the policy and serve as a benchmark for other medical facilities looking to expand their scope of services. The NHIA will continue to refine home care service measures to meet the needs of more people in Taiwan.