深度︱“免陪照护服务”本月起全国试点，“叫好又叫座”仍面临这些挑战

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government is promoting the "no companion care ward" model nationwide to address the challenges of an aging population and rising hospitalization costs, with a focus on providing professional care through trained caregivers [1][2]. Group 1: Implementation and Scope - The pilot program for "no companion care wards" will be implemented in major cities with significant aging populations, with at least one or two tertiary hospitals participating in each province over the next two years [1][2]. - The National Health Commission has issued a notification outlining the requirements for the pilot program, emphasizing the need for hospitals to adapt to local conditions and prioritize departments with high demand for care services [3][4]. Group 2: Service Structure and Pricing - "No companion care service" is not free; it reduces the financial burden on families by providing care at a lower cost, with prices set by the government [3][16]. - The pricing for "no companion care service" varies by hospital level, with examples including 100 yuan per day for tertiary hospitals and 75 yuan for lower-tier hospitals in Sichuan [18]. Group 3: Challenges and Concerns - Hospitals express concerns about meeting the required nurse-to-bed ratio of at least 0.6:1 for the pilot program, with many facilities currently falling short [5][6]. - Issues such as increased workload for nurses, management of third-party caregivers, and the potential for medical disputes are significant concerns for hospitals considering the implementation of this model [2][14]. Group 4: Workforce and Training - The introduction of trained medical caregivers is seen as a potential solution to nursing shortages, but there are concerns about the adequacy of training and the management of these caregivers within hospital settings [11][13]. - The current supply of medical caregivers may exceed demand if the pilot program does not expand quickly enough, leading to potential job market imbalances [12]. Group 5: Future Directions and Insurance Involvement - There is a call for the integration of commercial insurance to cover "no companion care service" costs, which could enhance accessibility and affordability for patients [19][21]. - The government is encouraged to adopt a more market-oriented pricing strategy for these services to better reflect demand and improve service quality [16][20].