网约护士，4500万失能失智老人的等待

Core Insights - The rise of "online nurses" offers a convenient solution for patients needing home care services, but faces challenges in widespread adoption despite strong demand and supportive policies [1][20] Policy and Development - The "online nurse" service was officially introduced in February 2019 with pilot programs in six provinces, focusing on elderly and disabled patients [1][2] - Guangdong province quickly implemented a plan that included nine cities in the Greater Bay Area, integrating basic medical services into insurance coverage, setting a precedent for other regions [2][19] - By January 2021, the service expanded nationwide, with over 3,000 medical institutions offering more than 60 types of essential care services [2] Market Growth and Demand - In Ningbo, the service saw significant growth, with home care visits increasing from 52,000 in 2023 to 94,000 in 2024, reflecting an over 80% year-on-year growth [4] - Approximately 45 million elderly individuals in China are disabled or cognitively impaired, with 90% requiring home care, indicating a substantial market for online nursing services [10] Service Models - The online nursing service operates under two main models: public hospital-based and platform-based, each with distinct operational characteristics and regulatory compliance [8][9] - Public hospital models utilize hospital staff for home care, while platform models leverage third-party companies to connect nurses with patients, offering more flexible service options [8] Challenges in Adoption - Despite high demand, the service struggles with low nurse participation due to heavy workloads in hospitals and concerns over income stability and career advancement in platform models [14][15] - Safety concerns for nurses, particularly female staff, when providing home care services contribute to low engagement [16] Economic Barriers - The pricing structure for online nursing services varies significantly, with public hospital services often costing between 300 to 500 yuan per visit, while platform services can range from 200 to over 1,000 yuan, limiting access for low-income elderly patients [16][18] - The lack of comprehensive insurance coverage for these services further exacerbates the financial burden on families, hindering widespread adoption [17][19] Future Outlook - The introduction of a national long-term care insurance service project in September 2025 aims to address payment challenges and enhance the viability of online nursing services [19] - As the aging population grows, the demand for home care services is expected to increase, positioning online nursing as a critical component of the healthcare system [20]