“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 article discusses the implementation of "no companion care wards" in hospitals across China to address the challenges posed by an aging population and rising hospitalization costs, emphasizing the need for trained caregivers to provide continuous medical and daily care for patients without family accompaniment [1][2]. Summary by Sections Introduction to No Companion Care Service - The "no companion care service" aims to alleviate the burden on families who need to accompany hospitalized patients, allowing trained caregivers to provide 24-hour care [1]. - The National Health Commission has initiated a pilot program for this service, requiring at least one or two tertiary hospitals in major cities to participate over the next two years [1]. Implementation Challenges - Initial enthusiasm for the "no companion" model may exceed hospital participation due to concerns about meeting care standards, increased nurse workloads, compensation, and management of third-party caregivers [2]. - The sustainability of the "no companion care wards" depends on addressing these operational challenges during the pilot phase [2]. Targeted Departments for Service - The service will prioritize departments with a high proportion of elderly patients and significant demand for care, such as geriatrics and cardiovascular departments [3][4]. - The service is not free; patients will pay a reduced fee for care, and it is not applicable to all hospitals or wards [3][4]. Nursing Resource Allocation - The pilot program specifies that the nurse-to-bed ratio in trial wards should be at least 0.6:1, meaning each bed should have a minimum of 0.6 nurses [6][10]. - There are significant disparities in nurse-to-bed ratios across hospitals, with some areas falling below national standards [8][10]. Caregiver Training and Management - The article highlights the need for qualified caregivers to supplement nursing staff, with hospitals responsible for evaluating caregiver performance and ensuring quality of care [11][12]. - The introduction of caregivers is seen as a potential solution to nursing shortages, provided that they are well-managed and trained [10][12]. Pricing and Insurance Considerations - The pricing for "no companion care services" is set by government guidelines, with costs varying based on the level of care provided [20][21]. - There is a call for more market-oriented pricing and the inclusion of these services in commercial insurance plans to enhance accessibility [19][21]. Future Outlook - The pilot program aims to gradually expand the number of participating wards and hospitals, with hopes of including more departments in the future [16]. - The success of the program will depend on addressing operational challenges, ensuring caregiver quality, and potentially integrating commercial insurance solutions [21].