Core Viewpoint - The introduction of "免陪照护服务" (no accompanying care service) in hospitals aims to alleviate the burden on families of patients who require hospitalization, providing professional care while reducing the need for family members to take time off work [1][6]. Summary by Sections Implementation of No Accompanying Care Service - The "免陪照护服务" was initiated in Henan Province following a national pilot program, starting from July 10, with the aim of addressing the challenges faced by families when a member is hospitalized [1][6]. - The service allows patients to receive care from nurses or medical caregivers based on their condition and self-care ability, with family consent [2][5]. Patient and Family Experiences - Patients have reported positive experiences with the service, highlighting the attentive care provided by nursing staff, which includes daily hygiene, mobility assistance, and basic rehabilitation exercises [2][3]. - The cost for the service varies, with "one-to-many" care priced at 135 yuan per day and "one-to-one" care at 216 yuan per day in some hospitals [3]. Professional Standards and Training - The implementation plan mandates that medical caregivers undergo professional training and obtain certification to ensure quality care, addressing concerns about the competency of caregivers compared to private hires [4][5]. - Hospitals are required to maintain a nurse-to-bed ratio of at least 0.6:1 to ensure adequate monitoring and care for patients [7]. Challenges and Public Perception - There are concerns regarding the public's acceptance of the service, with some families preferring to care for their loved ones themselves due to mistrust of unfamiliar caregivers [6][7]. - The service's integration into the healthcare system faces challenges, including staffing shortages, management costs, and the need for a robust training program for caregivers [7]. Financial Aspects and Insurance Coverage - Families have expressed a desire for the costs of the no accompanying care service to be covered by health insurance, similar to models in other regions where a portion of the costs is reimbursed [6][7]. - The financial sustainability of the service is a concern, as hospitals must balance service quality with operational costs [7].

Core Viewpoint - The Shandong Provincial Health Commission, in collaboration with other departments, has introduced a plan to standardize the "no accompanying care" service in medical institutions, aiming to enhance patient experience and reduce the burden on families [1][7]. Summary by Sections Service Details - The "no accompanying care" service is not free; caregivers charge between 150 to 330 yuan per day depending on the type of service [2][3]. - Caregivers provide services such as daily living assistance and post-operative care, with costs varying based on patient needs and hospital departments [3][11]. Implementation Timeline - By the end of 2025, all public tertiary medical institutions in Shandong are expected to offer this service, with secondary institutions encouraged to explore its implementation by the end of 2027 [7][12]. Current Practices - Some hospitals have already adopted similar models, where trained caregivers from third-party agencies provide care while nurses handle medical tasks [7][11]. - The service is primarily composed of family members and third-party caregivers, with varying levels of care depending on patient conditions [8][9]. Regulatory Framework - The government will implement a guided pricing system for the "no accompanying care" service, with other regions in China already conducting pilot programs [12][14]. - The service aims to address issues such as caregiver shortages and inconsistent service quality in traditional caregiving [11][14]. Future Prospects - The model is expected to reduce costs compared to traditional one-on-one caregiver services, while ensuring a stable and professional service through regulatory oversight [11][14].