Core Viewpoint - The implementation of "no companion care services" in hospitals aims to address the needs of elderly patients and their families, particularly in regions with significant aging populations, by providing professional care at a lower cost compared to traditional caregiver services [1][4][9]. Group 1: Service Implementation - The "no companion care service" allows patients to receive care from nurses or hired medical caregivers during hospitalization, based on the patient's condition and self-care ability, with the consent of the patient or family [1]. - Hospitals are prioritizing the implementation of this service in areas with a high proportion of elderly patients and a strong demand for such services [1][8]. Group 2: Patient Experience - Patients and their families have reported positive experiences with the service, noting that it alleviates the burden of constant family presence and provides professional care at a more affordable rate compared to traditional caregivers [3][4]. - For example, the cost of "no companion care" is approximately 120 to 240 yuan per day, significantly lower than the 320 yuan charged for one-on-one caregivers [4][6]. Group 3: Training and Quality Assurance - Hospitals are establishing dedicated departments to manage caregivers and ensure the quality of "no companion care" services, including professional training programs for caregivers [6][7]. - Training includes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, with many caregivers obtaining certification to enhance service quality [6][7]. Group 4: Patient Satisfaction and Outcomes - The implementation of "no companion care" has led to increased patient satisfaction, with reported satisfaction rates reaching 99% and a significant reduction in average hospital stay duration [8]. - The model has shown effectiveness in reducing hospital-acquired infections and complaints, indicating a positive impact on overall patient care [8][9]. Group 5: Future Challenges and Developments - Challenges remain in optimizing support systems and managing the demand for companion services, with ongoing efforts to improve caregiver management and resource allocation [9]. - Future plans include enhancing caregiver training and management to ensure that the service meets both professional care standards and the emotional needs of patients [9].

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of "no accompanying care" services in hospitals aims to alleviate the burden on families and improve the quality of patient care, particularly in the context of an aging population and nursing staff shortages [1][2][3] Group 1: Service Implementation - The "no accompanying care" service pilot program will be launched in selected tertiary hospitals starting from June 2023, focusing on areas with a high proportion of elderly patients and significant demand for such services [1] - This service allows nurses or caregivers from medical institutions to provide comprehensive care for patients without family members or hired caregivers, addressing both time and economic burdens on families [1][2] Group 2: Talent Supply and Management - The transition from caregivers to medical caregivers requires a higher standard of training, with the new national standard mandating at least 150 hours of training for medical caregivers [2] - Effective management of medical caregivers is crucial, necessitating improved hospital management systems to ensure quality and accountability in service delivery [2] Group 3: Pricing Strategy - The National Healthcare Security Administration has introduced a government-guided pricing model for "no accompanying care" services, which is generally lower than market rates for traditional caregiver services [3] - Future pricing strategies may need to incorporate a more flexible and differentiated pricing system to reflect the varying levels of care required by different patients [3]

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of "unaccompanied care services" in Shandong Province aims to address the increasing demand for patient care due to aging populations and changing family structures, while also improving medical quality and resource optimization [1][3][4]. Group 1: Service Overview - Unaccompanied care services allow patients to receive care from nurses or hired caregivers during hospitalization, based on patient consent and condition, currently applicable only to certain levels of care and not covered by insurance [1][2]. - The service is designed to alleviate the burden on nurses, who are primarily focused on medical tasks, by allowing them to delegate non-technical care duties [3][4]. Group 2: Implementation and Pilot Programs - Various regions, including Anhui, Shandong, Tianjin, and Zhejiang, have initiated pilot programs for unaccompanied care services, with the National Healthcare Security Administration establishing pricing guidelines for these services [2][6]. - The pilot program, which started in June 2023 and will run until June 2027, aims to enhance service availability and improve patient experiences [2][4]. Group 3: Challenges and Solutions - Key challenges include staffing shortages, the need for clear responsibilities, and ensuring quality of care, as many patients and families may have concerns about the service quality [6][7]. - Strengthening the caregiver workforce through better pay, training, and career development opportunities is essential for the success of these services [6][7]. Group 4: Pricing and Payment Models - The pricing for unaccompanied care services varies by region, with examples including a daily rate of 150 yuan in Anhui and 280 yuan for one-on-one care in Guangdong, though these services are not currently covered by insurance [7][8]. - There is a suggestion to explore flexible pricing based on care complexity and to consider integrating insurance mechanisms to alleviate patient costs [8].

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].

北京、上海、广东、江苏、四川、福建、河北、山西、陕西、安徽等全国多省，已试点推进免陪护病房试点。本 月起在全国范围内试点推广。 面对人口老龄化和社会住院陪护成本的日益加深，我国将自本月起在全国范围内试点推广医院"免陪护病房"。在 未来两年里，各省区市人口老龄化程度较深的省会城市和地级市，至少要确定一到两所三级医院参与该项试点。 近日，国家卫健委发布《关于印发医院免陪照护服务试点工作方案的通知》（下称"试点工作方案"）并明确了上 述规划要求。 "免陪照护服务"是近年来新出现的一项医疗服务，主要用于破解"一人住院、全家奔波"的窘境，由经过规范化培 训的护理员为住院患者提供24小时不间断的专业医疗护理和生活照护。 2024年10月，国家医保局出台调整护理类价格相关政策，新设"免陪照护服务"价格项目，这意味着医院可以直接 主导开展"照护服务"，按指导价向患者收取费用，此举促进了该种新兴护理模式在多地的推广工作。 截至目前，北京、上海、广东、江苏、四川、福建、河北、山西、陕西、安徽等全国多省，已试点推进免陪护病 房试点。 "万事俱备，只欠病床。"一名参与北方某地免陪照护服务试点工作的机构人士对第一财经表示，在"免陪护" ...