[Challenges in implementing evidence-based standardized home visits for newborns, infants, and their caregivers: Lessons from the Republic of Korea].

Abstract

Objective　In Japan, home-visit programs for newborns and infants have been implemented based on the Maternal and Child Health Act and Child Welfare Act. However, these programs vary widely across municipalities. This study aimed to examine the current state and challenges of scientifically designed and standardized home-visit programs in the Republic of Korea and obtain practical implications for Japan.Methods　Information was collected through collaboration with individuals affiliated with the Seoul National University College of Medicine and from publicly available sources.Results　In the Republic of Korea, the Maternal and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program targets children aged ≤ 2 years and their mothers. Based on "the Family Partnership Model," the program emphasized partnerships between nurses, social workers, and caregivers. Initiated in Seoul in 2013 as the Seoul First Step Project, it expanded nationwide in 2019 as part of the Early Life Health Management Program. The program integrates the social-ecological model, proportionate universal approach, and life course approach, offering basic visits to all applicants and ongoing visits to families requiring additional support. The coverage rate of home-visit programs relative to the number of births has reached approximately 30%.To address the shortage of nurses, group programs in which mothers learn parenting skills together and the distribution of parenting manuals and leaflets were implemented. A standardized 320-h in-service training program was developed to ensure standardized home visits. Regular supervision and reflection opportunities were provided to the staff to ensure the quality of the home visits. Inspired by the U.S. HomVEE framework, multidimensional evaluation indicators assessed home environment, child safety, growth and development, maternal well-being, and community support.Conclusion　In the Republic of Korea, partnerships between universities, administrative organizations, and healthcare professionals (nurses, social workers, and physicians) have fostered evidence-based program designs, standardized in-service training, and evaluation outcomes. Although Japan has achieved high implementation rates of meticulous home visits, in-service training and evaluation should be improved. To address health inequalities from early life stages, translate evidence into practical applications, and improve the quality of home-visit programs by leveraging the strengths of all stakeholders involved.