The Act on Integrated Support for Community Care Including Medical and Nursing Services: Implications for the Role of Tertiary Hospitals in the Republic of Korea.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The Republic of Korea is undergoing a significant demographic shift toward a population with a high proportion of older adults. In response, the Act on Integrated Support for Community Care was enacted. This study explores the role of tertiary hospitals in integrated care, aiming to enhance healthcare systems that support older individuals by facilitating the transition from hospital- to community-based care. Methods: Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, operating under the Catholic Foundation, provides care grounded in healing and spirituality. As part of its mission, a multidisciplinary task force (TF) was formed to examine the hospital's role in integrated care for an aging society. The TF, composed of eight experts from various departments, engaged in open discussions from September 2024 to January 2025. Results: The Integrated Care Act, which seeks to integrate medical care and caregiving within communities, requires the development of a digital system, the establishment of a governance framework for multidisciplinary collaboration, and the creation of institutions for training professionals in integrated care. Tertiary hospitals must develop department-specific models for transitional care and establish policy research institutes focused on holistic, patient-centered care. Family medicine departments can play a central role in coordinating between tertiary hospitals and local communities. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of collaboration between medical, caregiving, and social welfare professionals as key enablers of "aging in place". The findings underscore the evolving role of tertiary hospitals and contribute to fostering a more sustainable healthcare model for Korea's aging population.