Traditional Korean Medicine Home Care for the Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the status of community care services regarding traditional Korean medicine (TKM) for older adults and raise awareness on current opinions and services of TKM institutions. Methods: The National Development Institute of Korean Medicine conducted a survey of 16 local governments by sending official letters through an electronic document system from October 2020 to November 2020. The survey items included basic demographic information and information about TKM service. Results: Eleven (68.8%) of the 16 local governments provided TKM home care services. A total of 136 TKM clinics provided home care services for 598 older adults with musculoskeletal disorders. The number of TKM services provided in five or more local governments were cupping 11 (100.0%), acupuncture 11 (100.0%), education and consulting 10 (90.9%), and moxibustion 9 (81.8%). Moreover, pain (recorded on visual analogue scale) and quality of life significantly improved following TKM services (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Covered under medical policy, TKM homecare services could function as a viable alternative for continued medical care disrupted during the coronavirus disease 19 pandemic. In addition, standardisation and legalisation of these services could ensure and improve their efficiency.

Home Healthcare Service Awareness Survey for Korean Medicine Doctors: a survey study

“…Continuous studies are being conducted concerning such KM Home-care Services. However, in the case of existing studies, most have focused on the effectiveness or efficiency of oriental medical treatment in KM Home-care Services [8,9]. In particular, a few studies confirmed the efficiency or efficacy of the KM Home-care Service, and there were no studies on the perception of this service.…”

Utilization of Traditional Korean Medicine Services by the Older Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Hence, the older adults preferred TKM clinics because they were closer and more accessible from their residences. In fact, many countries are building community care systems, such as home care, customized for their specific situations [ 18 ]. Therefore, the preference for TKM clinics that are more accessible would be the basis for a national governmental policy to introduce TKM home care for older adults.…”

“…As a result, 240 people—or 74% of all respondents—reported using CAM, and herbal medicine treatment was the most commonly used at 54%. Sung et al [ 18 ] conducted a survey of 16 local governments to investigate the status of community medical services for TKM for the older people and to raise awareness of the current opinions and services of TKM institutions. As a result, 11 out of 16 local governments (68.8%) provided TKM home care services.…”

Traditional Herbal Medicine and Its Clinical Relevance: A Need to Preserve the Past for the Future

“…Similarly, nearly 70% of allopathic doctors prescribe traditional medicines to their patients in Japan [14]. Likewise, almost 70% of Koreans have used TKM [15]. In Malaysia, the market demand for herbal medicines ranges from 40 to 100 billion USD, with an average annual growth of approximately 20% [16].…”