TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan is looking to move more hospital-level treatment into the home as its population ages and demand grows for alternatives to inpatient care.
The National Health Insurance Administration began its acute care at home pilot program in July 2024, and eligibility was widened May 1 from three infection categories to all infectious diseases, per CNA.
Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) said Sunday that chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, could be considered for the program going forward. He said other countries already have experience treating these conditions through acute home care models.
The current program allows some patients to receive care at home instead of remaining in the hospital. A newer early discharge model lets infectious disease patients first receive inpatient treatment, then continue care at home after their condition stabilizes, per the report.
Shih made the comments before attending the first Asia-Pacific Hospital at Home Conference in Taipei. He said home medical care is likely to become at least 3% of health services in the future, a level sought by the Taiwan Society of Home Health Care.
The health ministry wants home-based care to cover more than short-term illness. Shih said services should eventually include primary care, chronic disease management, acute treatment, and hospice care, meaning the option to die at home for the gravely ill, according to the report.
Staffing remains the main obstacle. Shih said home care will require medical teams to divide work across professions and use technology such as remote monitoring and telemedicine.
The ministry has launched a home medical technology project this year to support that shift.
Home chemotherapy is also expected to move forward later this year. Shih said the pilot will not be limited by cancer type and will depend on patient safety and consent.
Patients would usually complete their first couple rounds of chemotherapy in a hospital before later treatments are moved home. Shih said safeguards would be needed for vascular access devices, drug choices, remote monitoring, and rapid medical response, per the report.
Shih said the ministry is also discussing new commercial insurance policies with regulators and industry. The main issue is how to integrate existing policies into the evolution of care.
