Trends of US Hospitalist and Suggestions for Introduction of Korean Hospitalist

미국의 호스피탈리스트 흐름과 한국형 호스피탈리스트 도입방안

A gap in the number of physicians caring for inpatients is expected in 2014 based on the restricted working hours for Korean medical residents. One potential solution is the use of hospitalists. The US hospitalist movement has proliferated due to high-quality care and economics. This movement has brought positive changes including a shorter length of hospital stay, increased quality of care, and greater patient satisfaction. Because the Korean government controls all suppliers and maintains a low financial compensation level for universal coverage, hospitals do not have the financial resources to introduce hospitalists. Therefore, in contrast to the US, the use of hospitalists must be developed as a cost-compensated system in Korea. Institutional strategies must be introduced to develop a hospitalist system in Korea. A hospitalist system in Korea would be distinct from that in the US. Further studies and specific strategies are needed that consider Korea’s circumstances to effectively introduce a hospitalist system.