With hospital beds in short supply, cancer patients often face long waits for inpatient chemotherapy. Even when hospitals allocate dedicated beds for chemotherapy, they still struggle to accommodate the demand. In response, medical professionals are recommending an expansion of the Home-Based Acute Care Program to include home-based chemotherapy, in hopes of easing the current bottleneck. Shih Chung-liang, Director-General of the National Health Insurance Administration under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, stated that feasibility studies for home-based chemotherapy are already underway. The service is expected to be incorporated into the Home-Based Acute and Palliative Care Program and could be launched as early as the third quarter of this year.
Hsiu-Chin Chen, Deputy Superintendent of Chi Mei Hospital, explained that some patients are already undergoing home-based chemotherapy. After physicians prescribe the medication, patients have a catheter inserted at the hospital and then return home to self-administer the treatment. This model is currently covered by National Health Insurance but does not include home visits by healthcare professionals. Without on-site support and guidance during chemotherapy, many patients have been hesitant to opt for home-based care. However, following the pandemic, the shortage of hospital beds has led more patients to consider this option out of concern they may not receive chemotherapy on schedule.
Chen added that patients receiving home-based chemotherapy can have their vital signs monitored remotely, while physicians conduct telemedicine consultations to assess their condition. Social workers and psychologists can also provide home visits, helping patients feel more secure. The program primarily targets patients with gastrointestinal cancers who are being treated with less toxic chemotherapy drugs. It is recommended that patients undergo their initial chemotherapy sessions in the hospital to receive comprehensive education before transitioning to home-based treatment.
Home Hemodialysis Will Also Be Covered by National Health Insurance
In addition, Shih Chung-liang announced that during this week’s global budget negotiation meeting for dialysis, it was approved to include home hemodialysis under National Health Insurance coverage. The reimbursement rate will be equivalent to that of hospital-based dialysis, with the program potentially taking effect as early as May. Hsu Yung-Ho, Secretary-General of the Taiwan Society of Nephrology, noted that home dialysis offers patients greater autonomy, freeing them from the constraints of hospital dialysis schedules. It not only saves patients commuting time but also reduces carbon emissions and medical waste.
Resource: 醫院病床難求 衛福部擬推居家化療
