Seoul Children's Hospital Expands Care to Families, Launches Caregiver Programs

[Financial News] Seoul Metropolitan Children's Hospital is expanding care beyond pediatric patients undergoing rehabilitation to include caregivers who accompany their children through long-term treatment. The hospital is offering programs that allow caregivers to rest or receive health care while waiting for their children's treatment. Seoul Metropolitan Children's Hospital said on the 2nd that it had launched six new family-centered care programs for caregivers and families in Ward 51 this year.
The initiative was launched because caregivers of children undergoing long-term rehabilitation treatment often find it difficult to look after their own physical and mental health while repeatedly accompanying their children to treatment, waiting for appointments and providing care at home.
Before developing the programs, the hospital surveyed 32 caregivers about their needs. The results showed that 85% were willing to participate in the programs. The most preferred time slot was 10 a.m. to noon, chosen by 63% of respondents, while 60% wanted programs that used treatment waiting time. In addition, 70% said that being able to participate without a burden in a short period was important when choosing a program.
Reflecting these findings, the hospital established a basic operating principle of conducting small-group programs lasting no more than 30 minutes during the morning and treatment waiting periods. Staff members visit the wards directly so caregivers can participate without leaving the ward or changing their children's treatment schedules.
A representative offering is the Caregiver Healing Program. Twenty people participated in a hand-massage session in May, and 23 joined a meditation session with tea in June. Twenty-seven people took part in the Emotion Diary program, which uses calligraphy to help participants express their feelings.
Twenty families participated in Aikiyum Garden, where children and caregivers plant and care for companion plants together. The hospital also established Book-Reading Village 51, stocking the ward with 310 picture books donated by Seoul Metropolitan Library so families can read and rest while waiting for treatment.
The hospital also operated programs designed to strengthen caregivers' ability to provide care. Together Care Health Coaching provided information on managing children's health at home, while the Ttobagi Empathy Forum allowed caregivers to share information about hospital life, how to respond to emergencies and welfare services.
In addition, the hospital held a book concert with Seoul Metropolitan Library attended by about 50 caregivers and local residents. In cooperation with the Seoul Agricultural Technology Center, it also offered cooking classes where caregivers prepared healthy snacks and beverages using Korean rice.
Going forward, the hospital plans to improve high-demand programs, including meditation and tea classes, hand massages, the Emotion Diary and health coaching, based on participants' feedback. It also plans to expand family-centered care.
A Seoul Metropolitan Children's Hospital official said, "The psychological and physical health of caregivers who accompany pediatric patients through treatment is closely linked to the recovery of the entire family." The official added, "We will operate a range of family-centered care programs so caregivers can take a brief break and obtain the health information they need."

[email protected] Seong Chorong Reporter