Title The Development of Hospice and Space Configuration Characteristics of Hospice Facilities Established Between 1980-2009
Authors Chung, Miryum
DOI https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK_PD.2018.34.11.3
Page pp.3-12
ISSN 1226-9093
Keywords Hospice ; Palliative care ; Environment ; Design ; Floor Plan
Abstract Hospice is the wholistic caring service for terminally ill patient and his family so that he can live in dignity and maintain the quality of life until he passes away peacefully. The purpose of this study is to compare the development of hospice movement in UK, USA, Japan and Korea, to analyze space configuration characteristics of facilities built between 1980-2009 through case study. The result is as follows. First, The modern hospice started in England and it has spread around the world rapidly. In Korea, hospice service was introduced even prior to US and Japan and developed in spite of poor medical environment. The application of health insurance subsidies were late compared to other countries, but the hospice and palliative care system was quickly set on the basis of precedent cases. Second, the number of hospital beds per facility is decreasing, and it has been divided into smaller clusters for the residential atmosphere. The controversy between private rooms and multi-patient room is still ongoing, and increasing facilities without in-patient service. Rather than establishing uniform and absolute regulations, it is necessary to design a flexible space which can cope with various situations such as patients' needs, service changes, and manpower status. Third, the spaces for family members and friends to stay in both private rooms and communal spaces are increasing. Forth, Facilities for patients with different needs, such as children and adolescents and AIDS patients, have been developed in UK and USA. Further research on of patients' diverse needs and customized environmental support is necessary.