Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was aimed at investigating the recognition and attitude of inpatients for the purpose of facilitating the implementation of the home health care program in relation to the opening of the Home Care Department in P University Hospital in Pusan.
METHOD
Data were collected from the questionnaires returned by 293 patients, who were admitted at P University Hospital, from May 1 to May 15, 2001 and analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Fisher exact test.
RESULTS
In regard to the previous information about the home health care program, 55.6% of the inpatients heard about the name through the advertisement in the hospital, the mass communication, and from acquaintances. The percentage of right answers regarding the knowledge of home health care program was 43.9%. In regard to the acceptance of the home health care program, 97.1% of patients agreed with the implementation of the home care program. The reasons for acceptance were: the maintenance of the continuity of care, the alleviation of the family burden of time.
CONCLUSION
For the stabilization and successful implementation of a home health care system, it should be accompanied not only by advertisement but also education for patients about the home health care program, and a post-evaluative study after the implementation.