Seoul National University Hospital to Open Nexsu Children's Integrated Care Center in October... Outpatient Services Begin in Advance

Pre-Registration Outpatient Services Started Last Month for Center Users

Seoul National University Hospital has started a preliminary outpatient service to establish inpatient care plans for severe pediatric patients and their families who wish to be admitted to the Nexon Integrated Pediatric Care Center, scheduled to open this October. The Nexon Integrated Pediatric Care Center is the first independent short-term pediatric medical care facility in Korea.

The preliminary outpatient clinic at Nexu Children's Integrated Care Center is in progress.
[Photo by Seoul National University Hospital]

The Nexon Integrated Pediatric Care Center (nicknamed 'Dotori House') is a medical facility that provides short-term hospitalization and care treatment for severe pediatric patients and their families who require 24-hour care. It is set to open this October through the collaboration of Seoul National University Hospital, the Nexon Foundation, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

To be admitted to the center, patients must be pediatric or adolescent individuals aged 24 or younger. Additionally, they must meet three criteria: ▲difficulty with voluntary movement, ▲medical needs (such as mechanical ventilation, oxygen inhalation, airway suctioning, enteral nutrition, self-catheterization, home parenteral nutrition), and ▲a stable condition without acute illness.

Seoul National University Children's Hospital began the preliminary outpatient service for those who meet these admission criteria and wish to use the center starting last month. When visiting the preliminary outpatient clinic, patients must bring a referral letter, prescription, test results, and a pediatric information sharing record documenting the child's daily life and care methods.

The pediatric information sharing record is a questionnaire consisting of 13 categories: basic information, vital signs, respiration, nutrition (gastrointestinal), injection routes and parenteral nutrition, urination, defecation, skin and hygiene, sleep, activity, pain, seizures, development, and communication. For each category, there are 4 to 6 detailed questions totaling about 50 items, which must be completed to describe the care methods and precautions needed for the patient. Based on the detailed care records, medical staff conduct interviews to establish the actual care plan to be provided during the patient’s hospitalization.

Kim Young-tae, director of Seoul National University Hospital, stated, "As a public medical institution, Seoul National University Hospital will strive not only to treat diseases but also to comprehensively care for the lives of pediatric patients and their families. We hope that facilities like the Nexon Integrated Pediatric Care Center will be established nationwide, enriching the lives of pediatric patients and their families and giving them hope."

The preliminary outpatient service is held every Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescents on the first floor of Seoul National University Children's Hospital. Reservations can be made through the hospital’s website, application, or reservation center. Only patients who receive admission instructions during the preliminary outpatient visit can book their desired admission period at the Nexon Integrated Pediatric Care Center through the website. Hospitalization is allowed for up to 7 days per visit, with a maximum of 3 to 5 visits annually, totaling up to 20 days.

Meanwhile, the Nexon Integrated Pediatric Care Center, which will be completed with a total of 16 beds, will have Seoul National University Children's Hospital medical staff on-site 24 hours a day to provide short-term nursing and caregiving services for severe pediatric patients. Various programs such as play therapy with art therapists and volunteers, as well as music and art therapy, have also been prepared.

Perspective view of Nexus Children's Integrated Care Center. [Image provided by Seoul National University Hospital]

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.