After-hours care models in leading countries

Abstract

After-hours care (AHC) provides medical care after the regular weekday work hours of clinics. In Korea, data from the National Emergency Department Information System showed that approximately 40% of the pediatric patients need AHC. To meet this need, many countries have different models of AHC. In this article, the authors tried to summarize and emphasize the advantages and disadvantages of AHC models in several leading countries. This article can be useful in designing AHC models in Korea because the proportions of potential patients requiring AHC are substantial, and the adoption of AHC models should be seriously considered. Key Words: After-Hours Care; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Child; Delivery of Health Care; Night Care; Patients