Operating the hospitalist system

Abstract

Recent changes in the Korean government's strategies for resident quotas and training condition results is creating a gap in the treatment of inpatients and threatening patient safety. The hospitalist system, which has been established and operates in the United States, has also been suggested as an alternative in Korea. In 2015, a pilot project for the implementation of a hospitalist system was successfully executed in three teaching hospitals. The most important factors for the successful implementation of a hospitalist system are to establish the job description and security of the hospitalist. In addition, securing finances and making medical insurance fee-for-service, a certification system for hospitalists, an education program, and proper salaries are needed. The introduction and management of a hospitalist system may be seen as necessary for the times, considering changing resident strategies and the reinforcement of responsibility for patient safety. The hospitalist system is a solution for the gap in the treatment of inpatients and is predicted to improve patient safety.