RESEARCH

Current Status of Complementary Therapies Provided by Hospice Palliative Care in South Korea

This study examines complementary therapies in South Korean hospice care, identifying horticultural, music, art, and aromatherapy as common practices while highlighting the need for evidence-based guidelines and improved employment conditions for therapists.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors, Chronic/Acute Health Conditions

Setting or Context: Assisted Living/Long-Term Care Homes, Hospitals/Clinics

Allied Profession Intersections: Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Nursing

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Forest/Natural Area Immersion, Mindfulness/Visualizations

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Observational Research, Qualitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes

Access: Free

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Summary

This study investigates the use of complementary therapies in hospice palliative care facilities in South Korea. An email survey conducted from September 2 to September 23, 2020, gathered responses from 109 therapists and 59 managers across 55 hospice facilities. The findings revealed that hospices provided an average of 3.67 types of therapies, with horticultural therapy (81.4%), music therapy (79.7%), art therapy (76.3%), and aromatherapy (57.6%) being the most common. Sessions typically lasted 60 minutes and occurred weekly, with nearly all therapists (96.3%) holding qualifications, though certification standards varied significantly.

The study highlights the perceived positive impact of these therapies, with therapists and managers rating their effectiveness highly (average scores of 8.90 and 8.38 out of 10, respectively). However, challenges such as inconsistent certification processes, low therapist pay, and lack of full-time employment were noted. The authors recommend developing evidence-based guidelines tailored to each therapy type to enhance their effectiveness and ensure sessions align with theoretical principles. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for policy support to improve employment conditions for therapists and to integrate complementary therapies as essential components of hospice care.

Link

Kwon, S., Bak, J., & Kwon, SH. (2021, June). Current status of complementary therapies provided by hospice palliative care in South Korea [including HT]. J Hosp Palliat Care., 24(2), 85-96.

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