家庭醫師與長期照護服務

Family Physicians and Long-Term Care Services

台灣人口的快速老化及伴隨而來的多重生理與心理慢性疾病，造成失智、失能人口漸增，且因社會經濟結構變遷，造成家庭照顧功能式微，使得長期照護需求與日俱增。而長期照護需要多層面的評估與整合，家庭醫學科專科醫師以全人的角度出發，並以家庭為單位、社區為範疇，提供全面性的照顧。藉由家庭醫學科專科醫師的積極投入參與，將有限的長期照顧醫療資源，作妥善的資源規劃及分配。家庭醫學科專科醫師是長期照顧個案的最佳代言者、照顧計畫的制定者、家庭諮商者、善終擁護者、以及多專業間協調者。

The rapid aging in Taiwan followed by multiple physiological and psychological chronic diseases in elders has caused an increase of cognitive and physical disability. The changes in the socio-economic structure make the care and supportive function of traditional family decline. The need for long-term care services in Taiwan increases rapidly. Long-term care needs multidisciplinary evaluation and integration. Family physicians are experts in the perspective of holistic medicine, comprehensive care, family-based and community-based medical services. With the active involvement and participation of family physicians, combination of medical resources and social welfare system can maximize the long term care resources. Family physicians are the best representatives, care plan formulator, consultants, hospice advocators and multidisciplinary coordinators for cases who need long term care services.