Home Care Services

Home healthcare services refer to the provision of medical care, treatment, rehabilitation, monitoring, and advisory services by healthcare professionals in the patient’s own environment, based on a physician’s recommendation. These services aim to improve the quality of life for individuals, reduce the need for hospitalization, and facilitate access to healthcare.

Historical Development

The history of home healthcare services extends back to the 19th century globally and to the 15th century in Türkiye. During the Ottoman period, the practice of sending doctors to patients’ homes was already in place. In the Republican era, a legal framework was established with the 1930 General Health Protection Law, and the services were systematized through a regulation issued in 2005.

Legal Regulations

Key legal regulations governing home healthcare services include the 1930 General Health Protection Law No. 1593, the 1964 Regulation on the Socialization of Health Services, and the 2005 Regulation on Home Care Services. In 2010, a directive issued by the Ministry of Health defined implementation principles and expanded service coverage.

Service Delivery Models

In Türkiye, home healthcare services are delivered through family medicine practices, home healthcare units affiliated with health institutions, and teams from provincial health directorates. Services provided include examination, injection, wound dressing, physiotherapy, psychological support, and patient education.

Providing Institutions and Personnel

Home healthcare services are delivered by public institutions, private healthcare organizations, municipalities, and voluntary organizations. Service teams include physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.

Scope of Services and Target Groups

Services are primarily directed toward groups such as the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, bedridden patients, new mothers, and those requiring postoperative care. According to 2017 data, the largest group receiving services consists of patients with neurological diseases (38%).

Services Provided and Statistical Data

Between 2011 and 2017, a total of 890,869 patients were reached, with 311,780 actively monitored. The most common services provided were patient examinations (3,563,826 procedures), wound dressing (1,471,351), injections (347,590), and educational interventions (1,438,282). The number of medical devices used at home was recorded as 3,702.

Financing and Economic Dimensions

Financing for home healthcare services is provided through the general budget, the social security system, and individual payments. Since 2011, the Social Security Institution has covered certain procedures under its daily treatment framework. A significant advantage of these services is their low cost, which helps reduce hospital expenditures.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of home healthcare services include improved quality of life, reduced risk of hospital-acquired infections, preservation of family unity, and cost savings. However, service feasibility depends on environmental conditions, and limitations include inconsistent availability of healthcare personnel, potential breaches of privacy, and errors in device usage.

Current Practices in Türkiye

In Türkiye, home healthcare services are coordinated by the Ministry of Health. As of 2017, services were delivered through 1,014 units, by 4,554 personnel, and using 1,260 vehicles. Mobile units also provide oral and dental health services.