Population aging is taking place very rapidly in South Korea; the proportion of the elderly population (aged 65 years or older) has already exceeded 14% of the total population, and South Korea has become an aged society. According to Statistics Korea data in 2021, the proportion will exceed 20% in 2025, making South Korea a super-aged society [1]. Rapid population aging means an increase in people who need endof-life care. The number of yearly deaths is steadily increasing, and it is estimated that more than 400,000 people will die in 2030 [2]. End-of-life care is recognized as one of the major social issues that our society faces, and several legal and institutional changes related to decisions such as withdrawal of

Purpose: This preliminary study is aimed at developing standardized tools for psycho-social assessment of patients in needs for hospice/palliative care. To accomplish the purpose, investigators examined effects of perceptions of social workers on the importance of psycho-social domains of assessment in hospice/palliative care settings. Moreover, investigators paid attention to variances of perceptions of social workers' along with types of institution and credentials of those family settings. Methods: A form of questionnaire was first explored from an initial interview assessment of 10 government-certified hospice care providers and a literature review, second constructed with eight domains and 80 items, and sent by e-mail to 55 institutions and hospitals providing hospice/palliative cares in Korea. Lastly, a total of 31 agencies returned with a completed responses and consent form (56% response rate). SPSS program (version 18.0) was used for data analysis. Results: Study found that social workers perceived patients' family background (m=4.53, 5-point scale) as the most important assessment domain, whereas economic conditions (4.06 point) the least important. Social workers' perception varied by credentials (i.e., license types, training, full-time position, types of care facility). Conclusion: Based upon study findings, investigators can conclude strong needs for developing a assessment tool that measures multiple domains (i.e., psychological, social and ecological aspects) of patients. A standardized assessment tool should be structured with 2 axis (center/core and expanded/peripheral) and tailored for institution type. Second, professional trainings must be provided by strengthening legal institutionalization and fostering qualified social workers with full responsibilities of hospice and palliative care patients.

Background:The case of dying in acute hospitals is expected to increase in Korea, and the demand for high-quality care for dying patients in acute hospitals is also growing. Through a nationwide survey, this study analyzed public attitudes and needs of care for dying patients in acute hospitals. Methods: In October 2018, we sampled 500 Koreans over age twenty, following proportional population distribution by region, gender, and age. Using structured questionnaire, we surveyed their attitudes and needs of care for dying patients in acute hospitals. Results: Most respondents (75.0%) demanded that they should know the possibility of their death and 70.0% of respondents wanted to inform their family of their impending death. Respondents also expressed their strong demand for high-quality medical care (88.4%) and psychosocial and spiritual care (60%) in developing desirable care system for dying patients. Among the essential conditions for high-quality care for dying patient in acute health hospitals, detailed explanation of patients' condition, supports for caregiving, convenient facilities, comfortable hospital environment, and private rooms were ranked high. Conclusion:The majority of Korean adults showed their strong need for high-quality medical services in caring after dying patients and their families. In addition, there exists a high demand for practical support such as supports for caregivers, convenience facilities, and private space for dying patients.