A Comparative Study on the Support Policy for Prematurity in Some OECD Countries

Abstract

The aim of this study is for suggesting the support policy for prematurity in Republic of Korea using comparative analysis among some OECD countries. Although the Ministry of Health and Welfare has been expanding the scope of pre-term birth support system for pre-term birth since 2000, it is still insufficient in a broader context. Premature support policies in developed countries can be categorized by establishment of healthcare infrastructure and family support on medical, economical and others. From the governance perspective, it is needed to: increase national budget; establish national long-term strategy; provide prevention program during before and during pregnancy; increase R&D investment; produce basic statistics; establish evidence based policy; establish prenatal administration; and provide subsidy for the installation equipment in NICU and professional capacity building programs. Several ways can be considered for reducing the burden on families with pre-term children, such as development of guideline for pre-term birth care, encouragement of family participation, and long-term plan for premature babies as medical aspects, supporting the medical cost at NICU, subsidy for RSV vaccination, and supporting medical and rehabilitation cost after discharge from hospital as economical aspects. Lastly, prolonging the maternity leave or providing special leave for premature parents, aiding for child care, and psychological and emotional support can be also possible as prematurity support policy.