ABSTRACT

Objective: This study has collected public data on National Dementia Plans and performed a cost-benefit analysis on occupational therapy(OT) in Center for Dementia to contribute in the determination of future dementia-related health policies. Methods: The status of National Dementia Plans were gathered through public data portals from January to December 2016. Based on the gathered data, various variables were defined for OT cost-benefit analysis, and frequency analysis and mathematical calculations were utilized to calculate the variables. Results: Seoul engaged in Dementia Management Projects in all autonomous regions, and all project personnel were full-time. Particularly, full-time OT personnel were placed in 96.0% of centers for dementia, providing OT within the Dementia Management Projects. The net benefit of OT in Center for Dementia, where full-time OT personnel were placed, was KRW 7.3 billion for Seoul. Conclusion: It is expected that expanding the Dementia Management Projects similar to Seoul and engaging in programs through full-time OT personnel would lower the costs of care for dementia. Given the presence of the National Dementia Responsibility Plan, the Dementia Management Projects have seen expansion into a healthcare project at a national level. To effectively utilize the limited healthcare resources, it would be necessary to expand the occupational therapy.