Hospital companions ease seniors' access to treatment

Difficult circumstances

At the end of 2021, nearly 270 million people in China were age 60 and older, accounting for 18.9 percent of the population, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

While seniors make up the main customer base of hospital companions, it is usually their children who place the orders. However, they are often their family's only child, and many are unable to take time off work or live too far away to help.

Wang Yaru is a senior high school teacher, and she is working hard to prepare her students for the fast-approaching national college entrance exam. "She really can't take any more leave. She has already taken leave for me many times," Wang Yuzhu said. As a high school teacher himself, he understands his daughter's situation.

After extensive prior communication, Zhao requested a preliminary consultation on behalf of Wang Yuzhu at the Beijing Cancer Hospital. He took the previous examination data to the doctor for a preliminary assessment. After, if it is deemed necessary, the patient can register and then see the doctor in person.

"This is much more convenient for patients from outside Beijing," Zhao said, adding that the price of a consultation on behalf of a patient is slightly higher than for regular hospital companion services.

He charges about 300 yuan for each consultation on behalf of a patient, which is still less than the special appointment fee for a well-known expert at a tertiary hospital in Beijing.

Deep knowledge

A post titled "How to Become a Hospital Companion: A 5,000-Word Must-Read Guide for Medical Companions," said that being a true "medical companion" is not simply about helping patients get in line, receiving results and getting medication. They should be familiar with the basic situations in local hospitals and their medical procedures, possess medical and nursing knowledge, know basic first aid, be familiar with payment and insurance reimbursement procedures, and even understand laboratory reports. They should also possess some psychological knowledge to provide patients with good advice and counseling, and be able to communicate effectively with the experts, it said.

For Zhao, his job is not just about providing "company". For Wang Yuzhu's appointment, his most important task was to be a proxy family member and help the senior communicate more professionally, efficiently and accurately with the doctor.

After waiting nearly two hours, Wang Yuzhu's name appeared on the screen. Zhao brought him to the consultation room and produced a file of medical records. After discussing the case for more than 10 minutes, the doctor said surgery was unnecessary and chemotherapy was unsuitable. Instead, he suggested immediate radiotherapy and a further examination.

Zhao quickly informed Wang Yaru. After consulting with her, he helped Wang Yuzhu obtain the last radiotherapy number of the day from the registration machine.

Wang Yuzhu and his wife have now been in Beijing for more than a month. With Zhao's full-time assistance and support, the senior has started radiotherapy treatment at the Beijing Cancer Hospital.

As spring turns into summer, the doctor said the senior's health is gradually improving.

Ren Xianying contributed to this story.