title: Development of Models for Regional Cardiac Surgery Centers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study aimed to develop the models for regional cardiac surgery centers, which take regional characteristics into consideration, as a policy measure that could alleviate the concentration of cardiac surgery in the metropolitan area and enhance the accessibility for patients who reside in the regions.
  
  
  METHODS
  To develop the models and set standards for the necessary personnel and facilities for the initial management plan, we held workshops, debates, and conference meetings with various experts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After partitioning the plan into two parts (the operational autonomy and the functional comprehensiveness), three models were developed: the 'independent regional cardiac surgery center' model, the 'satellite cardiac surgery center within hospitals' model, and the 'extended cardiac surgery department within hospitals' model. Proposals on personnel and facility management for each of the models were also presented. A regional cardiac surgery center model that could be applied to each treatment area was proposed, which was developed based on the anticipated demand for cardiac surgery. The independent model or the satellite model was proposed for Chungcheong, Jeolla, North Gyeongsang, and South Gyeongsang area, where more than 500 cardiac surgeries are performed annually. The extended model was proposed as most effective for the Gangwon and Jeju area, where more than 200 cardiac surgeries are performed annually.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The operation of regional cardiac surgery centers with high caliber professionals and quality resources such as optimal equipment and facility size, should enhance regional healthcare accessibility and the quality of cardiac surgery in South Korea.
authors.affiliation: Health Insurance Review and Assessment Research Institute, Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service.
authors.forename: Choon Seon
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Keimyung University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Nam Hee
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine.
authors.forename: Sung Bo
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Sim
authors.affiliation: Caleb & Company, Konkuk University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Sang Cheol
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Yun
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Hye Mi
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Ahn
authors.affiliation: Health Insurance Review and Assessment Research Institute, Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service.
authors.forename: Myunghwa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Health Insurance Review and Assessment Research Institute, Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service.
authors.forename: Ji Suk
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: Health Insurance Review and Assessment Research Institute, Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service.
authors.forename: Myo Jeong
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Caleb & Company, Konkuk University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Hyunsu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Hyun Keun
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Chee
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Chonnam National University Hospital.
authors.forename: Sanggi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Oh
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Chonnam National University Hospital.
authors.forename: Shinkwang
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Chungnam National University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Sok-Goo
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School.
authors.forename: Jun Ho
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Keonyeop
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Kun Sei
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: Health facilities; Health services accessibility; Quality of health care; Regional allocation of resources; Thoracic surgery