Evaluation Study of Welfare Equipment and ICF Item Classification Criteria of Long-Term Care Insurance for the Elderly: Focusing on Intellectual Property Rights by a College

Objective : The purpose of this study was to analyze to improving the welfare equipment item classification system by comparing and analyzing the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s welfare equipment benefit item classification system of the Long-Term Care Insurance for the elderly and the ICF international classification criteria, focusing on intellectual property rights related to senior- friendly products created by a college. Methods : The Ministry of Health and Welfare’s welfare equipment item classification system of the Long-Term Care Insurance for the elderly and the ICF international classification system were analyzed for the appropriateness of the product classification system by classifying and applying 102 patents registered with the Korean Intellectual Property Office over the past eight years at a college. Results : There were some items in the welfare equipment item classification system of the Long-Term Care Insurance for the elderly that are not in the ICF international classification criteria. These findings highlight the need for expanding and refining the current benefit item classification system. Conclusion : The results of this study can be used as basic data for improving the welfare equipment benefit item classification system of the Long-Term Care Insurance for the elderly and activating the senior-friendly industry.