Seoul National University Bundang Hospital Launches KakaoTalk-Based 'Severe Pediatric Care Referral Platform'

Establishing a Real-Time Communication System with Partner Hospitals
Advance Preparation of Beds, Equipment, and Medications Before Patient Arrival

The Pediatric Public Specialty Care Center at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital announced on July 24 that it is operating the 'Severe Pediatric Care Referral Platform' to support the rapid transfer and care coordination of critically ill pediatric patients.

Severe Pediatric Referral Platform Screen. Seoul National University Bundang Hospital

This platform is an expanded system that transforms the existing 'CareChat' service—previously used for appointment scheduling and registration via the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital KakaoTalk channel—into a transfer communication channel among partner hospitals. It was developed by combining Kakao Healthcare's digital platform technology with the clinical experience of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital.

When medical staff at partner hospitals register a patient's basic information, symptoms, photos, and reasons for referral through the KakaoTalk channel, the medical team at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital can review these details in real time to assess the patient's condition and decide whether to approve the transfer. Once approved, a patient registration number is automatically generated, and appropriate treatment spaces such as the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) are reserved in advance. In addition, necessary procedures, medications, and medical equipment can be prepared ahead of time, enabling treatment to begin immediately upon the patient's arrival.

Previously, patient transfers were typically conducted via phone calls, requiring multiple steps such as patient confirmation, determining availability for treatment, and connecting with the appropriate medical staff. In many cases, procedures only began after the patient arrived, making it difficult to respond proactively. The hospital explained, "Although the use of group messengers was considered, there were limitations regarding personal information protection and systematic management, so a separate secure platform was chosen instead."

Seoul National University Bundang Hospital assessed that the significance of this system lies in establishing an integrated care coordination framework that encompasses not only transfer requests but also information sharing, transfer decisions, and preparation for treatment—all within a single platform.

Alongside platform operations, the hospital plans to expand its collaborative network with regional healthcare providers in areas such as Pyeongtaek, Yongin, Gimpo, Sejong, Hwaseong, Suwon, and Anyang. The goal is to strengthen a virtuous cycle of care: critically ill patients receive timely treatment at advanced hospitals and, once stabilized, are seamlessly referred back to local healthcare providers.

Choi Changwon, Head of the Pediatric Public Specialty Care Center at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, stated, "Utilizing the Severe Pediatric Care Referral Platform allows for much more efficient communication between medical professionals during the transfer and acceptance process, enabling swift treatment tailored to the patient's condition. We will reinforce the medical safety net so that critically ill children can receive the best possible care at the right time through close cooperation with regional healthcare providers."

Jung Seyoung, Chief Information Officer at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, added, "This platform represents an example of digitalizing work at the frontlines of healthcare and advancing information-sharing systems among medical institutions. Through integration with the national healthcare AI pilot project, 'AX-Ready,' we will continue to build a digital healthcare system that enhances medical data utilization and operational efficiency for medical professionals."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.