**Interview: The Challenges of Companion Services in a Standardless Market**

With over 3,700 specialists offering companion services, how can patients ensure their safety amidst the rising concerns that some of these services may operate like “scalpers”? This is particularly challenging for elderly patients or those receiving care far from home, who often find the hospital process overwhelming. In the past few years, companion services have emerged to provide the necessary support, but the lack of official recognition in the national occupational classification system raises significant issues.

**Current Landscape: A Game of Chance in Finding a Companion**

I spoke with Ms. Cheng, whose 76-year-old mother needs regular follow-ups after heart surgery. “Every time she has to navigate the long lines by herself, and it’s just too much for her,” Cheng shared, highlighting her busy schedule and concern for her father’s health. After deciding to hire a companion, Ms. Cheng faced the daunting task of finding a trustworthy service amidst a sea of online options.

“Searching for ‘companion services’ on social media was overwhelming,” she recalled, noting that many posts seemed more focused on self-promotion than reliability. One listing offered services like accompanying patients to consultations and running errands for a fee, starting at 288 yuan for half a day or 500 yuan for a whole day. Another claimed they could assist various patient types, yet their qualifications were vague—they merely described themselves as a friendly individual.

Even organizations have entered this space, with one platform charging 320 yuan for half a day but clearly stating that they cannot assist patients who are entirely self-care dependent. Another service advertised at 298 yuan for half a day noted that elderly patients or children under 12 must have a family member present.

My findings shed light on the inconsistencies across platforms. Notably, one site defined “elderly” as those between 65 and 80, requiring family support for those over 80, while guardians needed to accompany minors under 18.

What is the reliability of these companions? Some platforms let users select companions from short lists, but the information is often lacking. I noted descriptions filled with vague terms like “dedicated” or “caring,” and in many cases, full background information on companions was only revealed post-booking.

Reflecting on her search, Cheng remarked, “Finding a companion feels like ‘opening a blind box’—there’s no way to be sure of what you’re getting.”

**The Chaos: Overpriced Services Disguised as Companionship**

Current trends indicate that some individuals are masquerading as companion services while charging exorbitant fees. For example, an e-commerce vendor in Beijing promoted “high-end companion services” that included consultations and post-visit care. When I reached out for more information, they suggested connecting on WeChat, where they revealed numerous appointment records for elite hospitals, yet charged 3,700 yuan for a simple consultation that should only cost 100 yuan.

Concerned voices like that of Zhu Tongyu, a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and vice president of Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, raise alarms about this practice. He pointed out that using “companion services” to mask scalping undermines healthcare equity and leaves patients vulnerable to excessive charges at “recommended” hospitals.

“The entire companion industry is still developing haphazardly, lacking any real regulation,” stated Zhou Lili, co-founder of Blue Dolphin Medical Services. She emphasized that ambiguity in service quality creates risks for patients, potentially harming their trust and impeding industry progress.

**The Path Forward: Professionalism and Structuring Companion Services**

In my investigation, I discovered that the occupation of “companion” is not yet included in the revised 2022 edition of the Occupational Classification of the People’s Republic of China. Many individuals and organizations have undertaken their training independently, often lacking standardized guidelines.

One user on social media even offered advice on acquiring clients for a fee, while others suggested various certifications, which varied greatly in cost and content.

The Chinese Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics is stepping in, initiating training programs for “medical companions” that cover essential medical knowledge, psychological support, and legal guidelines. Participants will receive certification upon successful completion.

Zhu emphasized that achieving professionalism in this field requires collaboration among practitioners, industry associations, healthcare facilities, and health regulatory bodies.

Zhou, from Blue Dolphin Medical Services, advocates using retired nurses as companions, believing that those with medical training can provide heartfelt care. However, she stressed that even trained nurses need specialized education to excel in companionship roles.

“Companionship involves three key phases: pre-visit, during the visit, and post-visit,” Zhou explained. “Before the appointment, understanding the patient’s medical history is crucial. During the visit, companions facilitate communication and clarify medical jargon for both patients and doctors. Finally, they must document the advice given and guide patients on follow-up care.”

Zhou also highlighted the importance of equipping companions with emergency response skills and psychological support knowledge to help alleviate patient anxiety during challenging moments.

While the companion service sector is ripe for growth, it must strive toward professionalization and uniform standards to realize its full potential.