Exploring the lack of continuity of care in older cancer patients under China's 'integrated health system' reform.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Continuity of care is essential to older patients' health outcomes, especially for those with complex needs. It is a key function of primary healthcare. Despite China's policy efforts to promote continuity of care and an integrated healthcare system, primary healthcare centres (PHCs) are generally very underused.

Objectives

To explore the experience and perception of continuity of care in older cancer patients, and to examine how PHCs play a role in the continuity of care within the healthcare system in China.

Methods

A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted in two tertiary hospitals in Nantong city, Jiangsu province, China. A combination of deductive and inductive analysis was conducted thematically.

Results

Interviews with

SUBMITTER: Geng J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11457369 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature