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 29 patients highlighted three key themes: no guidance for patients in connecting with different levels of doctors, unmet patients’ needs under specialist-led follow-up care, and poor coordination and communication across healthcare levels. This study clearly illustrated patients’ lack of personal awareness and experience of care continuity, a key issue despite China’s drive for an integrated healthcare system. Conclusion The need for continuity of care at each stage of cancer care is largely unmeasured in the current healthcare system for older patients. PHCs offer benefits which include convenience, less burdened doctors with more time, and lower out-of-pocket payment compared to tertiary hospitals, especially for patients with long-term healthcare needs. However, addressing barriers such as the absence of integrated medical records and unclear roles of PHCs are needed to improve the crucial role of PHCs in continuity of care.