Transforming long-term post-acute care for the aging population through home infusion therapy in China: assurance for quality and safety of care delivery (Part 2)
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: China's healthcare system may benefit from the integration of home infusion therapy (HIT) combined with home health services (HHS) to address the urgent need for a sustainable long-term, post-acute care model for the aging population and those with chronic complex diseases. In this Part 2, we presented the current landscape of home- and community-based care models in China and formulated recommendations for successful implementation of HIT and HHS. Methods: We conducted a literature search up to October 2025 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Results: To address the urgent need to support aging at home, China has initiated home- and community-based services nationwide. Despite these services, including a pilot of hospital-at-home, utilization remains low due to limited facilities, suboptimal service quality, and inadequate promotion. Notably, HIT and HHS that provide outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy and total parenteral nutrition at home, and chemotherapy at infusion centers have not been adopted in China; yet this value-based modality has existed in western countries (including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, among others) for decades to provide patient-centric care that is safe and cost-effective. Implementing HIT requires a robust accreditation system, sterile compounding standards, technological integration, and professional training to ensure patient safety and quality of care. Conclusion: The shift of care from hospitals to homes through HIT supported by HHS holds great potential to alleviate healthcare costs, reduce hospital burden, and enhance patient comfort and dignity in China.Part 1 is available at https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1761871.
Source: Frontiers in Public Health
Institutions: Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, University of California San Diego, University of California, Davis, Dartmouth College, Huntington Hospital, Huntington Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Jinan University, Southern University of Science and Technology, ShenZhen People’s Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7133557593