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)

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Authors: Wei Zuo, Zi Yin Zhou, Kayla Huynh, Dylan H. Do, Dan Mei, Tu Thi Linh Tran, Jianchun Yu, Hong Yang, Wei Chen, Bin Zhao, Vivian Wing Yan Lee, Fan Zhang
+6 more Shaohong Wang, Shan Li, Austin-Phong Nguyen, Connie Vo, Huijie Shi, Jennifer Le
Cited by: 0
References: 50

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.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation Healthcare Quality and Management

Publication details

Journal / source
Frontiers in Public Health
Volume
14
Pages
1761870–1761870
Publication date
4 March 2026
Language
EN