Integrated Care Models for Cancer Survivorships: Conceptual Framework, Characteristics and Implications to China

Abstract

Cancer is a significant global public health issue. With the continuous increase in cancer incidence rates and the prolonged survival time of cancer patients, the number of cancer survivors is also steadily rising. Cancer survivors face complex challenges in terms of physical, psychological, and social care, and their care services require effective coordination and integration across disciplines, sectors, and domains. Establishing integrated care model for cancer survivors has become an important strategy for addressing the challenges of survivorship care globally. However, the development of cancer survivorship care in China has been relatively lagging. This article synthesizes and summarizes the conceptual frameworks, characteristics and practical application of several representative integrated care models for survivorships. Based on China's healthcare service system, recommendations for designing and implementing integrated care strategies for cancer survivorships in China are proposed from five aspects: establishing consensus, pilot testing and exploration, workforce development, strengthening primary care, and policy support.

Keywords

• cancer survivors|integrated care models|survivorship care system|health services