Comparative analysis of long-term care quality for older adults in China and Western countries

Abstract

Objective Based on theoretical and methodological research and the results of a literature review, we evaluated and comparatively analyzed the quality of long-term care for older populations in China and in Western countries. Methods We performed a literature review, using the search terms long-term care and care services for older adults, in the databases ProQuest, CNKI, and Wanfang Data. Results Our comparative analysis demonstrated that the overall quantity of articles related to long-term care for older populations was relatively large. The literature comprises advanced accumulated experiences in terms of theoretical and methodological perspectives in developed countries. The field of long-term care is relatively young in China and we could retrieve only a few related studies. Conclusions The system of long-term care for older populations in China has much room for improvement. In addition, the evaluation criteria for long-term care quality remain controversial. Relevant research focusing on the quality of long-term care services in the country lacks comprehensive, systematic, and scientific validation, comparison, and evaluation. This topic warrants further evidence-based investigation in China.

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“…Countries with a higher level of economic development provide a more favorable proportion of medical and nursing staff for their population 91,92 . However, in some developing countries, multiple issues and limitations relative to developed countries, such as unsound management and security systems, a lack of funds, unreasonable structure of service providers for older people, low quality and level of care, and poor and outdated facilities and equipment, have emerged in the field of social care, 93 which leads patients to rely more on SS. Conversely, without informal SS, stroke patients in developed countries may be able to rely on the care of community medical personnel and national policies and social policy support.…”

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“…29 The shortage of professionals, low service quality, limited funding channels also hinder its development. 5,15,24 In practice it was found that excessive government intervention in LTC resulted in insufficient supply and caused significant pressure on public finance. As a result, privatisation in LTC services supply emerged to complement public services since 1980s.…”

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