Policy text analysis of high-quality development of integrated elderly care and medical services in China based on...

This study aims to conduct a content analysis of policies pertaining to the high-quality development of Integrated Elderly Care and Medical Services (IECMS) introduced in China from January 2016 to December 2024. Utilizing the Policy Modeling Consistency (PMC) index model, we seek to achieve a quantitative assessment of these relevant policies.

Utilizing the indicator design method of PMC index model, we constructed first-level indicators for policy evaluation. Second-level indicators were developed with reference to the structure of the IECMS high-quality development support system as outlined by the World Health Organization, the State Council, and the National Health Commission, following a comprehensive literature review. Ultimately, an evaluation system for assessing the high-quality development of IECMS was established, comprising 9 first-level indicators and 44 s-level indicators. The study text-mined 12 policy documents that met predefined inclusion criteria and employed the PMC index model for quantitative evaluation.

The mean PMC score across these 12 policies was found to be 6.76, indicating that the overall policy system is generally robust; specifically, it includes 8 policies rated as excellent and 4 as good. Notably, areas such as policy concern (X3), party leadership (X8), policy recipients (X2), and carer care (X7) demonstrated comprehensive strengths. However, further improvements are necessary in aspects related to care systems (X6), policy nature (X1), policy measures (X4), and care capacity (X5).

To ensure a high-quality supply of elderly care services amidst ongoing developments towards quality enhancement in China's IECMS-related policies must embrace systemic thinking alongside principles of synergy, innovation, and sharing. It is essential to adjust and optimize supply structures while stimulating effective demand; balancing supply-demand elements; focusing on talent cultivation; and innovating within industry environments. These efforts will enable us to meet evolving public expectations for improved living standards in this new era while continuously enriching our understanding of what constitutes high-quality development in IECMS services.