Unravelling the combination of medical and elderly care in China: a comprehensive policy analysis

Ziyi Wang, Pu Han () and Wenqi Chen
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Ziyi Wang: Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications
Pu Han: Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications
Wenqi Chen: Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications

Palgrave Communications, 2025, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-17

Abstract: Abstract This study aims to conduct a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the combination of medical and elderly care policy (CMECP) texts and to identify the composition, characteristics, and shortcomings of existing policies. On this basis, optimization suggestions are proposed to improve the policy system for the CMECP, thereby more effectively addressing the health and care needs of elderly individuals. To understand and analyse in depth the current situation and problems of the CMECP, this study first conducts text mining. By using the ROST CM6 tool to analyse the policy focus of CMECP text, this research comprehensively reveals the core issues and main concerns of the policy text. Simultaneously, this study conducts a dynamic topic evolution of policies related to the CMECP based on the LDA topic model and visualizes it using a Sankey diagram. Second, our research employs the PMC index model to quantitatively assess the comprehensiveness and implementation effect of policies. Finally, this study systematically evaluates and analyses the CMECP by integrating text mining and the PMC index model to more accurately understand and assess the developmental direction, implementation effects, and existing problems of China’s CMECP. The results reveal that the average PMC index of the 12 policy samples stands at 6.67, representing an impressively high standard of policy text quality. The study also finds that while China’s CMECP has achieved results in terms of fostering service integration and technological innovation, long-term planning and voluntary policy tools are not being used effectively. In addition, through policy analysis, it can be inferred that many of the policies mentioned emphasize the expansion of telemedicine and the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, but the specific incentive measures and methods need to be strengthened. At the same time, the combination of medical and elderly care services is moving towards home-based and community-based elderly care, but resource allocation and policy coherence need to be improved. This study not only provides valuable insights for improving China’s CMECP but also further promotes the implementation of the Healthy China 2030 strategy.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05746-3

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