Health commission calls national implementation of holistic primary nursing model

All medical institutions should fully implement a holistic primary nursing model by 2025, according to an action plan released by the National Health Commission on Tuesday.

According to the plan, which is aimed at improving overall nursing services in China from this year to 2025, the model requires each nurse to be the point of contact and primary caregiver for a patient during his or her hospital stay. The nurses should provide comprehensive care ranging from monitoring symptoms to offering health advice based on the physical, psychological and social needs of each patient, the plan said.

"By 2025, all medical institutions should ensure that the holistic primary nursing model covers 100 percent of their wards," it said.

The plan also said the institutions should use information technology to provide follow-up consultations online for patients after they are discharged from the hospital. It also urged them to step up nursing capabilities at the grassroots level and improve services for senior patients, including paying home visits.