Evaluating Long-Term Care Needs in Cancer Survivors: A Case-Mix System-Based Analysis

Background Advancements in cancer diagnosis, screening, and treatment have transformed cancer into a chronic condition, resulting in a growing population of survivors with long-term healthcare needs. Methods This retrospective descriptive study evaluated the discharge planning outcomes of cancer patients managed by discharge-planning nurses in 2024, with a focus on their long-term care (LTC) requirements using the Case-Mix System (CMS). Results Among 207 cancer patients analyzed, discharge outcomes included returning home (68.1%), transfer to LTC facilities (12.6%), transfer to another hospital (0.5%), and death (18.8%). Of the 167 patients who returned home or were transferred to care facilities, 75 (44.9%) applied for government-funded LTC services. Non-application reasons included full independence in activities of daily living (26.1%), ineligibility based on criteria (17.4%), and reliance on family or privately hired caregivers (56.5%). Based on CMS classification, LTC applicants were categorized as having mild (25.3%), moderate (48.0%), or severe disability (26.7%). Mildly disabled patients primarily required home-care support, while those with moderate disabilities had higher needs for combined home-care and respite services. Severely disabled patients showed the greatest reliance on respite care, reflecting substantial caregiver burden. Conclusions These findings underscore the heterogeneous LTC needs among discharged cancer patients and support the utility of the CMS as a comprehensive tool for guiding resource allocation, caregiver support, and policy planning.