Purpose: Health care reform in the US has introduced terms such as 'the patient-centered medical home' and 'integrated care' that are often unclear and unfamiliar to patients. This study explored patient experiences with the functional domains of integrated care. Theory and methods:Patients first wrote their definitions of integrated care and then participated in focus group discussions about their experiences with the health care system. Transcripts were analyzed for thematic content.Results: Forty-four patients participated in one of seven focus groups in San Francisco, CA in English and Spanish. Many patients were not clear about the meaning of the term integrated care. However, patients described experiences largely reflected in an existing conceptual model of integrated care and the importance of coordination within and across teams and with community resources, continuity and sharing of information, and patient engagement. Patients with high medical needs described the ubiquitous challenges they faced in experiencing coordinated care. Conclusions:Patients may not understand the term integrated care but are relatively clear on what the concept of integrated care entails and support its successful implementation. Patients and their families are at the center of integrated care, and health systems need to support and empower them to successfully navigate the medical neighborhood.

Europeans, the prevalence being slightly higher among boys compared to girls. Conclusions Bissau-Guinean adolescents aged 15-16 report less smoking and drinking than European peers. Against a background of intensive marketing of alcohol and tobacco in Guinea-Bissau, it is urgent to initiate health promotional activities in secondary schools in Bissau to inform and educate adolescents and teachers on the detrimental effect of such behaviours on their long-term health and wellbeing.