Integrated care at the crossroads—defining the way forward

Abstract

Introduction and background: The non-existence of a common terminology or standards in Integrated Care makes it difficult to compare experiences and results, whether on a national or international level, while the interdisciplinarity of the concept, both in theory and practice, proves to be a curse when it should be a blessing. Thus, we found it high time to bridge the gap, bring practice to theory and discuss the pressing issues of future Integrated Care research. Workshop report: During the expert workshop, discussions were held concerning four overarching topics: (1) defining the common base for integrated care, evaluation and quality; (2) discussion on methods and tools, healthy environs; (3) governing and managerial prerequisites for integrated care and the future of integrated care; and (4) research questions arising from the workshop. The results were formulated into actions and research questions for the future. Discussion: The workshop proved the necessity of consolidation in the area in order to foment the concept. Researchers should improve coordination and cooperation among themselves and draw from the various fields which deal with similar questions. Conclusion: It remains to be seen whether integrated care manages to grow out of its baby shoes and establish itself as an independent and interdisciplinary field of research.

Inter-agency work in Open Dialogue: the significance of listening and authenticity

“…The data material for the first two studies consisted of 12 professionals participating in PJD 3 . Six professionals represented the healthcare sector and thus participated in the healthcare group (HCG).…”

“…This was to be accomplished by creating a team for every single case consisting of a minimum of two professionals with education and positions relevant to the speci c case. 3 The project's main ideas included the following:…”

“…Likewise, we have no predominant model of health system integration or integrated care [2,3]. However, structure, process and outcome of integration represent imperative elements in integrated care [4,5].…”

“…However, a high number of research papers focusing on integrated care in terms of multi-agency collaboration point out several dif culties associated with organizational, professional and contextual issues, such as role interpretation, communication, discipline con icts and leadership [3,[11][12][13][14][15]. Hence, people suffering from complex illnesses and with multiple problems or at risk of developing severe multiple problems may especially be placed in a dif cult situation.…”

“…Integrated care in terms of complex collaboration may have different side effects for those involved [3]. One result of intimate teamwork carried out in different communities of practice is that the professionals' identity may be challenged [18].…”