Do integrated care structures foster processes of integration? A quasi-experimental study in frail elderly care from the professional perspective.
Int J Qual Health Care 2016;
28:376-83. [PMID:
27174858 PMCID:
PMC4931912 DOI:
10.1093/intqhc/mzw045]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
This study explores the processes of integration that are assumed to underlie integrated care delivery.
DESIGN
A quasi-experimental design with a control group was used; a new instrument was developed to measure integration from the professional perspective.
SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS
Professionals from primary care practices and home-care organizations delivering care to the frail elderly in the Walcheren region of the Netherlands.
INTERVENTION
An integrated care intervention specifically targeting frail elderly patients was implemented.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Structural, cultural, social and strategic integration and satisfaction with integration.
RESULTS
The intervention significantly improved structural, cultural and social integration, agreement on goals, interests, power and resources and satisfaction with integration.
CONCLUSIONS
This study confirms that integrated care structures foster processes of integration among professionals.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN05748494.
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