Measuring the Impact of Integrated Care: from Principles to Real-World Impact

• Published in: International journal of integrated care 2023-11, Vol.23 (4), p.12-12
• Main Authors: Michgelsen, Jessica, Zonneveld, Nick, Tesfay, Ephrem, Minkman, Mirella
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Caregivers; impact; integrated care; Integrated delivery systems; measurement; theory of change
• ISSN: 1568-4156; 1568-4156
• DOI: 10.5334/ijic.7783

[...]in this editorial, we navigate through three of the complexities that seem to come at play when measuring the impact of integrated care. Particularly in light of any transitional period averaging 10-15 years [12], it becomes evident that current project durations seem insufficient. [...]there arises a compelling need for sustained, long-term follow-up evaluations that align with processes of either negative or positive impactful change within integrated care. While all groups agreed on 18 overarching integrated care values, service users and informal carers emphasised care experience values like respect and trust, while policy makers prioritised governance and organisational values such as coordination and accountability [20]. Besides the diversity in viewpoints and the multiple dimensions of integrated care, the context and cultural values in which care interventions are evaluated shape its interpretation across different care settings. [...]evaluating impact of integrated care necessitates context specific framing and valuing rather than adapting a one-size-fits-all concept of integrated care. Unfortunately, co-creation does not seem to be an often-applied approach yet in the field of integrated care research despite its opportunities to give a voice to people who do not automatically have one [21]. [...]even in an ostensibly optimal scenario, the intricate process of assessing impact necessitates careful considerations and involvement of different people.