Factors affecting the embedding of integrated primary–secondary care into a health district

With the aging population, the tide of chronic disease is rising with attendant increases in health service need. Integrated care and patient-centred approaches, which established partnerships between a regional Hospital and health service (HHS), the local primary health network and local general pr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Australian journal of primary health 2020-06, Vol.26 (3), p.216
Main Authors: Mitchell, Geoffrey K., Young, Charlotte E., Janamian, Tina, Beaver, Kylie M., Johnson, Joanne L. K., Hannan-Jones, Clare, Mutch, Allyson J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Access
Access to education
Advisory groups
Aging
Chronic illnesses
Community health
Disease management
Evaluation
Family physicians
Funding
Health needs
Health services
Horizontal integration
Hospitals
Information sharing
Integrated care
Interdisciplinary aspects
Medical personnel
Partnerships
Patient satisfaction
Patient-centered care
Patients
Primary care
Shared care
Systematic review
Teams
Teamwork
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Summary:With the aging population, the tide of chronic disease is rising with attendant increases in health service need. Integrated care and patient-centred approaches, which established partnerships between a regional Hospital and health service (HHS), the local primary health network and local general practitioners (GPs), were identified as exemplars of an approach needed to support growing community health needs. This paper summarises the findings from a process evaluation of four GP–specialist care integration programs with the aim of identifying recommendations for embedding integrated GP–specialist care into routine practice within the HHS. The process evaluation of the integration programs drew on input from a multidisciplinary expert advisory group and data collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, as well as surveys of participating GPs and patients. Overarching findings were identified and grouped under six themes: interdisciplinary teamwork; communication and information exchange; the use of shared care guidelines or pathways; training and education; access and accessibility; and funding. Within each theme, key challenges and enablers emerged. The findings of this study highlight benefits and challenges associated with the establishment of integrated care between primary and secondary care providers, leading to the development of key recommendations for routine integration.
ISSN:1448-7527
1836-7399
DOI:10.1071/PY18177