Mechanisms of integrated care in Flanders: A bottom-up perspective

S. Dhondt*, K. Hermans, H. Molema, S. Boermans, D. van der Klauw, H.J.M. Vrijhoef

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: For some time now, integrated care has been put forward to create a more demand-driven, patientcentred and cost-effective care system. Various conceptual frameworks have been developed to shed light on the complex concept. However, they lack insight into the mechanisms driving integrated care in practice. The aim of this paper is to gain insight into how integrated care is realised in practice.Methods: Six cooperation projects in Flanders were compared on five integration mechanisms. A content analysis of secondary sources on each of the cases and semi-structured interviews with representatives of these cases was conducted. The data were analysed using comparison tables.Results: Six cases representing five cooperation models in the Flemish health and social care were analysed for the presence of integrated care mechanisms. Six of the 22 mechanisms are present in all case examples. Half of the identified mechanisms concern the integration of professionals. Integrated care in these Flemish cases refers mainly to organising a case meeting, appointing a case manager and dividing the tasks between care professionals. Integration of support is less developed.Conclusions: The bottom-up approach to study the practical implementation of mechanisms is a fruitful approach, since it brings into light the complex realities and practicalities of the mechanisms of integration and how they are shaped by local actors in local contexts. The approach shows how Flemish and Belgian policy makers are struggling to scaling up these integration models, whilst at the same time responding to local conditions and needs.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)87-97
Number of pages11
JournalInternational Journal of Care Coordination
Volume20
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2017

Keywords

  • Integrated care
  • chronic disease
  • case-comparison study
  • MANAGEMENT
  • LESSONS

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