[Integrated care systems]

The development of professionalism in the health care industry has resulted in the existence of distinct lines of demarcation between disciplines. Duplication or absence of services, or lack of connection between services has made it difficult to respond to the needs of people with chronic conditions. With the rapid growth of the population with such conditions, the concept of integrated care has been proposed in order to increase accessibility, quality of care, cost sustainability and user satisfaction for such patients. The main content of this paper includes a definition of integrated care, the rationale behind it, and a model for it, as well as the advantages and disadvantages associated with it. Four integrated care systems were selected from different countries: Social HMO and PACE from USA, SIPA from Canada, Japan's community support system and Taiwan's long-term care resources management centers. Recommendations are also provided for members of the nursing profession actively participating in integrated care systems.