The integrated care pilot in north west london

In 2011-2012 partners in the provision of health in social care came together in North West London from five local authorities, two major acute trusts, two community trusts, two mental health trusts, two 'third sector' organisations and over 100 general practices. Their aim was to support collaborative working in geographic areas of about 50 000 population for improved patient experience, quality of outcomes and cost-efficiency. Patients with diabetes and those over 75 were targeted with care plans and locally-led innovation. Through monthly workshops practitioners from different organisations shared their insights into ways to improve care for specific individuals and also to improve the functioning of the system as a whole. The pilot is still under review and evaluation but has produced some positive results so far both in patient and clinician experience and the suggestion that this way of working results in reduced emergency admissions to hospital.