Formative Evaluation of the Central Coast Integrated Care Program (CCICP), NSW Australia

Integrated care has been posited as an important strategy for overcoming service fragmentation problems and achieving the Quadruple Aim of health care. This paper describes the Central Coast Integrative Care Program (CCICP) a complex, multi-component intervention addressing 3 target populations and more than 40 sub-projects of different scale, priority and maturity. Details are provided of the implementation including activities undertaken for each target population, in the context of the Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) strategies and priorities. Key lessons are drawn from the formative evaluation.

A mixed methods approach to the formative evaluation was taken. Key stakeholders, professional staff with an in-depth knowledge of the program, were invited to complete surveys (n = 27) and semi-structured interviews (n = 23). The evaluation employed co-design principles with dialogue between CCICP partners and researchers throughout the process and sought to achieve a shared understanding of the dynamic context of the program, and the barriers and enablers for the various interventions.

Seven interdependent key lessons have been identified. These distil down to the setting of clear objectives aligning with all the goals of partners, developing strong relationships, leadership at multiple levels and communication and the building of a common language.