Barriers for Inter-Organisational Collaboration: What Matters for an Integrated Care Programme?

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Public Health
• Gerontology

Background:

• Inter-organizational collaboration is vital for managing complex needs of frail older adults.
• Implementing integrated care programs faces challenges due to collaboration barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate inpatient and outpatient staff views on factors influencing inter-organizational collaboration.
• To identify barriers to effective collaboration in integrated care programs for older adults.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study design.
• Inclusion of staff from hospitals, primary care, and municipal health and social care settings.

Main Results:

• No significant differences found between inpatient and outpatient staff regarding collaboration barriers.
• Significant divergence in staff views on barriers including educational level, distance, regulations, professional differences, and psychosocial factors.

Conclusions:

• Staff educational level influences perceived collaboration barriers.
• Developing multidisciplinary team culture and collaboration avenues is essential for care continuity.
• Findings can guide future integrated care program development.