Integrated care services: Developing strategies for integrated care - A relational content analysis.

Area of Science:

• Public Health Policy
• Health Services Management
• Social Care Integration

Background:

• The Health and Care Act, 2022 established 42 Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) to manage health and social care.
• Concerns exist regarding ICS strategy writers' ability to balance national objectives with local community needs.
• Initial ICS strategies require revisions due to a lack of depth and breadth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To support Integrated Care System (ICS) strategy writers in meeting revision requirements.
• To provide a strategy framework for developing more effective ICS plans.
• To address the need for balancing national targets with local health and social care needs.

Main Methods:

• A two-phase systematic relational content analysis was conducted.
• Phase one identified aims for future ICS strategies by analyzing foundational documents of the Health and Care Act, 2022.
• Phase two involved thematic analysis to generate guidance on intervention themes and a strategy framework.

Main Results:

• Phase one identified two key aims: streamlined, personalized health and social care access, and proactive community-based health promotion.
• Phase two produced a four-theme strategy framework to assist ICS strategy writers.
• The framework supports the development of more comprehensive and locally relevant strategies.

Conclusions:

• ICS strategies must consider national policy drivers and local needs for effective Joint Future Planning.
• Key components include personalized, integrated care, data-driven evidence, community engagement, prevention, and addressing socioeconomic determinants.
• The findings aim to guide the creation of a more personalized and joined-up health and care system.