A Balancing Act: Partnership Dynamics in Practice When Organising and Developing Integrated Care Initiatives.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Public Health Policy
• Family Support Services

Background:

• Integrated care models aim to provide coordinated support across life domains for families.
• Effective partnerships between families, professionals, organizations, and policymakers are crucial but complex due to diverse perspectives.
• The practical dynamics of stakeholder partnerships in integrated care remain underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the dynamics of partnerships in the organization and development of integrated care initiatives.
• To identify key aspects, facilitators, and barriers influencing these partnerships.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study was conducted over two years with five integrated care teams.
• Data collection included 54 interviews, 40 observations of clinical case discussions, and four learning sessions.
• Perspectives from families, professionals, managers, and local policymakers were incorporated.

Main Results:

• Four essential aspects of partnership were identified: shared vision, defined roles and responsibilities, monitoring and evaluation, and funding.
• Facilitators included inclusive participation, transparent communication, and flexible approaches.
• Barriers comprised conflicting interests, undefined roles and leadership, and fragmented systems.

Conclusions:

• Balancing relational and organizational aspects is vital for person-centered integrated care.
• Continuous stakeholder involvement, evaluation, and reflection are crucial for fostering shared learning.
• These elements are essential for developing and sustaining effective partnerships in integrated care initiatives.