Different models of health and social care in Devon – observations and implications for commissioners and providers

Abstract

PurposeThe organisation of health and social care in Devon including Torbay and Plymouth has developed over the last few years into different organisational structures. This paper aims to compare these different models.Design/methodology/approachRoutine information and audit data were analysed to explore what was known about the different organisational models in health and social care in Devon.FindingsThere is evidence from these data that more highly integrated models of care have demonstrable benefits for users and for local health and social care economies.Research limitations/implicationsThe local organisational models are complex and it is not known whether they are transferable to other settings. The data used in the study are routine data, and therefore, may include confounding factors; the local audit data may be subject to observer error. More research is recommended in this area.Practical implicationsAs health and social care services move towards greater integration and the health care market creates different combinations of provider integration, this paper discusses what routine data can tell us about these models of care and what the implications are for both commissioners and providers of health and social care in the future.Originality/valueBenefits of health and social care integration are often described by case study and this review using quantitative data adds to the evidence base supporting integration as a way forward.