Abstract
SummaryOne of the biggest challenges for European healthcare systems is the fragmentation of care. To overcome this challenge, integrated care (IC) approaches have been recently implemented. To further improve this method, current and past projects must be monitored and evaluated. However, since the definition of IC is very indistinct and varies significantly in literature, key elements have to be defined. The study design selected was a mixed-methods study that includes two approaches: a systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis of the data provided by the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute. Nine key elements of IC projects were identified in the literature review and subsequently compared with the main features coded from previous INTEGRI applications. The results showed that 41 of the applications presented seven or more criteria in their official submission form. The conclusion of the results can be drawn as a justification and validation of the INTEGRI criteria. Although the results are positive on the whole, three recommendations on possible improvements are given.
Highlights
Very recently The King’s Fund published a paper on the effects of new or ex-306 Do Austrian “INTEGRI projects” comply with international definitions and concepts?K original article tended roles in delivering integrated care (IC) [1]
Once again this article highlights the importance of IC as a possibility to overcome the challenges of European healthcare systems, which are currently struggling with the fragmentation of care, disjointed pathways for patients resulting in a higher rate of adverse hospitalisation, diagnostic workup, medical errors and inferior outcomes, in addition to the changing medical needs of people [2]
When INTEGRI was awarded for the first time (2012), a total number of 36 submissions supported the preliminary assumption that IC was already highly valued in Austria and many professionals devoted their work to it
Summary
Very recently The King’s Fund published a paper on the effects (challenges and impact) of new or ex-306 Do Austrian “INTEGRI (integrated care) projects” comply with international definitions and concepts?K original article tended roles in delivering integrated care (IC) [1]. Once again this article highlights the importance of IC as a possibility to overcome the challenges of European healthcare systems, which are currently struggling with the fragmentation of care, disjointed pathways for patients resulting in a higher rate of adverse hospitalisation, diagnostic workup, medical errors and inferior outcomes, in addition to the changing medical needs of people [2]. As one example of a highly fragmented healthcare system, has made efforts in its “Federal Targeting-Agreement for Health 2013–2016” to stimulate IC projects and activities. To give attention to those efforts the INTEGRI award, as one example, was launched in 2011 with its main purpose of honouring professionals and organisations that contribute with innovative ideas, tender projects tackling the challenges of a constantly changing health environment and assist in improving the Austrian healthcare system through integrated care approaches [3, 4]. By 2014, an additional 17 applications were submitted, resulting in a total of 53 different projects
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