Integrated care: a guide for policymakers.

Integrated care seeks to close the traditional division between health and social care. In doing so it may: address the changing demand for care arising from the ageing of the population offer care that is person-centred recognising that health and social care outcomes are interdependent facilitate the social integration of societys more vulnerable groups through better access to flexible community services lead to better system efficiency through better coordination of care. Putting models of integrated care into practice poses substantial challenges. These occur at the political organisational and service delivery level. Experience of integrated care so far is limited but promising. Further research and evaluation is needed to ensure that implementation of proposed models is feasible sustainable and results in better health outcomes. Policies need to be adapted to local realities. (excerpt)