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Advances in Integrated Care Models

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Care Sciences & Services".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 13997

Special Issue Editors

Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Interests: integrated care; quality of care; prevention; eHealth; informal care
Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Interests: person-centered care; integration of care; wellbeing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The integration of care holds the promise to create a sustainable organisation of care and improve patient and organisational outcomes. All over the world, countries are faced with the challenges of an ageing population and a tremendous rise in the prevalence of chronic diseases and multimorbidity, whilst on the other hand, healthcare expenditures need to be contained. In recent decades, many integrated care models and interventions have been designed to deal with these challenges. However, as of today, the evidence that integrated care leads to improved outcomes is scattered and contradictory. Although still a promising approach, integrated care has thus been criticised for its lack of comprehensiveness. To reach its full potential, it has been proclaimed that integrated care models and interventions should incorporate interventions that promote early detection, prevention, advanced care planning, and self-management in a more explicit and rigorous manner than they have so far. The rationale behind this view is that health promotion, disease management, and empowered patients are key to effectively organising patient pathways, especially in combination with eHealth or technological devices. This Special Issue addresses these topics with the aim to advance our knowledge on advances in integrated care models and interventions that improve care delivery and outcomes for patients, health professionals, and/or informal caregivers. Research papers, reviews, and case reports dealing with these advances are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Isabelle Fabbricotti
Prof. Dr. Jane Murray Cramm
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • integrated care
  • prevention
  • health promotion
  • advanced care planning
  • self-management
  • disease management
  • eHealth
  • effectiveness
  • models

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 1506 KiB  
Article
How Can a Bundled Payment Model Incentivize the Transition from Single-Disease Management to Person-Centred and Integrated Care for Chronic Diseases in the Netherlands?
by Sterre S. Bour, Lena H. A. Raaijmakers, Erik W. M. A. Bischoff, Lucas M. A. Goossens and Maureen P. M. H. Rutten-van Mölken
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 3857; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20053857 - 21 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1875
Abstract
To stimulate the integration of chronic care across disciplines, the Netherlands has implemented single-disease management programmes (SDMPs) in primary care since 2010; for example, for COPD, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases. These disease-specific chronic care programmes are funded by bundled payments. [...] Read more.
To stimulate the integration of chronic care across disciplines, the Netherlands has implemented single-disease management programmes (SDMPs) in primary care since 2010; for example, for COPD, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases. These disease-specific chronic care programmes are funded by bundled payments. For chronically ill patients with multimorbidity or with problems in other domains of health, this approach was shown to be less fit for purpose. As a result, we are currently witnessing several initiatives to broaden the scope of these programmes, aiming to provide truly person-centred integrated care (PC-IC). This raises the question if it is possible to design a payment model that would support this transition. We present an alternative payment model that combines a person-centred bundled payment with a shared savings model and pay-for-performance elements. Based on theoretical reasoning and results of previous evaluation studies, we expect the proposed payment model to stimulate integration of person-centred care between primary healthcare providers, secondary healthcare providers, and the social care domain. We also expect it to incentivise cost-conscious provider-behaviour, while safeguarding the quality of care, provided that adequate risk-mitigating actions, such as case-mix adjustment and cost-capping, are taken. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Integrated Care Models)
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17 pages, 919 KiB  
Article
Understanding and Balancing Generalist-Specialist Approaches in Dementia Research and Care Practice, Qualitative Research with 44 Dementia Professors in The Netherlands
by Robbert Huijsman
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 3835; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20053835 - 21 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1792
Abstract
Dementia is one of the leading causes of death and disability among citizens and a societal challenge because of aging worldwide. As dementia has physical, psychological, social, material, and economic impacts, both research and care practice require many disciplines to develop and implement [...] Read more.
Dementia is one of the leading causes of death and disability among citizens and a societal challenge because of aging worldwide. As dementia has physical, psychological, social, material, and economic impacts, both research and care practice require many disciplines to develop and implement diagnostics, medical and psychosocial interventions, and support, crossing all domains of housing, public services, care, and cure. Notwithstanding large research efforts, much knowledge about mechanisms, interventions, and needs’ based care pathways is still lacking. To cope with these challenges in research and practice, this paper is the first to question how generalist and specialist orientations can be unfolded. In the Netherlands, all dementia professors (N = 44) at eight Dutch academic centers have been interviewed. Qualitative analyses revealed three subgroups of dementia professors, one with a generalist orientation, one adhering to specialist approaches, and a third group that pleas for mixed orientations, with some differences between research and care practice. Each group has arguments for its generalist/specialist vision, but the synthesis suggests a paradigm of personalized and integrated dementia care, aimed at the individual in his own living environment. Sustainable strategies to cope with dementia require (inter)national programs and strong collaboration to build multi- and interdisciplinarity within and between research and practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Integrated Care Models)
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27 pages, 1802 KiB  
Article
Development of a Person-Centred Integrated Care Approach for Chronic Disease Management in Dutch Primary Care: A Mixed-Method Study
by Lena H. A. Raaijmakers, Tjard R. Schermer, Mandy Wijnen, Hester E. van Bommel, Leslie Michielsen, Floris Boone, Jan H. Vercoulen and Erik W. M. A. Bischoff
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 3824; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20053824 - 21 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2835
Abstract
To reduce the burden of chronic diseases on society and individuals, European countries implemented chronic Disease Management Programs (DMPs) that focus on the management of a single chronic disease. However, due to the fact that the scientific evidence that DMPs reduce the burden [...] Read more.
To reduce the burden of chronic diseases on society and individuals, European countries implemented chronic Disease Management Programs (DMPs) that focus on the management of a single chronic disease. However, due to the fact that the scientific evidence that DMPs reduce the burden of chronic diseases is not convincing, patients with multimorbidity may receive overlapping or conflicting treatment advice, and a single disease approach may be conflicting with the core competencies of primary care. In addition, in the Netherlands, care is shifting from DMPs to person-centred integrated care (PC-IC) approaches. This paper describes a mixed-method development of a PC-IC approach for the management of patients with one or more chronic diseases in Dutch primary care, executed from March 2019 to July 2020. In Phase 1, we conducted a scoping review and document analysis to identify key elements to construct a conceptual model for delivering PC-IC care. In Phase 2, national experts on Diabetes Mellitus type 2, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and local healthcare providers (HCP) commented on the conceptual model using online qualitative surveys. In Phase 3, patients with chronic conditions commented on the conceptual model in individual interviews, and in Phase 4 the conceptual model was presented to the local primary care cooperatives and finalized after processing their comments. Based on the scientific literature, current practice guidelines, and input from a variety of stakeholders, we developed a holistic, person-centred, integrated approach for the management of patients with (multiple) chronic diseases in primary care. Future evaluation of the PC-IC approach will show if this approach leads to more favourable outcomes and should replace the current single-disease approach in the management of chronic conditions and multimorbidity in Dutch primary care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Integrated Care Models)
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14 pages, 353 KiB  
Article
Integrated Payment, Fragmented Realities? A Discourse Analysis of Integrated Payment in the Netherlands
by Thomas Reindersma, Isabelle Fabbricotti, Kees Ahaus and Sandra Sülz
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8831; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19148831 - 20 Jul 2022
Viewed by 1476
Abstract
The current models used for paying for health and social care are considered a major barrier to integrated care. Despite the implementation of integrated payment schemes proving difficult, such initiatives are still widely pursued. In the Netherlands, this development has led to a [...] Read more.
The current models used for paying for health and social care are considered a major barrier to integrated care. Despite the implementation of integrated payment schemes proving difficult, such initiatives are still widely pursued. In the Netherlands, this development has led to a payment architecture combining traditional and integrated payment models. To gain insight into the justification for and future viability of integrated payment, this paper’s purpose is to explain the current duality by identifying discourses on integrated payment models, determining which discourses predominate, and how they have changed over time and differ among key stakeholders in healthcare. The discourse analysis revealed four discourses, each with its own underlying assumptions and values regarding integrated payment. First, the Quality-of-Care discourse sees integrated payment as instrumental in improving care. Second, the Affordability discourse emphasizes how integrated payment can contribute to the financial sustainability of the healthcare system. Third, the Bureaucratization discourse highlights the administrative burden associated with integrated payment models. Fourth, the Strategic discourse stresses micropolitical and professional issues that come into play when implementing such models. The future viability of integrated payment depends on how issues reflected in the Bureaucratization and Strategic discourses are addressed without losing sight of quality-of-care and affordability, two aspects attracting significant public interest in The Netherlands. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Integrated Care Models)
21 pages, 1437 KiB  
Article
Development of a Quantitative Preference Instrument for Person-Centered Dementia Care—Stage 2: Insights from a Formative Qualitative Study to Design and Pretest a Dementia-Friendly Analytic Hierarchy Process Survey
by Wiebke Mohr, Anika Rädke, Adel Afi, Franka Mühlichen, Moritz Platen, Annelie Scharf, Bernhard Michalowsky and Wolfgang Hoffmann
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8554; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19148554 - 13 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2387
Abstract
Person-centered care (PCC) requires knowledge about patient preferences. An analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is one approach to quantify, weigh and rank patient preferences suitable for People living with Dementia (PlwD), due to simple pairwise comparisons of individual criteria from a complex decision [...] Read more.
Person-centered care (PCC) requires knowledge about patient preferences. An analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is one approach to quantify, weigh and rank patient preferences suitable for People living with Dementia (PlwD), due to simple pairwise comparisons of individual criteria from a complex decision problem. The objective of the present study was to design and pretest a dementia-friendly AHP survey. Methods: Two expert panels consisting of n = 4 Dementia Care Managers and n = 4 physicians to ensure content-validity, and “thinking-aloud” interviews with n = 11 PlwD and n = 3 family caregivers to ensure the face validity of the AHP survey. Following a semi-structured interview guide, PlwD were asked to assess appropriateness and comprehensibility. Data, field notes and partial interview transcripts were analyzed with a constant comparative approach, and feedback was incorporated continuously until PlwD had no further comments or struggles with survey completion. Consistency ratios (CRs) were calculated with Microsoft® Excel and ExpertChoice Comparion®. Results: Three main categories with sub-categories emerged: (1) Content: clear task introduction, (sub)criteria description, criteria homogeneity, (sub)criteria appropriateness, retest questions and sociodemography for heterogeneity; (2) Format: survey structure, pairwise comparison sequence, survey length, graphical design (incl. AHP scale), survey procedure explanation, survey assistance and response perspective; and (3) Layout: easy wording, short sentences and visual aids. Individual CRs ranged from 0.08 to 0.859, and the consolidated CR was 0.37 (0.038). Conclusions: Our formative qualitative study provides initial data for the design of a dementia-friendly AHP survey. Consideration of our findings may contribute to face and content validity in future quantitative preference research in dementia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Integrated Care Models)
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27 pages, 1240 KiB  
Article
Development of a Quantitative Instrument to Elicit Patient Preferences for Person-Centered Dementia Care Stage 1: A Formative Qualitative Study to Identify Patient Relevant Criteria for Experimental Design of an Analytic Hierarchy Process
by Wiebke Mohr, Anika Rädke, Adel Afi, Franka Mühlichen, Moritz Platen, Bernhard Michalowsky and Wolfgang Hoffmann
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7629; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19137629 - 22 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2105
Abstract
Background: Person-centered care (PCC) requires knowledge about patient preferences. This formative qualitative study aimed to identify (sub)criteria of PCC for the design of a quantitative, choice-based instrument to elicit patient preferences for person-centered dementia care. Method: Interviews were conducted with n = 2 [...] Read more.
Background: Person-centered care (PCC) requires knowledge about patient preferences. This formative qualitative study aimed to identify (sub)criteria of PCC for the design of a quantitative, choice-based instrument to elicit patient preferences for person-centered dementia care. Method: Interviews were conducted with n = 2 dementia care managers, n = 10 People living with Dementia (PlwD), and n = 3 caregivers (CGs), which followed a semi-structured interview guide including a card game with PCC criteria identified from the literature. Criteria cards were shown to explore the PlwD’s conception. PlwD were asked to rank the cards to identify patient-relevant criteria of PCC. Audios were verbatim-transcribed and analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Card game results were coded on a 10-point-scale, and sums and means for criteria were calculated. Results: Six criteria with two sub-criteria emerged from the analysis; social relationships (indirect contact, direct contact), cognitive training (passive, active), organization of care (decentralized structures and no shared decision making, centralized structures and shared decision making), assistance with daily activities (professional, family member), characteristics of care professionals (empathy, education and work experience) and physical activities (alone, group). Dementia-sensitive wording and balance between comprehensibility vs. completeness of the (sub)criteria emerged as additional themes. Conclusions: Our formative study provides initial data about patient-relevant criteria of PCC to design a quantitative patient preference instrument. Future research may want to consider the balance between (sub)criteria comprehensibility vs. completeness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Integrated Care Models)
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