Factors Supporting Integrated Health and Social Care for Vulnerable Older Adults in Urban and Rural Regions in Canada (68826)
Session Chair: Yiqi Wangliu
Monday, 3 April 2023 10:15
Session: Session 1
Room: Room B (Live Stream)
Presentation Type:Live-Stream Presentation
Canada’s ageing population will continue to put significant demands on health and social care systems. Integrated health and social care (IHSC) can support enhanced care outcomes for older adults including enabling successful ageing in place, minimizing avoidable acute care utilization, greater satisfaction and more comprehensive care. IHSC is an evolving phenomenon in Canada and requires greater understanding on the factors that support successful implementation within a Canadian context. A collective case study was undertaken of three IHSC initiatives in Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia. Key informant interviews and focus groups were undertaken with representatives from health and social care agencies. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify common factors that support integration. Shared vision and goals, communications, information sharing, dedicated resources, inter-organizational culture, leadership, role clarity, team-based approaches and champions were observed to support integration among different health and social services agencies. Of these factors, communications and shared vision and goals were perceived to be the most important because they help to find a point of commonality among different organizations. Governance authorities, public policies and priorities, public funding and operating in the not-for profit sector, geography, client characteristics, and a strong sense of community were observed as external factors that exert a positive and negative influence on integration. IHSC can flourish at the local level in Canada, in rural, urban/rural and urban settings when the focus is on strengthening the relationship between different health and social care agencies. This study points to whole-of-government policymaking and systems planning to enable successful integration.
Authors:
Siu Mee Cheng, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada
Cristina Catallo, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada
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