Abstract

Integration is now a key expectation within the delivery of health and social care services in the UK and internationally. However, it still remains difficult to achieve and sustain in practice. Based on learning from successful, and unsuccessful, integrated care initiatives, this book is an invaluable guide for those responsible for leading, managing and delivering integrated care across health, social care and housing.

Written by an experienced team of researchers who have studied, led and supported integrated care for many years Integrated Care in Practice draws on latest evidence, innovative practice and helpful theory. It provides insights into the common pitfalls that such initiatives can encounter and demonstrates positive approaches to anticipating and responding to such challenges. Throughout, real-case examples are provided, and concepts and models are connected with the realities of day-to-day life for those working within these services.

Integrated care is a goal to aspire to - this book helps to explain how we can turn this goal into practical action and positive outcomes.

There is a strong focus on context and culture, and on creating the conditions for change in a complex operating environment. Readers are encouraged to reflect on the why and the how of integrated care through a series of case studies drawn from all levels of the system. These case studies illustrate how an integrated care approach adds value and some give a flavour of the anticipated gains. Overall, an easy read and a useful overview for managers and practitioners from all sectors who want to make integrated care a reality.
Dr Anne Hendry, Clinical Lead for Integrated Care and Senior Fellow, International Foundation for Integrated Care
The question of how we bring about the integration of health and social care is one that has vexed policy makers and practitioners for many decades. But now, more than ever, with decreasing budgets and rising demand, we need to overcome the many barriers that stand in the way of better and more integrated care and support. Integrated Care in Action is a timely book that provides practical, evidence-based guidance on how to design, plan and deliver integrated care, whether at the whole-systems level or within specific services. Unlike other recent publications of this kind, which are often overly focused on the NHS as the sole owner of the problem of how to integrate care, this book recognises the vital role played by social care, mental health and the wider community based organisations. As you would expect from authors who understand the importance of service user engagement and co-production, they also write at length about the need for service user and carers to be genuine partners in creating more integrated services. This book will stand the test of time.
Ewan King, Director of Business Development and Delivery, Social Care Institute for Excellence

Robin Miller is Senior Fellow and Director of Consultancy at Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham. Robin is Co-Editor of the Journal of Integrated Care and has worked, researched and written on integrated care for over 20 years.
Catherine Mangan is Senior Fellow at the Institute for Local Government Studies and Director of the Public Services Academy, University of Birmingham.
Hilary Brown is Senior Fellow and Director of Policy at the Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham. This follows careers in the NHS, journalism and PR.

Integration has become one of the central themes of public service reform. This accessible and thoroughly evidenced guide provides informative and evidence-based insights into the challenges and opportunities of integration. It draws on relevant case studies and provides practical guidance that can be directly applied, not only in health and social care, but also in the field of housing and support. The provision of integrated care and the development of a shared taxonomy in these three areas is critical to the delivery of needs led and outcome focused services. This book is required reading for those tasked with making successful integration a reality.
Steve Appleton, Managing Director, Contact Consulting - a health, housing and social care consultancy
Working together is powerful and liberating especially when the impact on the people receiving the service and those involved in designing and delivering it are able to recognise the opportunities and improvements gained from doing things differently. This book helps to make it happen.
Anne Thomas, Executive Director, Linc - Cymru Housing Association Ltd