Publicatie

Integration home care in the care chain: results from the EURHOMAP study.

Genet, N., Boerma, W. Integration home care in the care chain: results from the EURHOMAP study. European Journal of Public Health: 2010, 20(suppl. 1), p. 100. Abstract. 3rd European Public Health Conference 'Integrated Public Health', 10 - 13 November 2010, Amsterdam.
Background: Demand for home care is expected to rise sharply across Europe as a result of trends of reduced institutional care and the ageing of populations. The increased volume and complexity in home care will challenge the coordination of services delivered in the home situation and the coordination between home care and providers in residential and primarycare settings. Methods: This article draws upon results of an EC-funded project, gathering information in 31 countries on a large set of indicators, including on the integration of nursing, personal and domestic services in the home setting and between home care agencies and other settings of care. Information has been gathered in close collaboration with experts in each country. Results: Different models of integration within home care and between home care and primary and residential settings across Europe will be presented, such as forms of case management and organizational integration. Usually, arrangements of integration and coordination are informal; this especially applies to social services provided at home. Several countries have developed initiatives to diminish problems of poor oordination in home care by developing procedures to smoothen the involvement of organizations and providers from different sectors. Conclusions: Coordination in home care is complex due to the heterogeneity of care and professionals involved. Several European countries are trying to solve the problem.