Publication
Title
What makes integration of chronic care so difficult? A macro-level analysis of barriers and facilitators in Belgium
Author
Abstract
Introduction: Although many countries have been implementing integrated care, the scale-up remains difficult. Macro-level system barriers play an important role. By selecting three key policies, which have implemented integrated care in Belgium over the last 10 years, we aim to go beyond the identification of their specific barriers and facilitators to obtain an overarching generic view. Methods: 27 participants were purposefully selected, to include all important stakeholders involved on the macro-level in chronic care in Belgium. Semi-structured interviews were guided by a timeline of policies and an inductive thematic analysis was performed. Results: Barriers and facilitators were identified on both health care and policy level. The major factors restraining the scale-up of integrated care are the fee-for-service reimbursement system, limited data sharing and the fragmentation of responsibilities between different levels of government. Remarkably, these factors strongly interact. Discussion: This paper highlights the importance of homogenization of responsibilities of governments regarding integrated care and the interdependency of policy and health care system factors. A whole system change is needed instead of the current Belgian model of prolonged search for common ground between conflicting opinions. Political commitment and citizen participation will be crucial.
Language
English
Source (journal)
International journal of integrated care. - -
Publication
2021
ISSN
1568-4156
DOI
10.5334/IJIC.5671
Volume/pages
21 :4 (2021) , p. 1-15
Article Reference
8
ISI
000751660900008
Pubmed ID
34754284
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Scale Up an integrated care package for diabetes and hypertension for vulnerable people in Cambodia, Slovenia and Belgium (SCUBY).
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 03.11.2021
Last edited 11.11.2024
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