An Integrated Specialised Care Approach for Families with Multiple, Severe, and Enduring Problems: A Qualitative Evaluation.

INTRODUCTION

To realize an integrated specialised care approach for families with multiple, severe, and enduring problems, specialised teams providing integrated care are emerging. In this qualitative evaluation, we aimed to gain insight into the key elements promoting an integrated specialised care approach at the level of professionals by studying five Specialist Integrated care Teams (SITs).

METHODS

Perspectives of families, professionals, managers, and policymakers were gathered by conducting 52 semi-structured interviews. Additionally, 40 observations of case meetings were conducted. A theory-driven framework method was applied to analyse the transcripts both deductively and inductively.

RESULTS

Five key elements promoting an integrated specialised care approach were identified: i) a broad view on families, ii) an integration of specialised perspectives, iii) providing specialised care flexible and timely, iv) working from families' preferences and needs, and v) organising a well-structured care process and multidisciplinary evaluations.

DISCUSSION

When providing integrated specialised care, a family-centred focus, flexibility to tailor care within a well-structured care process, and investing in collaborative relationships with families are key.

CONCLUSION

Although SITs are a promising form of an integrated specialised care approach, ensuring integrated care is the responsibility of every professional and (specialised) care service involved in families' care.