Combating health care fragmentation through integrated health service delivery networks in the Americas: lessons learned
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to: analyze the challenge of health services fragmentation; present the attributes of integrated health service delivery networks (IHSDNs); review lessons learned on integration; examine recent developments in selected countries; and discuss policy implications of implementing IHSDNs.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review, expert meetings, and country consultations (national, subregional, and regional) in the Americas resulted in a set of consensus‐based essential attributes for implementing IHSDNs. The analysis of 11 country case studies on integration allowed for the identification of lessons learned.
Findings
Studies suggest that IHSDNs could improve health systems performance. Principal findings include: integration processes are difficult, complex, and long term; integration requires extensive systemic changes and a commitment by health workers, health service managers and policymakers; and, multiple modalities and degrees of integration can coexist within a system. The public policy objective is to propose a design that meets each system's specific organizational needs.
Research limitations/implications
The analysis presented in this paper is qualitative.
Practical implications
Some policy implications for implementing IHSDNs are presented in the paper.
Originality/value
The research and evidence on integration remains limited. The paper expands the knowledge‐base on the topic, presenting lessons learned on integration and recent developments in selected countries, which can support integration efforts in the region.
Keywords
Citation
Montenegro, H., Holder, R., Ramagem, C., Urrutia, S., Fabrega, R., Tasca, R., Alfaro, G., Salgado, O. and Angelica Gomes, M. (2011), "Combating health care fragmentation through integrated health service delivery networks in the Americas: lessons learned", Journal of Integrated Care, Vol. 19 No. 5, pp. 5-16. https://doi.org/10.1108/14769011111176707
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited