Putting personalisation and integration into practice in primary care

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to discuss the policy developments of integration and personalisation within the context of Primary Care, specifically an innovative Memory Service provided within a General Practice. It examines how these policies work together in this context to deliver a high quality service that is responsive to individual needs in an area of care: memory disorder or dementia, which has often relied heavily on secondary care services.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is a case study analysis of integration and personalisation in Primary Care, allowing for examination and elaboration of both concepts as applied in this setting; and their contribution to a better quality care Memory Service. The analysis is produced by independent researchers (MC and NM), background and facts by service personnel (IG, NG and DJ).

Findings

The innovative Memory Service operates as a person‐centred facility, integrating into the surgery, expertise that would traditionally be locked into secondary care health services. It makes maximum use of locally available knowledge of the patient, their family and formal and informal sources of support and therapy through links which cross agency boundaries. These links are identified and utilised in tailored support for individuals by the practice‐based Dementia Advisor. Outcomes include improved dynamics of identification, diagnosis and after care, high satisfaction amongst patients and families and reduced utilisation and expenditure of other healthcare facilities.

Practical implications

Personalisation and integration can be united in the development of innovative and improved Memory Services centred in Primary Care.

Social implications

Maintaining a focus on the needs of people within their social contexts (being person‐centred) is a powerful means of driving better integrated care in Primary Care for people living with dementia and related disorders.

Originality/value

This is the first examination of personalisation and integration as coupled concepts to lead the improvement of care, specifically a Memory Service, in Primary Care.

Citation

Clark, M., Moreland, N., Greaves, I., Greaves, N. and Jolley, D. (2013), "Putting personalisation and integration into practice in primary care", Journal of Integrated Care, Vol. 21 No. 2, pp. 105-120. https://doi.org/10.1108/14769011311316033