Integrated care partnerships in Northern Ireland: added value or added bureaucracy?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and assess the configuration, role and likely contribution of the new integrated care partnerships (ICPs) established in Northern Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on the assessment of policy background, strategy papers, implementation plans and initial activities of ICPs.

Findings

ICPs have been created with limited powers and an unclear relationship with the existing system of structurally integrated health and social care. The initial priorities and activities of ICPs suggest a focus on integrating health which may impede the further integration of health and social care.

Research limitations/implications

Paper concludes there is a need for robust evaluation including monitoring of progress, performance and outcomes.

Originality/value

First published paper on implementation of ICPs in Northern Ireland. Contributing to comparative studies of structures of health and social care, with particular relevance to integration.

Citation

Birrell, D. and Heenan, D. (2014), "Integrated care partnerships in Northern Ireland: added value or added bureaucracy?", Journal of Integrated Care, Vol. 22 No. 5/6, pp. 197-207. https://doi.org/10.1108/JICA-08-2014-0031