research
Cooperation in Care: Integration of care in networks by steering, coordination and learning
- Publication date
- 1 September 2006
- Publisher
- Integration of care delivery is a central theme in many Western countries. This is
stimulated through various developments in health care and expectations of policy
makers, managers, practitioners and researchers. First of all healthcare needs are
changing and costs are rising because of an ageing population. Until 2010 major
increases (25-60%) are expected in different forms of cancer, cardio-vascular disease (for example stroke), chronic heart failure, diabetes, dementia, asthma, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, and muscoloskeletal disorders [1]. In general, these
are chronic conditions resulting in disabilities influencing daily activities of living.
That is why it is said a different organisation of care is needed in which prevention, cure, long-term care and social services are integrated [2] [3]. Secondly, not
only needs are changing but also demands. Patients are becoming clients who expect
value for money. According to policy advisers patients will demand more, better,
faster and coordinated care [1]. Thirdly, it is said that perspectives in health care are
broadening from a biological medical model of diagnosis and treatment towards a
bio-psycho-social model with a more holistic view of the patient [1] [4]. Patient care
is therefore no longer based on ad hoc encounters with individual care professionals
but on multi-professional teamwork, usually with professionals working for different
care organisations [5] [6]. Further