Integration of primary and secondary

There is a governmental drive to fully integrate primary and secondary care. By aligning back-office functions, budgets, patient records and financial systems across integrating units there is improved patient experience and greater efficiency and value from health delivery systems. The coordination of information and services integrates patient care within a single process. The greater continuity of care provides more effective outcomes and reduces readmissions.

Proposed workforce impact

• Integration reduces demand on acute care.
• The increase in integration with secondary care may reduce hospital admissions to acute wards.

Sources or references

• www.kingsfund.org.uk/press/press-releases/put-integration-care-heart-nhs-reform-says-kings-fund
• www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/publications/what-integrated-care?gclid=CK2tic3D67gCFXLItAod_GUAqw
• www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/tsd/sst/
• www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/.../safer-hosp-safer-wards.pdf
• www.pwc.co.uk/government.../nhs75/nhs75-report-digital-health.jhtml

• www.nhsconfed.org/Publications/.../Building%20integrated%20care.pdf

   

Additional research questions

• What will be the extent of this integration?

Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.