To encourage clinical and financial efficiency, the Canadian province of Ontario initiated an integrated care program – Integrated Funding Models (IFMs) that required collaboration and coordination across acute and post-acute care sectors. This research shows how program implementers went beyond policy-makers’ original designs, to make integrated care sustainable for chronic diseases.
Highlights
- Integrating care across sectors was challenging for chronic disease programs.
- Participants adopted creative sustainability strategies, unique to each program.
- Their designs transcended policymakers’ original conceptualization of integration.
- Fostering accountability and patient-centred care was key to sustainability for program stakeholders.
- Differences in policymakers’ and program implementers’ understanding of integrated care are indicated.
