A vision for integrated social and healthcare services: An experience from Bulgaria

Abstract

This article presents the results of a study of practitioners’ and experts’ vision for implementing integrated services that combine healthcare and social work in Bulgaria. Sixty-four respondents ( n = 64) were recruited to participate in interviews ( n = 17) and focus groups ( n = 47). The need for a conceptual clarification and a common vision for integrated social and healthcare services was evident, including the approaches to organization, service provision, management, and funding. More extensive studies about the perspectives for successful integration of healthcare and social services in Bulgaria, based on the analysis of current needs and resources, are required.