Integrated health Services for Children: a qualitative study of family perspectives

Abstract

Background There is increasing evidence that integrated care improves child related quality of life and reduces health service use. However, there is limited evidence on family perspectives about the quality of integrated care for children’s services. This study aimed to understand children, young people, and caregivers’ perceptions of a new integrated care service, and to identify essential components of integrated care for children and young people with ongoing conditions. Methods A qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with caregivers and children included families (N = 37) with children with one of four ongoing conditions (asthma, eczema, epilepsy, constipation) who had experienced a new integrated care service delivered in South London, UK. Results Four key components of integrated services identified were: that the key health-worker understood the health needs of the family in context; that professionals involved children and caregivers in treatment; that holistic care that supported the family unit was provided; and that families experienced coordination across health, social, and education systems. Conclusions Children and families identify care navigation and a holistic approach as key components that make high quality integrated care services. Service developments strengthening these aspects will align well with family perspectives on what works and what matters.

Integrated Child and Family Hub models for detecting and responding to family adversity: protocol for a mixed-methods evaluation in two sites

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The feasibility of a Child and Family Hub within Victorian Community Health Services: a qualitative study

“…The concept of an integrated hub which brings together health, mental health and social care within a primary care setting has generated increased interest and enthusiasm in recent decades given the potential for improvements in service access 33 and patient experience, 34 while reducing treatment costs for conditions that have been averted or better managed 35 . This is the first study to explore the feasibility of an integrated health and social care hub based in CHS to better identify and respond to the needs of families experiencing adversity as an upstream preventable determinant of mental health problems.…”

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