Integrated Care in Europe

The growing numbers of people with multiple health problems throughout Europe have resulted in an increasing need for integrated care. To respond to this need, countries are developing different organisational arrangements under varying circumstances. How exactly do they organise integrated care delivery? How do they deal with the problems they encounter?The book Integrated Care in Europe examines the provision of integrated care in Finland, Sweden, Austria, Spain, the Netherlands, and England. It is written by authors from these countries. Several target groups are described, but the elderly with multiple needs are the main focus. The country-specific chapters address the main characteristics of their care systems, and cover care sectors, funding, legislation and policy; the nature of integrated care (target groups, providers and services, organisational features of care delivery); promoting and inhibiting factors; a case description for illustrative purposes; and reflections. Taking the six countries as the basis the book compares and contrasts the countries, draws lessons, presents a number of useful tools, and makes a number of suggestions for further study and research. There is also an appendix with a checklist for managers interested in optimising integrated care. This book will lead to a better understanding of those factors that promote or inhibit integrated care delivery and feasible solutions for practical problems. It is an invaluable resource for policymakers, managers and other stakeholders involved in improving and optimising their care systems.