The Change Foundation. (2011). Integration of care: The perspectives of home and community providers. Retrieved from http://www.changefoundation.ca/docs/integration_of_care_report.pdf.

“Understanding the perspectives and experience of community-based providers is an important input to understanding and improving the experience of individuals and their caregivers. What does integrated care mean to the range of providers who deliver home care and support services in the community? What do they think are the most important elements of integrated care, and how do their experiences stack up against them?”

“We captured frontline views from care coordinators, regulated health professionals (registered nurses, nurse practitioners, advanced practice nurses, registered practical nurses, physio and occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, dietitians, social workers, respiratory therapists, and pharmacists) and personal support workers.”

“The survey data were generally positive. Survey respondents clearly articulated that client-focused care, working well with other providers, prompt and complete information, effective communication with the client and with other providers, and timely assessment and care are highly valued. They view client involvement and client-focused care as integral to a well-coordinated system of care. Prompt information about care plans and changes to plans, having complete information from other providers, and good communication among providers were viewed as key to integration. However, analysis of the quantitative data indicates that there is a gap between community providers’ ideals and their reality.”