Research of organization of integrated primary care: a conceptual model

Primary health care in The Netherlands evolves from small general practices to multidisciplinary teams. Research on the effects on outcomes of organization of primary care is hardly available. Aims Develop a conceptual model to be able to systematically arrange empirical evidence on the effects of different types of organizations of integrated (primary) care. Methods During an expert meeting of directors of health centres we identified essential elements which they consider important for integrated primary care. Based on the outcomes of the meeting we designed a first draft of the conceptual model and completed it, based on literature. Results and Conclusion Based on an inventory and analysis of different definitions of primary care and integrated care, we formulated a definition of integrated primary care: ‘The smooth process of assistance and care provided by multiple disciplines within Primary Care, experienced by citizens’. The developed conceptual model contains elements to enable the delivery of integrated primary care (such as culture, professional competences, relationships and network system) and factors that affect the fluent process (such as subsequent financing, organization, ICT, legislation and regulations). Discussion Debate the model with participants of the conference to determine whether the model will be sufficient.