Key lessons from integrated care in Europe

In English health and social care there sometimes seems to be a curious two-fold response when a difficult policy issue arises. First is an assumption that the answer to the problems we’re facing must exist somewhere—we just haven’t it yet. This then leads to a rapid trawl of international models and experiences to see if we can find and import a ready-made solution. Secondly, when England looks at international systems it seems to focus more on US examples of good practice (and to a lesser extent experience from Canada, New Zealand and Australia). Typically, it feels as if there is less learning from European approaches, perhaps reflecting a slightly ambivalent relationship with the European Union more generally.