Abstract
Although integrated care has been considered a key strategy in reforming health systems around the world, it seems hard to realise in practice, particularly in the part of medical social integration. Worse still, little is known about the capacity of social care professionals who implement it, or their perceived roles and responsibilities, as well as the barriers and facilitators that stakeholders from the health and social sectors identify as factors affecting the ICOPE implementation process. Therefore, the present study was performed to probe into these issues. Data were collected from an online survey based on the WHO ICOPE scorecard (N = 34), and focus groups with policy makers, managers, health and social care professionals (N = 47). Inductive analyses were performed in accordance with the service and system levels within the WHO ICOPE implementation framework. While the findings from the scorecard survey highlight the gap in actualizing the ICOPE approach within the existing social services and care structures, we found support for a model of integrated care underpinned by the WHO ICOPE approach. Factors that may hinder and facilitate ICOPE implementation include workforce capacity-building, coordinated networks and partnerships, and financial mechanisms. This finding can help inform subsequent actions that further support health and social care advancement and collaboration, and the implementation of the ICOPE approach.
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Acknowledgment
This study was funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. We are grateful to the following NGOs for their support for the study (listed in alphabetical order): Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association Social Service; Caritas Hong Kong Services for the Elderly; Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service — Hong Kong; Haven of Hope Christian Service; Hong Kong Christian Service; Hong Kong Family Welfare Society; Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service, LC-HKS; Hong Kong PHAB Association; Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Lady Maclehose Centre; Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council Limited; Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association; Jockey Club CADENZA Hub; Pok Oi Hospital; Sik Sik Yuen; South Kwai Chung Social Service; St. James’ Settlement; The Chinese Rhenish Church Hong Kong Synod; The Hong Kong Society for the Aged; The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council; The Salvation Army; Tung Wah Group of Hospitals; Yan Chai Hospital Social Services Department; Yan Oi Tong.
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Ethical standards: Online informed consent was obtained from all participants. The study was approved by the Survey and Behavioural Research Ethics Committee of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
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Yu, R., Leung, G., Lai, D. et al. Assessing the Readiness for Implementing the World Health Organization’s ICOPE Approach in Hong Kong: Perspectives from Social Care and Policy Stakeholders. J Frailty Aging 12, 126–133 (2023). https://doi.org/10.14283/jfa.2023.3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.14283/jfa.2023.3