Integrated care networks and quality of life: linking research and practice

PURPOSE: To report on the development of a project dedicated to improving the quality of life of older people through the creation of integrated networks. CONTEXT: The project is set within a post-industrial community and against a backdrop of government re-organisation and devolution within Wales. The immediate research context is determined by utilising an approach to the structure of integration derived theoretically. CASE DESCRIPTION: Project CHAIN (Community Health Alliances through Integrated Networks) adopts a network perspective as a means of addressing both the determinants of health and service delivery in health and social care. The Project partners are: healthcare commissioners and providers; local authority directorates including community services and transportation; the voluntary and private sectors; and a university institute. Co-opted participants include fora representing older people's interests. DATA SOURCES: The Project incorporates an action research method. This paper highlights qualitative data elicited from interviews with health and social care managers and practitioners. CONCLUSIONS AND DISCUSSION: The Project is ongoing and we record progress in building five integrated networks.