Vertical integration of primary care practices with acute hospitals in England and Wales: why, how and so what? Findings from a qualitative, rapid evaluation

Sidhu, M; Pollard, J; Sussex, J

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Journal article

Vertical integration of primary care practices with acute hospitals in England and Wales: why, how and so what? Findings from a qualitative, rapid evaluation

Abstract:: Funding Information: The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. After submission, Imperial College London kindly agreed to fund the open access fees for this paper. Publisher Copyright: Copyright © 2024 Goiana-da-Silva, Sá, Cabral, Guedes, Vasconcelos, Sarmento, Morais Nunes, Moreira, Miraldo, Ashrafian, Darzi and Araújo.Vertical integration models aim for the integration of services from different levels of care (e.g., primary, and secondary care) with the objective of increasing coordination and continuity of care as well as improving efficiency, quality, and access outcomes. This paper provides a view of the Portuguese National Health Service (NHS) healthcare providers’ vertical integration, operationalized by the Portuguese NHS Executive Board during 2023 and 2024. This paper also aims to contribute to the discussion regarding the opportunities and constraints posed by public healthcare organizations vertical integration reforms. The Portuguese NHS operationalized the development and generalization of Local Health Units management model throughout the country. The same institutions are now responsible for both the primary care and the hospital care provided by public services in each geographic area, in an integrated manner. This 2024 reform also changed the NHS organic and organizational structures, opening paths to streamline the continuum of care. However, it will be important to ensure adequate monitoring and support, with the participation of healthcare services as well as community structures and other stakeholders, to promote an effective integration of care.publishersversionpublishe

Publication status:: Published

Peer review status:: Peer reviewed

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APA Style

Sidhu, M., Pollard, J., & Sussex, J. (2022). Vertical integration of primary care practices with acute hospitals in England and Wales: why, how and so what? Findings from a qualitative, rapid evaluation. BMJ Open, 12(1), e053222–e053222.

MLA Style

Sidhu, M, et al. “Vertical Integration of Primary Care Practices with Acute Hospitals in England and Wales: Why, How and so What? Findings from a Qualitative, Rapid Evaluation.” BMJ Open, vol. 12, no. 1, 2022, pp. e053222–e053222.

Chicago Style

Sidhu, M, J Pollard, and J Sussex. 2022. “Vertical Integration of Primary Care Practices with Acute Hospitals in England and Wales: Why, How and so What? Findings from a Qualitative, Rapid Evaluation.” BMJ Open 12 (1): e053222–e053222.
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