Workforce Development in Integrated Care: A Scoping Review

International Journal of Integrated Care, vol. 21, pp. 23

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Integrated care aims to improve access, quality and continuity of services for ageing populations and people experiencing chronic conditions. However, the health and social care workforce is ill equipped to address complex patient care needs due to working and training in silos. This paper describes the extent and nature of the evidence on workforce development in integrated care to inform future research, policy and practice. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted to map the key concepts and available evidence related to workforce development in integrated care. RESULTS: Sixty-two published studies were included. Essential skills and competencies included enhancing workforce understanding across the health and social care systems, developing a deeper relationship with and empowering patients and their carers, understanding community needs, patient-centeredness, health promotion, disease prevention, interprofessional training and teamwork and being a role model. The paper also identified training models and barriers/challenges to workforce development in integrated care. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Good-quality research on workforce development in integrated care is scarce. The literature overwhelmingly recognises that integrated care training and workforce development is required, and emerging frameworks and competencies have been developed. More knowledge is needed to implement and evaluate these frameworks, including the broader health and social care workforces within a global context. Further research needs to focus on the most effective methods for implementing these competencies.

Authors 4

1. Frances Lee Barraclough corresponding

   The University of Sydney

   Affiliation as printed

   University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, AU

   University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney

2. Jennifer Smith‐Merry

   The University of Sydney

   Affiliation as printed

   University of Sydney, AU

   University of Sydney

3. Viktoria K. Stein Aachen Department of Public Health and Primary Care (PHEG)

   Leiden University · Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, AU

   Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Public Health and Primary Care

4. Sabrina Pit

   The University of Sydney

   Affiliation as printed

   University of Sydney, AU

   University of Sydney