12.06.12
Monitor’s role in integrated care reviewed
A new report from Monitor has highlighted the continued barriers standing in the way of truly integrated care.
The foundation trust regulator, whose responsibilities are hugely expanded under the Health & Social Care Act, has published ‘Enablers and Barriers to Integrated Care and Implications for Monitor’ to gather evidence to consider how integrated care can be achieved.
The report considers several key barriers to improved care, such as the quality of IT and communications systems, risk aversion in the NHS, governance and the transfer of funds from institution to another, as well as patient choice affecting the care pathway.
Case studies of best practice were considered and recommendations given for Monitor’s role in developing integrated care. These covered pricing, competition, continuity of service and licensing.
Adrian Masters, Monitor director of strategy, said: “Healthcare is not a simple, standardised service. For many people it should be a bespoke package of treatments, tailored to their own needs. These treatments may be provided by several different health and social care professionals, perhaps across different providers. Where this works well, we know the NHS can deliver world-class care. But we also know that too often patients can slip through the gaps, and experience delays in treatment, or be obliged to repeat information or tests when a provider changes. Improving this picture could bring better care to many people.
“We believe there are significant opportunities to promote the interests of patients through the integration of care. The Health and Social Care Act gives Monitor a responsibility to enable integrated care where this improves quality or efficiency, or reduces inequality.
“This research is only the first step in a journey that will see Monitor working with others to develop an integrated care work programme for the coming months and years, but it is an important first step for a regulator determined to set out its plans on the basis of sound evidence.
“So we felt it was important to publish this research, and to ask our stakeholders and partners to comment on it, and on the specific recommendations it makes, before we make any firm decisions about the scale and scope of Monitor’s work on integrated care.”
To view the report, visit www.monitor-nhsft.gov.uk/about-monitor/monitors-new-role/enablers-and-barriers-integrated-care-and-implications-monitor
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