Implementing Integrated Care in Low Resource Settings – Progress of a Multi-center Study across China

1. Introduction

By 2050 one sixth of the world population will be aged 65 years and above, and approximately 80% of them will reside in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where resources will be limited. Even in high-income countries, implementation of integrated care may not always have adequate support, especially for the vulnerable populations under disadvantaged conditions. There is an urgent need for value-based integrated care model to reduce or delay the risk of care dependency and prevent common conditions in later life, to achieve the goals of the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing. This workshop will discuss evidence from pilots of integrated care approaches, especially the piloting of World Health Organization Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) across China which can be learned, adapted, improved and replicated for deployment of a suitable healthcare delivery model across China and in other low resource settings.

2. Objectives

- Share insights about specific issues relating to integrated care delivery in different parts of China, comparable to other regions/countries with low resource settings.

- Share examples of integrated care interventions and models to inform practice enhancement.

- Facilitate cross-cultural, international collaboration in further research, practice and policy advocacy in advancing integrated care in low resource settings.

3.Target Audience

The workshop will be of interest to participants who provide services in low resource settings cross practice, research and policy areas to gain insights on care integration  and discuss potential collaboration opportunities, as well as those from places where there is a strong primary health care basis (such as the UK) to share their experience and comment on findings so far from the China study on it enhancement in China and applicability elsewhere.

4.Session Structure

This workshop will be 90 minutes, structured as follows:

1. 10 min. Introduction by the moderator and collection of challenges for implementing integrated care in low resource settings from the audience
2. 10 min. Presentation on China’s overall background, including population ageing, health and care situation, relevant policies, research and practice
3. 15 min. Presentation by leaders of integrated care pilot teams (3 speakers, 5 min. each)
4. 20 min. Group discussions reflecting on what has been shared, with each group asking one question to the panel of speakers
5. 10 min. Presentation on comprehensive evaluation of integrated care pilots to provide roadmap for future research and practice
6. 20 min. Thematic group discussions on shared challenges and suggested responses/actions, facilitated by speakers and invited experts
7. 5 min. Summary & Closing