Abstract
Background: The EU funded Project Laurel aims to understand regional differences in integrated long-term care (I-LTC) provisions in Europe, along with the associated support solutions. The Laurel project's primary objective is to develop actionable policies that can effectively respond to the challenges of growing demand, economic constraints, accessibility, affordability, workforce shortages, and the need for systemic reforms in LTC. By identifying innovative, person-centred solutions that emphasise home and community-based services, the project is seeking to enhance the quality of care while reducing territorial and gender disparities.
Approach: An overarching framework was developed based on a rapid review. The The European framework for long-term integrated care services (FLINT) was subsequently refined and validated through surveys and focus group interviews (FGIs) involving, among others, patient representatives, health and social care workers, researchers, and policy makers. Thereafter, a field study was conducted in which FLINT was applied to characterize various I-LTC practices across different regions in Europe.
Results: FLINT covers 34 items grouped into 6 interrelated domains (people, unpaid care workforce and communities; paid care workforce and service delivery; organisation of care; ICT and ICT systems; finance; governance) and classified according to micro-, meso- and/or macro-level. As a result of the field study, policy recommendations to enhance quality of LTC were formulated.
Implications: The presentation will start with a short explanation of Project Laurel including FLINT, followed by presenting the results of the field study and the resulting policy recommendations. The presentation is deemed relevant for both professionals and non-professionals in the field of I-LTC. Time will be reserved for discussion and questions.