Abstract
Background: A synthesis of integrated care models classified by their aims and central characteristics does not yet exist, but its development may contribute to a shared language within the field of integrated care, facilitate model comparison, and identify gaps in the healthcare system.
Approach: We present a collection of five archetypes of integrated care, defined by their aims, to facilitate model comparison and dialogue. We used a purposive literature search and expert consultation strategy to generate five archetypes. Data were extracted from included articles to describe the characteristics and defining features of integrated care models.
Results: 25 examples of integrated care models (4 papers) were included to generate five archetypes of integrated care. The five archetypes defined include: () Whole Population Models, (2) Life Stage Models, (3) Disease-Focused Models, (4) Identity Group-Based Models, and (5) Equity-Focused Models. Two cross-cutting themes were identified, including () minimal reporting of patient, caregiver, and community engagement efforts in integrated care development, implementation, and evaluation, and (2) the nuanced emphasis and implementation of electronic data sharing methods across archetypes, and the need for further definition of the role of these data sharing methods.
Implications: The five presented archetypes offer a conceptual framework that can support both the study and practice of integrated care. For research, the archetypes can help support comparative studies across system and national boundaries by identifying models with similar aims and goals. For practitioners, the archetypes suggest key components such as eligibility, service offering, funding and governance structures that can help in developing and implementing models to meet particular model aims.