Martin Ford 03 September 2021

‘No evidence’ integration improves healthcare

‘No evidence’ integration improves healthcare image

New analysis of health and care integration pilots has questioned the benefits they bring about.

A report by the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) think-tank has urged the Government to gather more evidence before pressing ahead with widespread reforms.

The pre-pandemic analysis of existing pilot schemes found ‘no compelling evidence of overall improvement’.

Highlighting Greater Manchester, the CPS described results as ‘generally poor’, with a 65% increase in delayed transfers of care despite a £450m cash injection.

In another area of focus, West Yorkshire, the research found emergency readmissions to hospital had risen to 14.4% by 2019/20, overtaking the national average.

Across the 13 pilot areas, delayed transfers of care increased by 24% between 2016 and 2020, compared to a 9% increase in other NHS trusts.

The CPS has recommended a delay to putting Integrated Care Systems on a statutory footing, as planned under the Health and Care Bill, until 2026 – giving more time to collect evidence from the pilots.

Instead, priority should be given to ‘bottom-up integration and collaboration’ and developing the Better Care Fund as a ‘more effective and less disruptive model of integration’.

Senior Researcher at the CPS, Karl Williams, said: ‘Everyone seems to be in such fervent agreement that the ICS model of integration and collaboration is the future of the NHS that hardly anyone appears to have looked properly at whether this approach works in practice.

‘Ministers need to take a step back and let the pilot schemes run their course so we can properly evaluate their success. Now is not the time to push through costly and disruptive reforms that are not supported by the data, especially given the current pressures on the NHS and its staff.

Responding to the report, Louise Patten, ICS network lead at the NHS Confederation, said: ‘Any delays to the bill will set back months of progress and, ultimately, harm patients.

‘There are many examples up and down the country of how health and social care organisations are working in partnership to deliver measurably better care for the public.

‘We need to continue this progress and empower local leaders to tailor services to their local communities.’

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner