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A critical evaluation of integrated care: a case study of the supported discharge service


Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the Supported Discharge Service as a case study of integrated care. The paper will critically evaluate integrated care with regard to patient outcomes, patient satisfaction and cost and productivity.


Design/methodology/approach
A retrospective mixed methods case study design was adopted utilising patient satisfaction questionnaires, therapy outcome measure and a performance dashboard to measure improvements in patient satisfaction, patient outcomes and cost and productivity.


Findings
Measured improvements were observed in the integrated discharge process and analysis of the findings demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in patient outcomes, high levels of patient satisfaction and improved productivity subsequently leading to financial savings.


Research limitations/implications
Due to convenience sampling, the small sample size and a short time frame when analysing patient outcomes, the generalisability of results is limited. Despite this, with integrated care being polymorphous the findings can be utilised to develop theoretical principles to make assertions about integration (Wikfeldt, 1993).


Originality/value
This paper draws on the importance of integration as the principal driver of reform within the healthcare system. Even though on a small scale, the case study provides evidence to support the use of integration to improve patient outcomes, patient satisfaction and financial savings.
