Integrated care networks and quality of life: linking research and practice.
OBJECTIVE
To report on the development of a project dedicated to improving the quality of life of older people through the creation of integrated networks.


BACKGROUND
The project is set within a post-industrial community and against a backdrop of government re-organisation and devolution within Wales. The immediate research context is determined by utilising an approach to the structure of integration derived theoretically.


METHODS
Project CHAIN (Community Health Alliances through Integrated Networks) adopts a network perspective as a means of addressing both the determinants of health and service delivery in health and social care. The Project partners are: healthcare commissioners and providers; local authority directorates including community services and transportation; the voluntary and private sectors; and a university institute. Co-opted participants include for a representing older people's interests.


METHODS
The Project incorporates an action research method. This paper highlights qualitative data elicited from interviews with health and social care managers and practitioners.


CONCLUSIONS
The Project is ongoing and we record progress in building five integrated networks.
Warner
Morton
M
Welsh Institute for Health and Social Care, School of Care Sciences, University of Glamorgan, Glyntaff Campus, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL. mmwarner@glam.ac.uk
Gould
Nicholas
N