Untangling the web: the need to clarify care co-ordinating models for people with chronic and complex conditions.
OBJECTIVE
In order to clarify the expanding care co-ordinating field and stimulate debate, a descriptive typology is developed suitable for a range of stakeholders and purposes.


METHODS
The strategy for development of the typology involved a literature review of the most commonly used care coordinating models and the utilisation of select government publications that verified diverse ways of classifying care co-ordinating needs. A descriptive typology is proposed to better communicate similarities and differences.


RESULTS
The typology delineates similarities and differences among care co-ordinating models that stakeholders can use as a step towards determining the most effective model to meet the varied needs of individuals and populations.


CONCLUSIONS
Stakeholders can more informatively communicate about care co-ordinating models and their place in the service delivery system. The typology may be used in comparing the effectiveness of the models. A clearer understanding of the field is both timely and warranted.
Yarmo-Roberts
Deborah
D
Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria. Deborah.Roberts@med.monash.edu.au
Stoelwinder
Johannes
J
D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D017146:Models, Organizational; D014739:Victoria