A Conceptual Framework for Integrated Community Care.

INTRODUCTION

The various health and social care services provided in a given local area (i.e., place-based) must not only deliver primary care in proximity to the population, but act upstream on the social determinants of health. This type of care, when provided in a holistic and integrated manner, aims to improve the physical and mental health-but also the well-being and social capital-of individuals, families, groups and communities. This type of approach is known as Integrated Community Care (ICC).

THEORY AND METHODS

This article was developed from a non-systematic review of scientific and grey literature followed by a qualitative analysis and researcher reflections on ICC.

RESULTS

The article presents the core concepts of ICC, namely temporality, local area, health care, social care, proximity and integration. These concepts are unpacked and a conceptual diagram is set forth to put the dynamic links between the concepts into perspective.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The purpose of the article is to provide a conceptual clarification of ICC. Three examples of practise (from Switzerland, Quebec [Canada] and Italy) are used as illustrations to provide a better understanding of ICC and to open up horizons.