Integration Evaluation
Client: County Durham PCT & Durham County Council
Project Overview
As the consequence of previously having five Primary Care Trusts and seven District Councils, the models of integrated health and social care service delivery were very different within County Durham. Even within an old PCT / District Council boundary, different models had been developed because of pilot sites or resource constraints. There is now one PCT and a unitary authority covering the majority of the county. The purpose of the project was to review the various models, identifying the key characteristics that would provide the best outcomes to their patients /users.
CPC’s Role
CPC reviewed the current policy and best practice. This review and the findings from extensive interviews of staff and other stakeholder groups provided the structure for the most appropriate evaluation framework. Proxy measures were determined for the seven Department of Health Outcomes; each locality was evaluated against these outcomes as well as the cost and the characteristics of the model. Using this rigorous evaluation process, CPC was able to provide robust recommendations for the preferred integration model.
Client Benefits
CPC worked in partnership with Outcomes UK to provide the clients with the optimum combination of an analytical approach and expert content.
The development of a rigorous consultation and evaluation process allowed the recommendations to be accepted by all. In particular it provided an evidence base focused on outcomes rather than processes and clear guidance on the most important steps to improve the outcomes of patients / users in County Durham.
