Healthcare staff perceptions of integrated care in a programme for complex chronic patients admitted to hospital because of heart failure (ProMIC)

Introduction Patients with heart failure are usually a frail population characterised by complex care needs. To ensure an integrated care approach, it is necessary to work collaboratively across organisational boundaries. The purpose of this study is to measure and understand the perception of collaboration between clinicians participating in a comprehensive care programme for patients with heart failure, known as PROMIC. Methods A sequential mixed-method study design was used. A sample of PROMIC clinicians completed a survey in which they evaluated 10 dimensions of collaboration in 2010 and in 2014. The perspectives of clinicians were studied more in depth in a focus group in 2012, which was analysed using content analysis. Outcomes: Professionals’ perception of collaboration showed an improvement by 1.18 points (53%) over the period 2010–14. The comprehensive programme proved to be of major support to the professionals. Sometimes, the study participants did not feel prepared to manage cases due to the complexity of the situations with regard to patients’ care. Both, the quantitative and the qualitative methods, showed up a congruent information about the positive perception of participants of the programme itself and the collaboration. Discussion The complexity of care processes and the need for continuity of care mean that large-scale collaboration is necessary between care levels as well as major interdisciplinary teamwork, to achieve the best possible outcomes in terms of health. ProMIC intervention has helped to improve professionals’ perception in terms of collaboration between levels.