Assessing Healthcare Integration: An Integrated Palliative Care System in Spain.

Introduction: This study explored the Osona palliative care system, recognized internationally for its good results in managing the chronic patient. The literature notices a gap of models that evaluate integration in healthcare systems. This study assesses the degree of integration of the Osona palliative care system, as well it implements a model that evaluates integration. Methods: This research used a qualitative methodology, involving a case study design with three study phases. The first phase involved reviewing primary sources, followed by conducting interviews. The final phase entailed comparing the findings with a theoretical model to analyse and validate the results. Results: The study found the integrative elements that the Osona system includes such as: multidisciplinary teams, leadership and a palliative care system that is cost-efficient. It also found aspects to improve including collaboration, continuity of care, early patient identification and lack of funding. Discussion: Our findings suggest that the Osona system has made significant progress toward integration, even though it continues the path of ongoing development in integrated care. Conclusion: This research found that the Osona palliative care system includes many integrating aspects such as multidisciplinary teams, leadership and the system's cost-efficiency. Nevertheless, some aspects need changes such as continuity of care, collaboration, enhanced early patient identification and increase funding. Furthermore, this study provides an example of how to assess integration in a system.