How can integrated neighbourhood teams (INTs) tackle health and care inequalities? A policy evidence brief.

The policy challenge: Tackling health inequalities requires sustained, multi-sectoral collaboration across health care, social care, and local and national authorities. Integrated neighbourhood teams (INTs) are increasingly discussed as a key component of an integrated strategy which can increase equity in health and health care - these involve micro-integration of health and care at the neighbourhood level. However, despite their potential, there is currently no evidence-informed approach guiding their design, implementation, and evaluation in relation to health inequalities. Key evidence to inform policy: There are four key principles for designing and delivering INTs to maximise their impact on reducing health inequalities: 1) locally sensitive, autonomous, and needs-based approaches, 2) trust between health care services and disadvantaged communities, 3) accessible, co-located, multi-sector services for disadvantaged groups, 4) integrated IT systems and information governance. Further considerations and implications: Further research is needed to establish a robust, equity-focused framework for the implementation and evaluation of INTs. Policy makers and health care leaders should focus on ensuring funding allocation according to local need, fostering community partnerships, co-locating health and social care services, and standardising IT systems and information governance to maximise the potential of INTs to reduce health inequalities.