SUSTAINABLE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE SYSTEM IN THE COMMUNITY

In this chapter, we first introduce a concept of 'integrated care' for setting up a sustainable health and social care system in the community. Integrated care is provided for the purpose of well-connected, effective and efficient care in the community for personal health and social needs. To deliver 'integrated care' successfully in the community, an integrated care system needs to be in place. Based on the work system theory, we propose a model for designing the integrated care system. The integrated care system is an integration of workforce development, information, technology, physical and digital infrastructure, related policies for the health and social care, and a suitable financial support system. This system will involve a wide range of expert stakeholders from different sectors. In addition, it will introduce new working ways which show how to collaborate, integrate and innovate different resources in order to improve lives, reduce costs and raise quality. In this chapter, we explain how an integrate care system can overcome the challenges and fasten the pace of change.