Integrated Place-Based Primary Interventions: Levers and Tensions Related to Multilevel Governance for Community Integrated Pathways, A Multiple Case Study.

Integrated Place-Based Primary Interventions (IPPIs) are considered an innovative response to the challenges and complex issues faced in disadvantaged areas where traditional institutional services have difficulty reaching people in vulnerable situations. IPPIs are an innovative approach to the delivery of in services, conceived as an original community-based local care and service pathways. However, these intervention practices require adaptive modes of governance. In this article, we explore how and to what extent the mode of governance of IPPIs influences the performance of community-integrated pathways. To this end, using a qualitative exploratory multiple-case study design (observation and semi-structured interviews), we describe 4 IPPIs in 3 territories in Quebec. This includes an examination of the levers of action and tensions related to their governance and the performance levels of the community-integrated pathways. We conclude that collaborative and shared multilevel governance, despite its demanding nature, appears to contribute to the longevity of the actions and benefits of IPPIs and could prevent their relevance from being questioned.

Integrated Community Care Delivered by Public Health-Care and Social-Care Systems: Results from a Realist Synthesis.

Introduction: Integrated community care (ICC) is defined as an interweaving of health-care and social-care interventions deployed in spatial and relational proximity using an interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral approach. Consideration of territory scale and time scale are at the center of ICC practices. Its deployment in public health and social care networks (HSCN) can be complex due to their broad mandate, the complexity of their management, and accountability. Therefore, we aimed to describe ICC delivered by public HSCN to determine how, why, for whom, and in what circumstances ICC works and produces outcomes. Methods: A realist synthesis was conducted consisting of five steps consistent with realist synthesis standards (RAMESES projects) to produce configurations of Context - Mechanism - Outcomes (CMOc) and development of a middle-range explanatory theory of why and how the identified outcomes may have occurred. Results: In total, 26 studies were selected and used, as evidence, to support-either partially or fully-the production of CMOc based on the initial program theory. Nine unique CMO configurations were identified based on the data analyses and team discussion. ICC middle-range theory is informed by the CMO configurations identified. Discussion: This realist synthesis allowed us to identify the central mechanisms of ICC delivered by public HSCN and to produce a middle range theory. ICC is based on a specific philosophy and deployed by a professional agency oriented toward a community agency within a local system of interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral action. Conclusion: Our middle-range theory will provide a solid analytical framework as a foundation for ICC implementation and future research.

Introduction: Les interventions en santé et services sociaux intégrées en proximité des communautés (IIPC) sont définies comme une imbrication d'interventions de soins de santé et de services sociaux à l'échelle du territoire et considérant la temporalité, déployées dans une proximité spatiale et relationnelle au moyen d'une approche interdisciplinaire et intersectorielle. Son déploiement dans les réseaux publics de santé et de soins sociaux (RSSS) peut s'avérer complexe en raison de l'étendue de leur mandat, de la complexité de leur gestion et de leur responsabilité. C'est pourquoi nous avons cherché à décrire les IIPC dispensées par les RSSS publics afin de déterminer comment, pourquoi, pour qui et dans quelles circonstances les IIPC fonctionnent et produisent des résultats. Méthodes utilisées: Une synthèse réaliste a été réalisée en cinq étapes conformes aux normes de synthèse réaliste (projet RAMESES) afin de produire des configurations Contexte ­ Mécanisme ­ Effets (CMOc) et de développer une théorie explicative de moyenne portée sur le pourquoi et le comment des résultats identifiés. Résultats: Au total, 26 études ont été sélectionnées et utilisées comme preuves pour étayer ­ partiellement ou totalement ­ la production de CMOc sur la base de la théorie initiale de programme. Neuf configurations uniques CMO ont été identifiées sur la base des analyses de données et des discussions de l'équipe. La théorie de moyenne portée des IIPC s'appuie sur les configurations CMO identifiées. Discussion: Cette synthèse réaliste nous a permis d'identifier les mécanismes centraux des IIPC déployées par les RSSS publics et de produire une théorie de moyenne portée. Les IIPC sont fondées sur une philosophie et le développement d'une capacité d'agir professionnelle mise en action vers le renforcement de la capacité d'agir de la communauté au sein d'un système local d'action interdisciplinaire et intersectoriel. Conclusion: L'utilisation de notre théorie de moyenne portée pour la mise en œuvre d'IIPC fournira un cadre analytique solide comme base pour des implantations ou des recherches futures.

Integrated Community Care Delivered by Public Health Care and Social Care Systems: Protocol for a Realist Synthesis.

INTRODUCTION: Integrated Community Care (ICC) is defined as an interweaving of territory scale and time scale health care and social care interventions implemented in proximity (spatial and relational) in an interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral manner. However, the deployment of in public health and social care networks can be complex owing to their broad mandate and the complexity of their management and accountability. Therefore, we aim to describe integrated community care in order to shed light on how they work, for whom and in what circumstances. THEORY AND METHODS: We will conduct a realist synthesis to design a flexible and scalable theory of the functioning of ICC deployed by public health and social care networks. To do so, a two-phase approach will be used: a systematic review on the topic of interest; and co-development and refinement of theory with local and international stakeholders. This data will be analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. DISSEMINATION OF RESULTS: The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, academic presentations and a policy brief. This last document will include evidence on how ICC can be deployed by public health and social care networks to produce the impacts targeted.

Implementation of an intersectoral outreach and community nursing care intervention with refugees in Quebec: A protocol study.

AIM: To establish and assess an intersectoral local network focused on the roles of registered nurses and primary healthcare nurse practitioners to ensure the continuity of care and service pathways for refugees in Quebec. DESIGN: Developmental evaluation with a mixed methodology. METHODS: The qualitative component will include: (1) a document review; (2) observations of participants during meetings of different governance structures; (3) semi-structured interviews with key actors (n = 40; 20/neighbourhood interventions); and (4) focus groups with end users of the services (refugees) (n = 4; 6 to 8 participants per group). The quantitative component will be based on: (1) a data sheet on health and social interventions for refugees users filled in by registered nurses, primary healthcare nurse practitioners and physicians and (2) data analysis of the clinical-administrative database since 2012. This study received funding in June 2019 and Research Ethics Committee approval was granted in July 2020. DISCUSSION: In Quebec, refugee vulnerability is exacerbated by the lack of integration of existing resources and the lack of access to care and continuity of services. To address these issues, an integrated local network for refugees must be developed. Additionally, we will explore the role of registered nurses and their collaboration with primary healthcare nurse practitioners. IMPACT: This study will provide recommendations on how to optimize the scopes of practice of registered nurses and primary healthcare nurse practitioners, adapt care and services and develop a local intersectoral network to better meet the complex needs of refugees. It will evaluate the use and the appreciation of new services for targeted populations (neighbourhoods and refugees) and aim to improve the accessibility, continuity and user experience of all health services for those populations.

Importance of collaboration and contextual factors in the development and implementation of social participation initiatives for older adults living in rural areas.

INTRODUCTION: To encourage isolated and vulnerable older adults to accomplish meaningful social activities, occupational therapists and other healthcare workers must collaborate with community organisations and municipalities to develop and implement initiatives fostering social participation. In a rural Regional County Municipality in Quebec (Canada), four social participation initiatives were selected and implemented: (1) Benevolent Community, (2) urban transportation system, (3) creation of a website on social participation activities, and (4) social participation workshop. Little is known about contextual factors such as the structures and organisations, stakeholders, and physical environment that influence the development and implementation of such initiatives. METHODS: Led by an academic occupational therapist, an action research to implement social participation initiatives was initiated by community stakeholders. The 26 stakeholders were involved in a Management and Partnership Committee, two focus groups and an interview with a trainer, which documented and analysed contextual factors and the implementation process. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION: Development and implementation were facilitated by stakeholder collaboration, mission of the community organisations, and stakeholders' shared desire to reduce older adults' isolation and vulnerability. The established partnerships and predefined orientations as well as the leadership, motivation, and professional skills of the stakeholders also fostered the initiatives. Among the challenges encountered, the stakeholders' limited involvement in implementation tasks was attributable to important changes in the key stakeholders' organisations and structures and the number of organisations involved. Difficulty reaching a consensus resulting from the different attitudes, vision, and understanding of the stakeholders delayed the development and implementation of some initiatives. Despite regular meetings between stakeholders, geographic distance limited spontaneous exchanges. CONCLUSION: This action research highlighted the importance of collaboration and contextual factors in developing and implementing social participation initiatives with community organisations and municipalities.

A Conceptual Framework for Integrated Community Care.

INTRODUCTION: The various health and social care services provided in a given local area (i.e., place-based) must not only deliver primary care in proximity to the population, but act upstream on the social determinants of health. This type of care, when provided in a holistic and integrated manner, aims to improve the physical and mental health-but also the well-being and social capital-of individuals, families, groups and communities. This type of approach is known as Integrated Community Care (ICC). THEORY AND METHODS: This article was developed from a non-systematic review of scientific and grey literature followed by a qualitative analysis and researcher reflections on ICC. RESULTS: The article presents the core concepts of ICC, namely temporality, local area, health care, social care, proximity and integration. These concepts are unpacked and a conceptual diagram is set forth to put the dynamic links between the concepts into perspective. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The purpose of the article is to provide a conceptual clarification of ICC. Three examples of practise (from Switzerland, Quebec [Canada] and Italy) are used as illustrations to provide a better understanding of ICC and to open up horizons.

Social participation needs of older adults living in a rural regional county municipality: toward reducing situations of isolation and vulnerability.

BACKGROUND: Social participation is restricted for approximately half the older adult population but is critical in fostering community vitality, promoting health, and preventing disabilities. Although targeted through interventions by community organizations, healthcare professionals and municipalities, little is known about the needs of older adults to participate socially, especially in rural areas. This study thus aimed to identify and prioritize the social participation needs of older adults living in a rural regional county municipality. METHODS: A participatory action research was conducted in a rural regional county municipality (RCM) in Quebec, Canada, with a convenience sample of 139 stakeholders, including older adults, caregivers, healthcare and community organization managers, healthcare and community organization workers, community partners and key informants. RESULTS: Facilitators and barriers to social participation are related to personal factors (e.g., health, interests, motivation), the social environment (e.g., availability of assistance or volunteers) and the physical environment (e.g., distance to resources, recreational facilities and social partners). Nine older adults' needs emerged and were prioritized as follows: 1) having access to and being informed about transportation options, 2) being informed about available activities and services, 3) having access to activities, including volunteering opportunities, suited to their interests, schedule, cost, language and health condition, 4) being accompanied to activities, 5) having access to meeting places near home and adapted to their health condition, and 6-9 (no preferred order) being reached when isolated, being personally invited and welcomed to activities, having a social support network, and being valued and recognized. Differences emerged when prioritizing needs of older adults with disabilities (greater need for assistance, accessibility and adapted activities) and older adults living in a rural area (greater need for transportation). CONCLUSIONS: To promote active participation in the community, the social participation needs of older women and men living in rural areas must be addressed, especially in regard to transportation, information, adapted activities, assistance and accessibility. The first part of this action research will be followed by community selection and implementation of initiatives designed to ultimately foster their social participation.

Breast cancer screening program: experiences of Canadian women and their unmet needs.

The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of women waiting for results from the Québec Breast Cancer Screening Program and their need for support. A qualitative analysis of the interviews generated a description of (a) the experiences and emotions of women waiting for mammogram results and (b) the need for services and psychosocial support that were and were not met. The results revealed a "timeline" of the waiting process experienced by the women, and their unmet informational and psychosocial needs (such as a lack of information about the prediagnosis steps, lack of a resource person, and others).