Measuring the degree of integration for an integrated service network.

BACKGROUND: Integration involves the coordination of services provided by autonomous agencies and improves the organization and delivery of multiple services for target patients. Current measures generally do not distinguish between agencies' perception and expectation. We propose a method for quantifying the agencies' service integration. Using the data from the Children's Treatment Network (CTN), we aimed to measure the degree of integration for the CTN agencies in York and Simcoe. THEORY AND METHODS: We quantified the integration by the agreement between perceived and expected levels of involvement and calculated four scores from different perspectives for each agency. We used the average score to measure the global network integration and examined the sensitivity of the global score. RESULTS: Most agencies' integration scores were <65%. As measured by the agreement between every other agency's perception and expectation, the overall integration of CTN in Simcoe and York was 44% (95% CI: 39%-49%) and 52% (95% CI: 48%-56%), respectively. The sensitivity analysis showed that the global scores were robust. CONCLUSION: Our method extends existing measures of integration and possesses a good extent of validity. We can also apply the method in monitoring improvement and linking integration with other outcomes.

Conceptualization and measurement of integrated human service networks for evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Integration has been advanced as a strategy for the delivery of a number of human services that have traditionally been delivered by autonomous agencies with independent processes and funding sources. However, measurement of the dimensions of integration has been hampered by numerous factors, including a lack of definitional and conceptual clarity of integration, and the use of measurement tools with atheoretical foundations and limited psychometric testing. THEORY/METHODS: Based on a review of integration measurement approaches, a comprehensive approach to the measure of multiple dimensions of integrated human service networks was conceptualized. The combination of concepts was derived from existing theoretical, policy, and measurement approaches in order to establish the content validity and comprehensiveness of the proposed measure. RESULTS: The dimensions of human service integration measures are: (1) Observed (current) and expected structural inputs, or the mix of agencies that comprise the network (e.g. extent, scope, depth, congruence within an agency, and reciprocity between agencies). (2) Functioning of the network both in terms of the quality of the network or partnership functioning and ingredients of the integration of the networks' working arrangements and range of human services provided. (3) Network outputs in terms of network capacity (e.g. what is accomplished, for how many and how quickly given the local demand) measured from dual perspectives of the agency and the family. CONCLUSION: This newly developed measure unites multiple perspectives in a comprehensive approach to the measurement of integration of human service networks. Content validity has been established. Future work should focus on further refinement of this instrument through psychometric evaluation (e.g. construct validity) in diverse networks and relating these measures of network integration to client and system outcomes.

Psychosocial issues in the child with chronic conditions.

Psychosocial issues in children, adolescents and families who suffer with chronic illnesses require careful identification and treatment. Since more of these young people survive into adulthood, their risk of psychosocial distress and psychiatric illness is increased, although many adapt well. The literature is vast, but limited in its usefulness: criteria for the variables described, including chronicity and severity, are poorly defined; outcome measures are not standardized; and few randomized controlled clinical trials exist. This chapter focuses the attention of physicians on overt and covert signs of psychosocial distress in the patient and family with chronic illness. Common issues for all chronic diseases are discussed and a non-categorical approach is taken. The importance of the family as a focus of intervention is highlighted. The meaning and treatment of unexplained medical symptoms, non- adherence with treatment recommendations, school refusal, sexuality and substance use and abuse are discussed.