[An innovative system for analysis and further development of long-term care for older people - results of the European PROject INTERLINKS].

In the light of recent demographic changes, the continued development of structures of long-term care (LTC) for older people is needed across Europe. In Germany, as in many other European countries, existing provisions of LTC are neither adequately coordinated nor user-oriented. The integration of relevant institutions and actors constitutes a central challenge for a high quality of care. The European research project INTERLINKS asked how the interfaces within fragmented structures of LTC are currently managed. Thematic foci included quality assessment and assurance, embedding preventive and rehabilitative aspects into LTC, the involvement and support of informal care-givers, and questions regarding the governance and financing of LTC. Using a framework developed by INTERLINKS, the project included the construction of an instrument for a detailed and comprehensive analysis of LTC systems. As an online platform with more than 100 examples of innovative approaches to coordination and integration in practice, this framework facilitates an exchange among experts - both within countries and at a European level - that will help stimulate the further development of LTC. The website also offers a German translation of the database in order to facilitate its use by German speakers.