Transition to 'Close Care' with a Joint Roadmap for Person-Centered and Integrated Care.

INTRODUCTION

Health and social services face increasing fragmentation and costs, underscoring the need to transition toward more person-centered and integrated care. The Swedish government's 'Close Care' [Nära vård] initiative promotes this transition by encouraging shared regional visions and roadmaps. However, translating a vision into practice remains challenging. This study aimed to explore the experiences of healthcare and social services stakeholders regarding the transition to Close Care, focusing on using a joint roadmap.

METHODS

This qualitative study included three focus groups with 19 regional healthcare and municipal social service representatives, analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Four main themes summarize the findings: 1) A rocky road toward Close Care; 2) A patchwork of Roadmap practices; 3) Navigating ambiguity: defining and positioning the roadmap; 4) Mobilizing shared meaning for Close Care and the roadmap.

DISCUSSION: A growing understanding, awareness, and engagement with Close Care is demonstrated, although challenges, including limited cross-organizational leadership and dialogue, remain. Participants reported varied familiarity and strategic document use with the roadmap, which was often considered vague or irrelevant for actionable guidance.

CONCLUSION

Roadmap clarity, linked to measurable indicators, and strategic leadership and dialogue are required to strengthen relational coordination and transition toward more person-centered and integrated care.