Integrated care for chronic conditions: The contribution of the ICCC Framework

• Published in: Health policy (Amsterdam) Vol. 105; no. 1; pp. 55 - 64
• Main Authors: Nuño, Roberto, Coleman, Katie, Bengoa, Rafael, Sauto, Regina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.04.2012
• Subjects: Chronic disease; Chronic Disease - therapy; Chronic sickness; Chronically ill; Cost effectiveness; Delivery of Health Care, Integrated - organization & administration; Diseases; Environmental health; Health administration; Health care; Health Personnel - organization & administration; Health Policy; Health services; Humans; Innovation; Integrated healthcare systems; Integrated services; Internal Medicine; Models, Organizational; Organizational innovation; Organizations; Patient care; Patient-Centered Care - organization & administration; Patients; Political culture; Socioeconomic status; World Health Organization - organization & administration; Health policy; Organizational innovation; Integrated healthcare systems; Chronic disease
• ISSN: 0168-8510; 1872-6054
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2011.10.006

Abstract Objective The aim of this research is to highlight the current relevance of the Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions (ICCC) Framework, as a model for change in health systems towards better care for chronic conditions, as well as to assess its impact on health policy development and healthcare redesign to date. Methods The authors reviewed the literature to identify initiatives designed and implemented following the ICCC Framework. They also reviewed the evidence on the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and feasibility of the ICCC and the earlier Chronic Care Model (CCM) that inspired it. Results The ICCC Framework has inspired a wide range of types of intervention and has been applied in a number of countries with diverse healthcare systems and socioeconomic contexts. The available evidence supports the effectiveness of this framework's components, although no study explicitly assessing its comprehensive implementation at a health system level has been found. Conclusions As awareness of the need to reorient health systems towards better care for chronic patients grows, there is great potential for the ICCC Framework to serve as a road map for transformation, with its special emphasis on integration, and on the role of the community and of a positive political environment.