The development of integrated health care models in Scotland

Abstract

Integrated health care is a key policy aim of Scotland's newly devolved government. ‘Partnership working’ is the mechanism that has been selected to achieve this goal. Three illustrative examples of health care integration models developed in Scotland are considered; system organisation and structure; Local Health Care Co-operatives (LHCCs); and Managed Clinical Networks. Using these examples the paper explores the nature of ‘partnership’ and asks if it can deliver integrated care.