Integrated care is conceptually and pragmatically complex. There are various
types of integrated models in health care and while some appear more
integrated than others, there is no “one-size fits all” model.
There are also many different definitions of integrated care, which is typically shaped to meet the needs and purpose of the service or system. Despite these
inconsistencies, overall evidence shows that integrated care is more beneficial
for children and young people with mental health issues when compared to
standard or usual care.
Globally, there is widespread support for integrated care as the preferred treatment approach. Although good models of integrated care exist, many young people still do not receive truly integrated care, and there continues to be a lack of consensus as to what integrated care is in the youth mental health space.
Orygen has developed a suite of downloadable resources for clinicians and service providers interested in integrated health care for young people with mental health
issues.
Part 1 focuses on the complexities related to the concept of integrated care
and highlights the key values of integrated care.
Part 2 focuses on the evidence for integrated care models, the barriers and
facilitators of integrated care, and presents several real-world examples of
integrated care models used in youth mental health.
Part 3 focuses on the findings from workshops held in collaboration with key
stakeholders aimed at identifying a definition of integrated care and the core
components of integrated care, in youth mental health.