Table 1 Framework based on Wodchis et al. 2020

Category 1: Integrated governance, oversight and collaborations

Characterised by a unique form of governance or new collaborative partnerships between organisations in the health and social care domains. Programs can also be reported to have had significant changes in the governance structure of local health care systems, the extent of local collaborations required to establish and implement the programs or both.

Category 2: Integrated health and social care workforce and staffing requirements

Novel approaches undertaken to filling staff requirements and work roles are implemented. Broadening the roles of health and social care providers, creating new work roles, or developing new ways of working for existing health and social care providers. Programs with defined supportive workforce or staffing policies with new local efforts to have health and social care providers work jointly, with or without adding any new staffing roles or the creation of multidisciplinary team-based approaches.

Category 3: Integrated financing processes and payment methods

Recognised changes made to financing and payment policy as necessary supports for the integrated model. This may involve the creation of new budgets to ensure the entire cost of the health and social care services for the target populations is achieved. Total or combined budgets are established, new envelopes of funding for more centralised programs, and agreements to share the risk associated with delivering the integrated care among health and social care organisations including insurance companies and private health funds can also be mapped.

Category 4: Integrated data sharing and best usage of those data

Novel approaches to generating required data or information technology solutions. This may involve sharing patient information with one group (provider) to have access to the clinical records of another group (provider). Other forms may include staff sharing information about patients across the providers involved in delivering the integrated model. Secondary uses of data include integrated programs creating standardised reports about the progress of the integrated care program (such as the number of patients enrolled, usage, statistics on key clinical or social indicators) which are consistent with current approaches to monitoring programs or programs engage third-party external (such as university employees) groups to develop, undertake and maintain data and describe key outcomes of the integrated care program.