The challenges of collaborating in an integrated health care system

For many years it has been pointed out by users, next-of-kin, professionals and the authorities that treatment should be better coordinated for those who need help from several health services. It is known that failure often arises in the transition betwe en different services, institutions and units. The main objective of this project is to obtain knowledge on how one can achieve comprehensive health care for users in need of coordinated services. Through observations and interviews we will explore (1) th e mechanisms behind cooperation and (2) the assessments made by patients and service deliverers regarding how services are coordinated and what conditions promotes and prevents cooperation. We will focus on the impact the differences in knowledge base an d the differences in understanding of each others tasks and roles have on cooperation between the different health professionals and how they are manifested in practice.We have chosen a multi-site study design where we will examine collaboration from diff erent angles in four sub-projects with different contexts: Mental health care, specialized short-term unit, stroke rehabilitation, and collaboration between family doctors and the other municipal helpers. This knowledge is essential in developing models for cooperation resulting in coordinated health services. In this study we will make visible and explicit barriers to collaboration on an interpersonal and interprofessional level. In four sub-projects this will be explored in different contexts. Knowled ge and understanding of barriers to team work, like differences and disagreements, are important for achieving integrated health care services.