As this year is coming to a close, the Journal of Integrated Care has received good news. As of September this year, the journal has an impact factor which means it is gaining a strong voice in the researcher and practitioner community. Being awarded an impact factor is also a recognition of the wonderful work my editorial board colleagues and the publishing team have done over the last years to increase the journal's impact and visibility across the world. We have come a long way, from having a strong UK presence to now being an internationally recognized resource for practitioners and academics working in the field of integrated care. In reflection of our growing reputation we have recently welcomed new editorial board members to the team. Clive Tan from the National University of Singapore and Paul Wankah Nji from the University of Toronto are the latest additions to a now strongly international editorial board.
With this fourth issue in our 31st Volume we are also breaking new ground in the way we publish. We have decided to allocate a special section to the issue of COVID and integrated care. So, while the first part of the issue is bursting with excellent contributions from around the world on the impact COVID had on our health systems and care integration, the second part of the issue contains a series of regular papers. This brings this issue to an unprecedented size, comprising 15 papers, the largest ever issue we published. And, not to forget, the journal is now also publishing a slew of papers in its online issue every year (to access them check out Issue 5 on the website), which are attracting an enormous amount of international attention and are getting downloaded by the thousands.
We know that, as the journal is going from strength to strength, we will need to improve further our international presence and increase further our high quality submissions. But as the journal grows the editorial board has recently reconfirmed its continued support for early career researchers and practitioners. Over the years we have helped and supported many young and upcoming authors when writing for the journal and we frequently hear from them not just that this is hugely welcome, but that this is also what makes our journal special and unique in the publishing world.
COVID and its impact on integrated care
The year 2020 marked a seismic shift in the landscape of healthcare systems worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic tested the resilience and adaptability of healthcare providers, researchers and communities. In this extraordinary context, the Journal of Integrated Care is proud to present a Special Section in this issue that explores the profound impacts of COVID-19 on integrated care. This collection of eight diverse papers showcases the remarkable work of dedicated authors who have explored critical aspects of integrated care during this transformative period.
Andrew Simpson and colleagues present a study examining the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of physical health interventions to mental health consumers within the Sydney Local Health District. The pandemic has shed light on the importance of holistic care, and this research provides valuable insights. Cassie Moore et al. contribute a mixed-methods process evaluation of an Integrated Care System's Population Health Management system aimed at reducing health inequalities in COVID-19 vaccination uptake. The paper explores strategies to ensure equitable access to vaccines. Swati Paranjape presents a mixed-method study that goes beyond immediate survival, shedding light on the long-term effects and challenges faced by individuals who have battled COVID-19. The paper delves into the journey of recovery and resilience. Kamel Mouloudj and colleagues investigate the antecedents of physicians' intentions to engage in digital volunteering work during the pandemic, using an extended technology acceptance model. The digital realm played a significant role in healthcare during the pandemic. Jason Scott and colleagues explore the media presentation of hospital discharge to care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Media has been a powerful influencer of public perception, and this paper scrutinizes the portrayal of crucial healthcare decisions. Anna McGlynn et al. provide a case study on the spread and scale of a web-based clinical decision support portal in Sydney, Australia during COVID-19. Digital solutions became indispensable in healthcare management during the pandemic. Frank Sackey and colleagues examine the factors influencing the perception and willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine among the working population in Ghana. Understanding the barriers and facilitators of vaccine acceptance is crucial. Finally, Mohammad Reza Jalilvand and colleagues explore the effect of narrative persuasion on interpersonal talk and attitude, focusing on the case of COVID-19. Stories have the power to shape public opinion and behavior during health crises.
This Special Section captures the multidimensional challenges and innovations that have emerged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Integrated care, with its holistic and collaborative approach, plays a pivotal role in addressing the complex needs of individuals and communities in such extraordinary circumstances. These papers not only offer valuable insights but also serve as a testament to the resilience, adaptability and dedication of healthcare professionals and researchers worldwide.
In the second section of this journal issue, we turn our attention to a range of papers that offer valuable insights into the diverse facets of this essential approach to healthcare. These papers, while not part of the Special Section, enrich our understanding of integrated care and its potential to address complex health and social care challenges. A recurring theme in this section is the emphasis on a holistic approach to health. Whether it is addressing health inequalities, promoting adherence to post-operative treatment or enhancing care for older adults with complex needs, integrated care consistently recognizes the interconnectedness of physical, mental and social well-being. These papers underscore the importance of treating individuals as a whole, addressing their unique needs comprehensively.
In his paper “Population Health Management: From Principal to Practice” Daniel Mark Alton discusses the methodology of Population Health Management (PHM) and its potential in supporting the goals of Integrated Care Systems within the NHS. This is the second paper the journal has published on the role of PHM in addressing health inequalities, an issue of paramount importance in the pursuit of integrated care. The paper by Anselm Uchenna Anibueze and colleagues on social media-based telemedicine counseling investigates the emerging field of telemedicine and its impact on patient adherence to treatment plans after oral and maxillofacial surgeries. This innovative approach has the potential to enhance post-operative care and improve patient outcomes.
Jeanette Prorok and colleagues explore performance measures as a critical factor influencing the design and delivery of care in their paper. The authors highlight the importance of establishing indicators to enhance care quality and coordination for older adults with complex needs. Marco Gola et al. discuss a critical aspect of healthcare planning. Their paper explores how a new healthcare model, prioritized in the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan, aims to establish additional community healthcare facilities (CHFs) to ensure healthcare access for all. Scott A. Davis and colleagues focus on integrated care in the USA in their paper on the clinical utility of multidimensional behavioral health screen. The paper underscores that integrated care remains largely aspirational for a majority of Americans, emphasizing the need for a seamless integration of mental health care within primary medical care settings. In the paper from South Africa, Sadiyya Haffejee and colleagues respond to the growing call for integrated multisectoral and multidisciplinary systems of care for children's needs. Their paper highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in improving child well-being from a holistic perspective.
In this journal issue, our authors explore a diverse array of papers that illuminate the intricate tapestry of integrated care. Integrated care, as showcased by these papers, is a dynamic and adaptable approach that integrates multiple dimensions of well-being. It stands as a cornerstone for addressing complex health and social care challenges, promoting equity and harnessing the power of digital innovation. As this journal always recognized, the resilience of individuals and communities, emphasizing recovery is an integral part of healthcare. Integrated care's commitment to holistic care and effective communication ensures that individuals are at the center of their healthcare journey.
