Supporting local actors to co-create integrated services – a participatory action research project with and for social service, primary care, and older people

Research problem and specific questionsWorldwide, welfare societies strive to overcome fragmentation of services through increased integration.

Despite this, evidence and support is lacking to guide local actors in social services and primary care on how to co-create integration with and for end users, such as older people.

The aim is to, together with local actors and older people, develop and evaluate a research-based toolbox to integrate services for older people in need of both social services and primary care.What support do local actors need to co-create, test and monitor improvements of integrated services?What content, structure and design are needed in a toolbox to support local actors in co-creating, testing, and monitoring integrated services?What is the feasibility, perceived value, and impact of the toolbox?Data and methodThis participatory action research project comprises of three work packages (WP).

In WP 1, we will use a participatory, longitudinal multiple case study design including four cases to explore actors’ need of support. In WP 2, we will use a Delphi-study design and participatory methods to develop the toolbox. In WP 3, we will use an observational case study design to evaluate feasibility, value, and impact.

Data will be generated through structured and semi-structured observations, focus group and individual interviews, and surveys.

Data will be analyzed with qualitative and quantitative methods.Societal relevance and utilisationA welfare society reform is launched in Sweden to integrate services and meet the needs of an aging population.

However, the task of developing, implementing, and evaluating integrated services is a complex challenge that requires collaborative approaches, involving multiple stakeholders and end users.

Yet, this task has been delegated primarily to local actors with limited decision-making mandates and possibilities to involve end users.

The toolbox will support local actors with practical tools to co-create integrated services with and for older people.Plan for project realisationThe project will be conducted in collaboration between five Research and Development Units in Stockholm with partnering stakeholders in social services, primary care, and pensioner organizations.

Costs for stakeholders’ involvement are included in the budget.