Embracing Hope and Integrated Care for a Stronger Workforce and Health System: AICIC25 Highlights

The health and care workforce are under huge pressure. That is not just demand pressure, although that is significant, but it is also a workforce that was scarred by Covid-19, the consequences of which most people in Ireland just want to forget. They are also operating in an environment of increasing hostility from a public that is being fed misinformation about health and prevention interventions that have contributed to our longevity over that last half a century. On top of all of that, the health and care systems on both sides of the border are undergoing significant structural changes.

So, my challenge was to find some hope. Throughout the day, I heard presentations that reinforced my message of hope, that a full-throated commitment to integrated care is the answer to many of these challenges.

• The “workforce”, and I do have a few issues with that word but I understand why it is used, is just one small part of the ecosystem of care – people caring for themselves, families, neighbours, voluntary sector, our wider society are all carers. Moving to a relational care model is essential in that context and many health and social care workers are there already.
• Taking a community-led approach to designing and delivering integrated care leads to so much value, see Prof Max Hastings presentation on ECHO, but only if you put in the time to building meaningful relationships and a collaborative culture that in turn builds trust and confidence. This may help address the vacuum in which misinformation finds a home.
• Integrated care, care coordination and care continuity all reduce waste and duplication in health and social care so this can be part of the solution to relieve the pressure on our health and social care workforce.
• Too often system leaders lag behind the workforce in their understanding of what is needed. Both Bernard Gloster and Joe Ryan from the HSE stressed the importance of leaders creating the conditions in which relational integrated care can thrive.

There is so much to be hopeful for coming way from AICIC25. The parallel sessions were inspirational in showcasing real world interventions making a difference to people and communities now!