Learning integrated care from the Dutch

Abstract

Purpose: This article aims to gather lessons from a research interchange between England and The Netherlands, reflecting on the countries’ delivery of integrated care across adult and elderly long term care, and how to transfer learning across contexts. Approach: The paper describes the Dutch health and care system, using four key components of integrated care described in the literature: person-centred, expert knowledge, continuity and coordination. Findings: The Dutch deliver integrated care expertise in each component assessed. The weakest integrated care characteristics in England are multi-sectoral coordination and person-centred care. Originality: This article develops an overview of integrated care delivery in The Netherlands and puts a spotlight on the importance of exchanging real-world experiences, not just evidenced-based, to collaboratively improve integrated care in England. There is no need to reinvent the all-wheel, a lot of good is already done, tested and proved.