What happens to quality in integrated homecare? A 15-year follow-up study

OBJECTIVES To explore the impact of structural integration on homecare quality. METHODS A case study in an organisation comprising a before-after comparison with baseline and four follow-up measurements during 1994-2009, using interviews with clients (n=66-84) and postal inquiries to relatives (n=73-78) and staff (n=68-136). RESULTS Despite the organisational reform involving extensive mergers of health and social care organisations and cuts in staff and service provision, homecare quality remained at almost the same level throughout the 15-year follow-up. According to the clients, it even slightly improved in some homecare areas. CONCLUSIONS The results show that despite the structural integration and cuts in staff and service provision, the quality of homecare remained at a good level. Assuming that the potential confounders did have inhibiting effects, the results suggest that structural integration had a positive impact on homecare quality. To obtain firmer evidence to support this tentative conclusion, further research with a randomised comparison design is needed.