Preconditions to implementation of an integrated care process programme

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the preconditions of a full-scale implementation of an integrated care process programme for frail older people from the staff's understanding, commitment and ability to change their work procedures with comparisons over time and between organisations.Design/methodology/approachA repeated cross-sectional study was conducted in a hospital, municipal health and social care setting.FindingsStaff commitment decreased to the importance of a permanent municipal contact from baseline compared to the 12-months follow-up (p = 0.02) and the six- and 12-months follow-up (p = 0.05), to the information transfer from emergency department from the six- to the 12-months follow-up (p = 0.04), to discharge planning at the hospital at six- and 12-months follow-up (p = 0.04) and towards discharge planning at home from baseline to the six-month follow-up (p = 0.04). Significant differences occurred between the organisations about information transfer from the emergency department (p = 0.01) and discharge planning at home (p = 0.03). The hospital staff were the most committed.Practical implicationsThe results can guide the implementation of complex interventions in organisations with high-employee turnover and heavy workload.Originality/valueThe study design, allowing the comparison of implementation results over time and between organisations in a later phase, gives this study a unique perspective.