Evidence Speaks: A Whole System Approach Includes Caregivers
We’re at a turning point.
Recognition that caregivers are essential is growing. Changes underway in our health care system represent an opportunity for caregivers to inform what integrated care really means. Now is the time for a whole-system approach to including caregivers as partners in care.
This was a key take-away from our Caregivers as Partners in Care Roundtable held earlier this year. Caregivers, patients, system leaders, government, academics, and providers came together to envision a future where caregivers are consistently valued, included, and supported.
“Partners in Care. That’s the goal…. here is that trifecta of the family member, the provider, the individual receiving the care. It does happen. Now the challenge is to make it happen every single time.” – John Yip, President and CEO, SE Health
As our healthcare system grapples with many pressures, evidence shows that when caregivers are involved, readmission rates and medication errors go down, patients have better health outcomes, and emotional well-being as well as the care experience are better for everyone – patients, caregivers, families, and health care providers.
It’s time to mobilize the evidence. It’s time to spread models of excellence in caregiver inclusion. With insight from people with lived and professional experience across the continuum of care, the Roundtable identified key opportunities to create a future where caregivers are integral to the provision of compassionate, informed, equitable, safe, and effective care.
“Caregivers are the thread that connects the whole system, sector to sector. Leaders in the health system need to focus on not breaking that thread, and to break down silos to support caregivers in bringing information that better supports transitions. This will reduce stress for caregivers and care teams, leading to more person-centered care. That’s the gift caregivers bring to the system.” – Jennifer Cornell, Director of Long-Term Care, County of Grey
While this transformation will take time, there are simple things we can do right away that can make a significant impact at the system- and organization-level, as well as at point of care.
So where do we start?
- Demonstrate leadership and commit to caregivers as a priority
- Embrace a culture that includes caregivers as partners in care
- Invite caregivers to share their experience and expertise
- Identify and break down silos – a whole-system approach is needed
- Facilitate information sharing and integrate digital health systems
- Apply the caregiver lens on plans for health care transformation
- Expand accessibility and availability of caregiver supports
- Include caregivers – every time
To help you turn this insight into action, read our report, “Integrating Caregivers as Partners in Care: Momentum for a Whole-System Approach.” In it, you’ll learn how cross-sector collaboration is leading to the spread and scale of successful models of caregiver integration across the continuum of care, along with more evidence, resources, and real-world examples to support your work.
