Developing community based rehabilitation for cancer survivors: organizing for coordination and coherence in practice

Authors

Karen la Cour, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern DenmarkFollow
Malcolm P. Cutchin, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Abstract

Background

Increasing incidences of cancer combined with prolonged survival have raised the need for developing community based rehabilitation. The objectives of the analysis were to describe and interpret the key issues related to coordination and coherence of community-based cancer rehabilitation in Denmark and to provide insights relevant for other contexts.

Methods

Twenty-seven rehabilitation managers across 15 municipalities in Denmark comprised the sample. The study was designed with a combination of data collection methods including questionnaires, individual interviews, and focus groups. A Grounded Theory approach was used to analyze the data.

Results

A lack of shared cultures among health care providers and systems of delivery was a primary barrier to collaboration which was essential for establishing coordination of care. Formal multidisciplinary steering committees, team-based organization, and informal relationships were fundamental for developing coordination and coherence.

Conclusions

Coordination and coherence in community-based rehabilitation relies on increased collaboration, which may best be optimized by use of shared frameworks within and across systems. Results highlight the challenges faced in practical implementation of community rehabilitation and point to possible strategies for its enhancement.

Disciplines

Community Health | Health Services Research | Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Recommended Citation

la Cour and Cutchin: Developing community based rehabilitation for cancer survivors: organizing for coordination and coherence in practice. BMC Health Services Research 2013 13:339.