Key challenges of shared risk and benefits of integrated care

The broader context in which risk shares are being agreed adds complexity to the process because local teams and organisations are wary of adverse or unknown financial implications. Both local government and NHS commissioners are under significant financial pressure.

This can make the risk share process combative rather than an opportunity to reach a shared understanding of vision and objectives for the local health and care system.

It is important that local systems should focus first on developing joint plans, and then on developing the risks and benefits share to support the implementation of those plans. Function should come before form: be clear about what needs to be achieved and how it will be achieved, and have a robust risk and benefits management approach. These aspects are essential to enabling organisations to work together to deliver integration.

Key challenges

Sharing risks and benefits of integrated care
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