Integrated Working Project
Overview
People experiencing alcohol and drug (AOD) concerns may also have a range of other needs. These can include physical and mental health needs, as well as housing and employment. However, AOD treatment systems can be highly fragmented, difficult for clients to navigate, and lacked service integration to enable clients’ need to be met in a holistic fashion. Integration involves co-ordinating the efforts of multiple services to deliver holistic care. However, there has been little research documenting which strategies are most appropriate in the context of providing care to people with AOD concerns.
The Integrated Working project aimed to:
- review the evidence on integrated working strategies in an AOD context
- synthesise findings into recommendations for services providing AOD treatment in Victoria
The project team conducted a systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature of studies that evaluated strategies to improve integrated working in an AOD context. The findings of each included article were analysed thematically, and a list of strategies were identified. Based on the findings of this study, the project team developed practical tools and guidance (see report) that services could use to enhance their capacity to provide integrated care.
Project team
Dr Michael Savic, Professor David Best, Alla Grynyevich, Professor Victoria Manning, and Professor Dan Lubman.
Our funder
Learn more about the project
Publications:
- Savic, M., Grynyevich, A., Best, D., & Lubman, D. (2014). Review of integrated working strategies. Victoria: Turning Point, Eastern Health.
- Savic, M., Best, D., Manning, V., & Lubman, D. I. (2017). Strategies to facilitate integrated care for people with alcohol and other drug problems: a systematic review. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 12(1), 19.