A Comparative Literature Review of Integrated Approach in Health Care in High and Low- Middle-Income Countries

Abstract

This literature review explores the definitions, models, and outcomes of an integrated approach to delivering health services. The concept of integrated healthcare emerged in the 1970s and was influenced by the primary healthcare model proposed by the World Health Organization in the Alma-Ata Declaration on Primary Health Care in 1978. This literature review aims to examine how integration is understood and implemented in high-income and low-middle-income countries. A systematic search of major electronic databases, such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, and Medline, was conducted to identify relevant peer-reviewed journal articles. The search used specific word categories related to the study, such as health system integration, health system, program, outcome/output, and perception. The findings of the study indicate that previous studies focused on policies on health system integration, generated evidence, and refined theories related to integrated care, including person-centered approaches, care coordination, and continuum of care. However, these studies mainly concentrated on desired outcomes and the effectiveness of the integrated approach, often overlooking the experiences of health workers who play a vital role within the health system. As a result, the importance of their experiences, opinions, and contributions to the success of integrated care has not been sufficiently incorporated into existing research. The study concludes that health workers’ experiences and perspectives need to be considered when examining the integrated approach in the development of social and health studies.