Aim To develop pragmatic recommendations for Central and Eastern European (CEE) policymakers
about transferability assessment of integrated care models established in higher income
European Union (EU) countries. Methods Draft recommendations were developed based
on Horizon 2020-funded SELFIE project deliverables related to 17 promising integrated
care models for multimorbid patients throughout Europe, as well as on an online survey
among CEE stakeholders on the relevance of implementation barriers. Draft recommendations
were discussed at the SELFIE transferability workshop and finalized together with
22 experts from 12 CEE countries. Results Thirteen transferability recommendations
are provided in three areas. Feasibility of local implementation covers the identification
and prioritization of implementation barriers and proposals for potential solutions.
Performance measurement of potentially transferable models focuses on the selection
of models with proven benefits and assurance of performance monitoring. Transferability
of financing methods for integrated care explores the relevance of financing methodologies
and planning of adequate initial and long-term financing. Conclusions Implementation
of international integrated care models cannot be recommended without evidence on
its local feasibility or scientifically sound and locally relevant performance assessment
in the country of origin. However, if the original financing method is not transferable
to the target region, development of a locally relevant alternative financing method
can be considered.
