Moving care closer to home: making the shift a reality

People are living longer with multiple, complex, long-term conditions, meaning the hospital-centric model of care is no longer fit for purpose. People need better, more joined-up support and care in the community to live healthy lives, and to make sure the health care system is sustainable for the future. Yet despite good intentions, the vision remains unfulfilled. 

Moving care closer to home is about a change of focus for the entire health and care system, including how individuals and communities are supported; it’s not just about changing the location of services. Leaders know that this shift to community-based care is essential, so why has it been so tough to achieve and what are the key levers required to finally make it happen?  

Through panel discussions and showcasing pockets of innovation, this conference will look at areas where work is being done to make this a reality, and explore what is needed to drive a nationwide transformation, looking at:  

• what are some of the wicked problems that make the shift to community-based care so hard to implement, and how can they be overcome?  
• the essential role technology and innovation must play to make this a reality 
• how can funding flows be changed to prioritise primary care? 
• training the health and care workforce to deliver new models of care in primary and community settings  
• what developments including the 10 Year Health Plan, neighbourhood health guidelines and integrated neighbourhood teams means for moving care closer to home 
• the need for a meaningful way to measure success of delivering care closer to home 
• what needs to be done at a national policy level to make this a reality?