FAQs

You can find SCW's case study library here - https://www.scwcsu.nhs.uk/case-studies?start=36 -  

In 2023, 42 Integrated Care Systems (ICS) published their first Integrated Care Strategies and Joint Forward Plans (JFPs). The purpose of the JFPs was to outline how they intend to exercise their functions over the next five years. The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, respectively, developed guidance to support the implementation of these documents.

We were commissioned by the Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Team at NHS England to explore the content of ICS strategies and JFPs to gain insight into how they address health and healthcare inequalities. We undertook a baseline audit of all 42 system strategies, JFPs, and any associated health inequalities strategic plans. 

You can read the report here - Report: How are ICS strategies and Joint Forward Plans addressing health inequalities? - NHS SCW Support and Transformation for Health and Care 

This Kings Fund article provides an overview Are Integrated Care Systems Making Progress On Tackling Health Inequalities? | The King's Fund