Authors:

Abstract

Introduction

Integrated care requires the engagement of all service providers and an alignment of collaborative efforts to ensure desired care quality and outcomes. As one of these providers, third sector organizations (TSOs) are increasingly playing an essential role. To gain more insight into TSOs as partners and enhance their role in integrated care, the Volunteer and Voluntary Sector SIG aims to engage a diverse community of individuals. More specifically this SIG is for practitioners, educators, people with lived experience, managers, researchers, community organizations, health and social care volunteers, and policy makers engaged in planning, designing and delivering health and social care.

Background

The WHO (Organization, 2006) defined health workers as “all people engaged in actions whose primary intent is to enhance health” and includes volunteers in this definition. TSOs are an essential part of health and social care delivery around the world. As the literature focused on integrated care begins to grow, so too does the attention given to the role of these organizations. Using the Rainbow Model of Integrated Care, this community of interest seeks to understand and explore the role of TSOs as partners in integrated care, and to set a common vision for their participation.

Aims and Objectives

The overarching objectives of the meeting are as follows:

Discuss and create the agenda for the next 1 -2 years for the SIG

Establish next steps to move the SIG’s agenda forward in the months following the meeting

Introduce new SIG members and allow members to connect with one another

Prior to the meeting a survey will be sent to current and potential SIG members focused on identifying agenda items and topics of interest. Survey results will then be presented at the meeting for further refinement and agreement on the direction of the SIG.

Format

Presentation of SIG survey, discussion of results highlighting priorities with an action plan determined for the next year.