Co creating an Inclusion Health Special Interest Group (SIG) within the International Foundation for Integrated Care

Background: In 2023 a SIG was developed within the International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC) to enable collaboration on the topic of Inclusion Health.   The vision for the SIG was to contribute to knowledge building and reducing health inequality experienced by people who are marginalised and report social exclusion.  The mission for the group was to collaborate and co-develop approaches to design, implement and evaluate integrated care in Inclusion Health   We considered Maclachlan et al. (2007) model of promoting the idea of inclusion as a proactive approach to understanding the impact of the structural determinants of health and inequity experienced by so many globally. Key terms that drove the development included human rights, intersectionality and the structural and social determinants of health.

Aim: We aim to facilitate sharing and creation of knowledge on how to develop, deliver and evaluate integrated care using a human rights-based approach to inclusion and intersectionality.

Objectives:

• Develop an international platform for sharing experiences in integrated care within Inclusion Health
• Ensure that all evidence reviews, studies, and programmes in integrated care consider health equity and socially excluded people.
• Develop key documents outlining the principles of Inclusion Health
• Understand the impact of exclusion, intergenerational trauma and social and structural determinants and health.

Methods: We held an inaugural webinar discussion with an invited panel comprising international experts in inclusion for marginalised population groups and in co-creating services. Over 200 people registered for the 90-minute event, with over 100 attending and contributing to PPI-informed presentations and discussions.   Attendees were asked to share ideas to consider the what next for the SIG. Feedback largely emphasised the importance of PPI-led sessions and engagement for the SIG. Emphasising the strength of IFIC integrated care values and vision across health and social care systems for many population cohorts identified within an inclusion health definition which includes people with a disability.  The next activity is a proposed 60-minute workshop in Belfast in April 2024 to garner further collaboration and action.

Discussion: The SIG provides global engagement to consider the Inclusion Health agenda within integrated care.  The proposed workshop will facilitate dialogue and establish a 12-month agenda for three key SIG priorities. Data from the inaugural webinar will be used to develop questions and commence group discussions using a world café format workshop that will be co-created with PPI partners.

Conclusion:Developing a SIG for Inclusion Health has provided a platform for co-creating knowledge from a wider range of collaborators globally to support input from a broad range of voices and levelling the field for engagement and participation from many underserved groups.

Maclachlan M, Khasnabis C, Mannan H. Inclusive health. Trop Med Int Health. 2012 Jan;17(1):139-41. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2011.02876.x. Epub 2011 Sep 7. PMID: 21895893.