Transition to ‘Close Care’ with a Joint Roadmap for Person-Centered and Integrated Care

Introduction: Health and social services face increasing fragmentation and costs, underscoring the need to transition toward more person-centered and integrated care. The Swedish government's 'Close Care' [Nära vård] initiative promotes this transition by encouraging shared regional visions and roadmaps. However, translating a vision into practice remains challenging. This study aimed to explore the experiences of healthcare and social services stakeholders regarding the transition to Close Care, focusing on using a joint roadmap. Methods: This qualitative study included three focus groups with 19 regional healthcare and municipal social service representatives, analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four main themes summarize the findings: 1) A rocky road toward Close Care; 2) A patchwork of Roadmap practices; 3) Navigating ambiguity: defining and positioning the roadmap; 4) Mobilizing shared meaning for Close Care and the roadmap. Discussion: A growing understanding, awareness, and engagement with Close Care is demonstrated, although challenges, including limited cross-organizational leadership and dialogue, remain. Participants reported varied familiarity and strategic document use with the roadmap, which was often considered vague or irrelevant for actionable guidance. Conclusion: Roadmap clarity, linked to measurable indicators, and strategic leadership and dialogue are required to strengthen relational coordination and transition toward more person-centered and integrated care.