Introduction: There is an increasing demand of social and health services by persons with long-term care (LTC) needs. On the other hand
the devolution process has shifted governance and funding to regional agencies in many EU countries. Regional agencies are
getting an increasing role in funding LTC. Knowledge transfer (KT) plays a key role in the development of regional funding
agencies, as they should cooperate with both local and national agencies as well as several European organisations and companies
operating in their regions. The communication barriers between social and health services play a particular role at regional
level.
Description of care or policy practice: In Spain the 17 regions have full government autonomy in health and social care. These regions have developed different approaches
to coordination of care and KT. Andalusia is the larger region in Spain. In order to coordinate provision and planning, the
regional government has developed a network of cross-sectional agencies in specific areas such as Mental Health (FAISEM),
Social Services in Ageing, Disabilities, Poverty and TICs (FASS), Emergency care (EPES), care related to gender (Instituto
Andaluz de la Mujer), Health Care for the Elderly in the community (Living Lab and IAVANTE Foundation) or innovation in new
technologies applied to social care (I2BC); among several others. A number of these public organisations are privately run.
Discussion: Coordination and links across these organisations as well as funding issues are discussed here. The relationship or coordination
agencies with citizens and other stakeholders deserve special attention as well. Andalusia provides an interesting case of
cross-sectorial coordination within the European context.
Presentation slides available from: http://www.bridgingknowledge.net/Presentations/Symp7_AlonsoTrujillo.pdf