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Purpose

To gain a deeper understanding of the development of a joint vision for Close Care, its obstacles and opportunities, in the region of Sörmland based on national health and social services reforms.

Design/methodology/approach

Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirteen stakeholders. Documentation from the process was used to enhance the findings. A qualitative content analysis was performed.

Findings

Stakeholders described Close Care as entailing “person centeredness, cooperation, and resource sharing” but found it “too abstract”. Participation in developing the vision varied, with experiences of “external pressure” and low “readiness for organisational change”. Views on a regional vision’s “relevance and usability” differed. Participants highlighted several opportunities for the Close Care vision, such as: “a stepping-stone for implementation”, “harmonises with other health care visions” and “forming a cross municipal and regional network”. They also noted obstacles like “symbolic alienation”, “cognitive complexity”, “short-term economic reality” and “uncertainty around implementation”.

Practical implications

Opportunities and obstacles for the vision of Close Care can inform complex healthcare reforms that require stakeholder cooperation.Social implicationsUnderstanding Close Care may enable health system stakeholders to more effectively cooperate around the citizens’ needs.

Originality/value

Research on common ground has mainly focused on national or international policy levels and individual hospitals, professionals or patients. This study offers insights on regional and municipal cooperation in health care driven by a common vision.