Cross-Domain Collaboration in Supporting Working Caregivers

Background

The number of workers combining paid employment with caregiving responsibilities is expected to rise in the coming years due to demographic trends and policy shifts. In the Netherlands, support for working care givers can come from several domains such as work, municipality, health care, and social policy. Supporting working caregivers is complex, requiring coordinated action across these domains. This study aims to gain insight in the factors influencing cross-domain collaboration in the support for working caregivers and identify leverage points and directions for strategies to improve cross-domain collaboration.

Methods

Using a complex systems approach, we conducted three group model building (GMB) sessions with stakeholders from various sectors to map the factors influencing cross-domain collaboration. We developed a causal loop diagram (CLD) to visualize system dynamics, and applied the action scales model to identify leverage points and actionable strategies.

Results

The CLD included factors in the clusters of working caregiver, professional, and policy. Key barriers identified by the participants include fragmented legislation, incoherent funding, and limited time and capacity for cooperation. Five leverage points were identified and participants proposed strategies across the structures, event, and belief levels of the ASM, including inter-ministerial coordination, educational integration, and coalition-building to raise awareness.

Conclusions

Cross-domain collaboration to support working caregivers is hindered by fragmented legislation, funding, and information. Improving inter-ministerial cooperation, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and integrating care into education were identified key pathways to strengthening support. These insights can be used to inform policy makers and other stakeholders to improve cross-domain collaboration in the support of working caregivers.

Key messages

• Cross-domain collaboration to support working caregivers is hindered by fragmented legislation, funding, and information.

• A multi-level approach is needed to achieve sustainable, cross-domain support for working caregivers, for example through inter-ministerial coordination.