Where are we heading? A network and collaborative workshop to design and shape future activities of the Emerging Researchers and Professionals in Integrated Care network (ERPIC)
Authors: Lindblom Sebastian , Derks Mark , Wankah Paul 
Published: January 2024

ERPIC aims to provide opportunities for emerging researchers and professionals to network, collaborate and engage in peer-to-peer relationships and mentorships, with the aim of advancing the field of integrated and person-centred care, which can improve patient outcomes, experiences of care, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of care delivery and health systems, and the satisfaction of healthcare workforce. The next generation of students, academics, researchers and practitioners is essential in shaping tomorrow’s healthcare systems.
Since the establishment of ERPIC in 2018, the network has mobilized about 500 followers, working and studying in about 33 countries worldwide and promoted opportunities to engage these early researchers and professionals in the field of integrated care. Aligned with its mission, ERPIC needs to be in continuous movement and adaptive to its members’ needs.
During ICIC22, ERPIC initiated a process of continuous improvement by exploring the needs of emerging researchers and professionals. Building on the knowledge generated from the workshop at ICIC22, the ERPIC Executive team now wants to find out whether these needs are still relevant and how we, together, can take the next step in the desire to put the needs into action.
Accordingly, this workshop aims to provide an opportunity for conference delegates to contribute to the future plans and activities of ERPIC and network with peers.
The aims of this interactive workshop activity are to:
- Meet and connect with other early career researchers and professionals in integrated care
- Practice networking
- Share ideas about the future of ERPIC
- Get involved in designing future activities of ERPIC
This workshop is designed for current ERPIC-network followers and emerging researchers and professionals in the integrated care field interested in joining a supportive network.
Senior members of IFIC, professionals in the field of integrated care and participants of ICIC23 who are interested in meeting ERPIC-members are welcome to participate.

Workshop hosts: Sebastian Lindblom, Mark Derks, Paul Wankah
The workshop starts with a 5 min introduction, preparation and information about the workshop. This will be followed by a 10 min presentation on the result of our exploration of the expressed needs of our EPRIC members. Participants will be divided into groups and have the opportunity to get to know each other and familiarize themselves during a 30 min network session. This will be followed by a 30 min co-creative session where each group will brainstorm about early career researchers and professionals’ needs and how they can be addressed. Together, the group will develop concrete suggestions for activities and a plan to realize them. The session finishes with a 15-minute group presentation and summary.
Learnings/Takeaway: Participants will:
- Create new contacts and start building/expanding a network
- Get insights on early career researchers and professionals’ needs and activities
- Gain an understanding of ERPIC and its mission
- Have the opportunity to influence the future direction and activities of ERPIC
The results and findings from the workshop will be summarized in a short report and disseminated to the network.