New integrated care models in England associated with small reduction in hospital admissions in longer-term: A difference-in-differences analysis

•Integration policies are often seen as strategies to reduce avoidable hospital activity.•“New care models” were piloted in England under the “Vanguard” initiative.•We evaluate the efficacy of the Vanguard programme in reducing hospital utilisation.•The Vanguard initiative slowed the rise in emergency admissions observed in England.•The reduction occurred mainly in care home sites, at the programme’s end.