Related Experiment Videos
Needs-led assessment: the challenges and the reality
1Centre for Social Policy Research and Development, Institute of Medical and Social Care Research, University of Wales-Bangor, Neuaddd Ardudwy, Holyhead Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2PX, Wales, UK.
Health & Social Care in the Community
|February 16, 2002
Summary
The NHS & Community Care Act 1990 aimed for needs-led assessments in UK community care. However, practitioners found implementing this difficult due to resource limits and conceptual challenges, shifting focus to rationing services.
Area of Science:
- Social Gerontology
- Health Services Research
- Public Policy
Background:
- The National Health Service (NHS) & Community Care Act 1990 mandated a shift towards needs-led assessment and case management in UK community care.
- This reform aimed to ensure high-quality care by focusing on identified needs rather than service eligibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the practical implementation of needs-led assessment by social and healthcare practitioners for older people in North Wales.
- To identify supports and constraints influencing the transition to needs-led practice.
Main Methods:
- Semi-structured interviews were conducted with practitioners in North Wales during two periods: 1994-1995 and 1998-1999.
- The study explored practitioners' experiences and opinions regarding the needs-led approach and its practical application.
Main Results:
- Practitioners generally welcomed the needs-led philosophy but reported significant difficulties in its practical implementation.
- Key constraints included a lack of financial resources, inadequate service provision, insufficient staffing, and conceptual challenges in distinguishing "need" from "need for a specific service".
Conclusions:
- The study suggests that the shift to needs-led practice has been challenging, with practitioners facing considerable barriers.
- Evidence indicates a potential shift in focus from comprehensive needs assessment towards service rationing due to persistent budget constraints and evolving eligibility criteria over the study period.