Social services representation in Primary Care Groups and Trusts

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Public Health Policy
• Social Care Management

Background:

• Historically strained relationships exist between health providers (GPs) and social services departments in England.
• Non-coterminous organizational boundaries often impede effective service provision and collaboration.
• A changing policy landscape necessitates new approaches to integrated health and social care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the roles of social services representatives within Primary Care Group/Trust Boards.
• To assess the extent of collaboration occurring between health and social care services.
• To explore the future potential for closer partnerships in service development.

Main Methods:

• National survey of a sample of Primary Care Groups/Trusts.
• In-depth case studies of selected Primary Care Groups/Trusts.
• Analysis of the roles and collaborative activities of social services representatives.

Main Results:

• Social services representatives play a role on Primary Care Group Boards/Trust Executive Committees.
• The extent of closer collaboration in service development is variable and presents challenges.
• Opportunities exist for improved partnership working, contingent on specific factors.

Conclusions:

• Greater organizational stability is crucial for effective health and social care partnerships.
• Sufficient time is required for the formation of robust and effective partnership arrangements.
• Future collaboration depends on addressing structural and relational barriers to integration.