Integrated Working for Enhanced Health Care in English Nursing Homes

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Healthcare Management
• Public Health

Background:

• Nursing home residents have complex health needs requiring multidisciplinary health services.
• An enhanced healthcare program was implemented in Gateshead Council nursing homes to address these needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore practitioner, social care officer, and carer experiences within the enhanced healthcare program.
• To understand the service delivery model and workforce requirements for older resident healthcare.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative constructivist methodology was used.
• Two stages included interviews with 45 participants and workshops with 28 participants.
• Thematic and content analysis were applied to collected data from February-March 2016.

Main Results:

• The enhanced healthcare program adopts a whole-system approach for proactive and responsive resident care.
• The service model facilitates cross-organizational and professional information exchange.
• Effective decision-making and problem-solving are supported by the integrated model.

Conclusions:

• The integrated healthcare model enhances care for older people in public and independent sector care homes.
• Understanding the processes and outcomes of this integrated care is crucial.
• The program demonstrates a successful approach to complex care needs in nursing homes.