Health and social care integration
The joint delivery of health and social care services and their level of interdependence are more and more important as a result of financial constraints and as more vulnerable people are supported in the community. This is reflected in the provisions in the Health and Social Care Bill 2011.
Achieving mutually-supporting outcomes and quality requires all concerned to radically re-think how they can work more effectively with their partners. It also means developing a whole systems approach to service delivery and improving outcomes to users and carers. Our approach includes a range of activities such as needs assessment, financial planning, working in partnership with key stakeholders, e.g. users, carers and providers and the effective review and redesign of services.
Our consultants recognise that the levels of integration can vary but there are some key issues to address before the precise model can be determined. They are:
- The extent of overlaps or gaps in current delivery / commissioning activity.
- Expected gains in joint delivery / commissioning functions – the success factors.
- Consultation with frontline staff, user groups, Trades Unions representatives and senior management teams regarding options for a new management structure.
- The need for a formal agreement between the collaborating organisations which supports the objectives of integration and commits both organisations, from top level downwards, to deliver the improvements required.
Integrated care provides a continuum of treatment, care and support for a larger number of people with health and/or social care needs. Delivery of this ‘continuum of care’ is a critical success factor to ensure best use of scarce resources to provide high quality services at an affordable cost.
If you would like to know more, please contact us.
