Wednesday 18 February 2015

Good communication is essential to successful integration of health and social care

Good communication is essential to successful integration of health and social care Integration will only become a reality if staff, service users and the public are fully informed and engaged with the proposed reforms.

Most people involved in delivering health and social care are committed to making integration happen. They know it’s a good thing and can see the benefits for care and for the people who use services. But like any complex reform involving multiple agencies, they often struggle to see what it actually means for them and what they need to do differently to make it happen. This has to change if integration is to become a reality and not just a pipe dream.

Better training, including joint training for social care and health staff, can help us to move forward. Pooled budgets, plus clear joint delivery and governance structures, involving those who lead both health and social care will also help. However, these changes alone will not be enough: communication and engagement with staff, people who use services and the public will play an essential role in the ultimate success of integration. Continue reading... The Guardian

No comments:

Post a Comment