The Guardian Social Care Network: 19th September 2012
Posted 20.09.12
The majority of GPs admit they do not understand the social care options available to patients, a new study reveals.
Just 15% of the GPs who took part in the study of 100 GPs, 60 social care providers and 500 people aged 65 and over by independent consultancy Impower understood all care services available in their area. With more than half stating they do not understand non-residential care services and two thirds claiming they received little or no support from their local council, there is a growing need to create mechanisms for communication to be improved between the sectors.
Nick Goodwin, senior fellow at the Kings Fund thinktank acknowledges that "the degree that GPs are working together with services to provide support is underdeveloped." He further states that those working in primary care do not understand social care and the systems often work in isolation, with GPs often failing to pick up on issues that social care could help address.
The Chair of the Royal College of GPs (RCGP), Professor Clare Gerada, agrees that the relationship between general practice and social care is not working as well as it could, stating - "As a matter of urgency, we need to identify those whose health and or social care needs are not being adequately met under the current arrangements".
The RCGP is to publish its own report focusing on the potential for greater integration of health and social care.
To read the full article click here.
