What Constitutes Successful Joint Working with Social Work? A Study of Integrated Practice in Supporting Older People with Care and Support Needs

Context: While the integration of health and social care services in England has been a long-term policy aspiration, the role and contribution of social workers to joined-up working has received little attention. Objective(s): This paper aims to examine what constitutes successful joint working between social care and health care practitioners, from the perspectives of social workers and others working across integrated and multi-disciplinary teams. Findings are from a multi-method study examining the role and contribution of social work to older people’s wellbeing. Method(s): Through interviews and observations across two local authorities, we gathered the views and experiences of older people (aged 65+) with care and support needs and those of their carers, the social workers supporting them, and other health and social care colleagues involved. Findings: We present three themes: (1) integrated teams valuing of social workers’ knowledge, approaches, and skills; (2) the ways in which social workers navigate the divides between health and social care; and (3) the impact of organisational structures on joint working. Social work input is a valued piece of the integration puzzle as other professionals value: their person-centred stance; skills in advocating for older people’s autonomy; knowledge of social care law; and application of therapeutic and communication skills. Limitations: Sample groups are self-selected, which led to the sample being skewed towards more experienced social workers who were confident to talk about their practice. Implications: More attention is needed in enhancing continuity in social work allocation and improving mutual learning environments for social and health care professionals.