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. <br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>Findings – We present three themes: 1) integrated teams valuing of social workers’ knowledge, approaches, and skills; 2) the ways in which social workers navigate health and social care divides; 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-centered stance; skills in advocating for older people’s autonomy; knowledge of social care law; and, application of therapeutic and communication skills. <br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>Implications – More attention is needed in enhancing continuity in social work allocation and improving mutual learning environments for social and health care professionals. <br/><br/><br/>