What have we learnt about joint working between health and social care?

Abstract

Joint working between local authorities and the National Health Service (NHS) has been an integral part of health and social care policy in the United Kingdom for many years. Using evidence from two literature reviews this paper argues that there is little indication that joint working delivers the outcomes envisaged in policy. While recent reforms may be beginning to influence improvements, they are undermined by constant reform and professional scepticism.

Keywords:

• Evidence
• integration
• joint working