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The social worker in community mental health teams: findings from a national survey
- Authors:
- ABENDSTERN Michele, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work, early cite 18 January 2021,
- Publisher:
- Sage
Summary: Social workers have been members of community mental health teams (CMHTs) for many years. However, a combination of factors has resulted in their removal from CMHTs in some areas in recent years. This study presents findings from a 2018 national survey of CMHT team managers (44% response rate), to ascertain the current position of the social worker within CMHTs in England. Analyses focussed on membership, roles and tasks, and change within the previous 12 months. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data and content analysis to interpret free text comments. Findings: Social workers were found to undertake a variety of generic roles and tasks but were reported to do so proportionally less often than nurses. A large minority were involved in non-traditional social work tasks such as monitoring medication. In one-fifth of teams, managers thought they had too few social workers. Free text comments suggested that managers valued social workers for their social perspective and expressed concern regarding their removal or the curtailment of their role, perceiving this as having a negative effect on overall CMHT service delivery. Applications: The findings provide evidence of some instability in the position of social workers within CMHTs in relation to both their membership and their involvement in traditional and non-traditional roles and tasks. Free text comments suggest that if a biopsychosocial model of mental health support, now recognised as essential to long-term wellbeing, is to be achieved, a social work presence in CMHTs is required. (Edited publisher abstract)
The pursuit of integration in the assessment of older people with health and social care needs
- Authors:
- ABENDSTERN Michele, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Social Work, 41(3), April 2011, pp.467-485.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Health and social care services for older people are mediated and delivered through multiple and complex linkages between a range of organisations. The Single Assessment Process (SAP) policy initiative was introduced in 2004 in order to provide a more standardised and integrated assessment process across these organisations. One aim is to ensure that assessment information is shared between appropriate professionals and agencies. This article considers the extent to which the SAP has implemented this integrated approach at a local level. Data on processes and practices associated with integrated assessment were derived from a national survey conducted in 2006 completed by 122 SAP lead officers. The indicators of integration that are investigated include: the existence of protocols and agreements between agencies; linkage between assessment settings and processes; joint training programmes; information sharing systems; and the nature of professional involvement. The findings suggest that some aspects of the policy have been taken up more than others. Whilst there is commitment to an integrated approach, this has been hampered by disjointed information sharing initiatives and by lack of involvement from some sectors. In particular, the limited availability or use of information technology systems to support the implementation of the SAP has hindered effective information sharing between professionals.
Levels of integration and specialisation within professional community teams for people with dementia
- Author:
- ABENDSTERN Michele
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 21(1), January 2006, pp.77-85.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study considered the nature of current practice among multi-disciplinary and single discipline health and social care teams providing a service to people with dementia and compare the quality of service offered. A postal survey of professional community teams in North West England, providing services to people with dementia was conducted. Responses were analysed according to a number of standards measuring service quality, developed from research and policy documents. A response rate of 59% yielded a final sample of 52 teams. Multi-disciplinary teams scored more highly than single discipline teams on many of the measures used. Single discipline teams achieved a higher score on just one measure, culturally sensitive services. Generally teams were found to provide a more integrated, targeted and person-centred service, as measured in this study, compared with earlier findings. Teams performed less well on measures of flexibility and culturally sensitive provision. The findings indicate some potential gains from integration, and highlight the level of work still needed to achieve it. The authors call for further research to build on the structural and process measures used in this research in order that the costs and outcomes consequent upon these practices can be measured.