Health and Social Care is a broad and varied field. Professionals working within it face a range of ethical issues, including questions of privacy, confidentiality, risk taking and general welfare. These issues are often heightened by the cultural and historical processes that shape the NHS and other welfare agencies.
For example, many people who are dependent on non-medical care struggle to maintain their physical and mental health due to lack of affordable housing, food, and transport, which can lead to a vicious cycle of unmanageable needs. As a result, they are less likely to access medical care or manage their medication effectively. Having the ability to understand these social contexts and provide appropriate support can help make all the difference.
The last decade has seen a surge of interest in integrated care, with national policy initiatives catalyzing initiatives to test new models and improve coordination between health and social services. This includes the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) which is supporting organizations to develop and implement Accountable Health Communities, a collaborative model that brings together community partners with diverse expertise, resources and goals.
However, these efforts must be sustained at the operational level. A successful integrated care system depends on efficient partnerships between a variety of different agencies, with shared responsibility and accountability. This requires developing clear roles and responsibilities for all involved, as well as investing in key enablers like training, education and technology. Achieving this is an important goal for the future of integrated healthcare. health and social care