Health and Social Care Enablers
Health and social care is an umbrella term for numerous services that are aimed at helping people with their health and wellbeing needs. These needs can be complex and may include dealing with issues such as addiction, dementia, or even mental health. As a result, those who work in the health and social care industry often face some ethical challenges when carrying out their duties.
However, there have been some recent positive developments in this area, with state Medicaid programs experimenting with new ways to pay providers and build innovative partnerships with community-based organizations. Although efforts have been hampered by low study quality and an over-emphasis on process measures, many patients are benefiting from these integrated care initiatives.
In the UK, for instance, a system has been developed called the ‘Trinity Hub’ that brings together community health workers (CHWs) and local organisations to assess a patient’s social risk factors and connect them with local services. Early evaluations indicate that this is a high-quality, cost-effective approach that can lead to better outcomes for the patient.
To sustain and extend these initiatives, a range of key enablers should be made available. These should include funding, education, and technology. Governments should also promote a value-based approach to care that recognizes the importance of social determinants and supports collaboration across sectors. Finally, private organizations should support community-based efforts by partnering with them and sharing data. In addition, they should invest in collective financing mechanisms that help to spread risk and create shared returns on investments in social care so that returns do not accrue to a single investor.health and social care