New conversations with new players? The relationship between primary care and social care in an era of clinical commissioning

Abstract

Purpose

Against the backdrop of the significant changes taking place in health and social care, a key relationship is likely to be between social care and general practice. This paper aims to focus on these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports the outcomes of a series of workshops held with lead GPs, councillors, managers and service users in Birmingham to explore current and future joint working.

Findings

The paper identifies a series of key issues for future policy and practice.

Research limitations/implications

This is an under‐researched area – so the knowledge of what works is likely to be heavily dependent on practical experience and lessons learned.

Practical implications

While current policy changes are unsettling, they also offer opportunities for new conversations with new players.

Originality/value

In the absence of detailed research evidence, the paper provides a practical example of the conversations taking place at local level in response to current policy changes.

Citation

Lotinga, A. and Glasby, J. (2012), "New conversations with new players? The relationship between primary care and social care in an era of clinical commissioning", Journal of Integrated Care, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 175-180. https://doi.org/10.1108/14769011211237519