Author: Regan E, Martin G, Glasby J, Hewitt G, Nancarrow S, Parker H
Journal: Health and Social Care in the Community, 2008
Volume/pages: Vol 16(6), pp629-637

 

About the study
Based on the case study element of a wider evaluation of intermediate care services, this study explores findings from five Primary Care Trusts across England (covering both urban and rural areas) between January 2003 and November 2004. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with people involved in the strategic development of intermediate care and intermediate care service managers, and focus groups involving a range of frontline staff. The study considers the ‘whole system’ of intermediate care.

Findings
The main challenges of intermediate care were found to be a lack of resources (particularly funding and staff), poor joint working and a lack of engagement from medical staff. The main benefits for service users were focussed around being patient-centred, flexible and promoting independence, while for staff they were the opportunities presented by working in a multidisciplinary team. The key weaknesses of intermediate care were found to be lack of capacity, the accessibility of services, awareness of intermediate care services within the more mainstream services and poor coordination between intermediate care services.

Key messages

• Intermediate care needs to form part of a continuum of services that provide a link between primary, community, secondary and social care provision.
• Fragmentation and poor integration have compromised the impact of intermediate care on relieving the pressure within health and social care systems.
• Improved joint working, better coordination and greater integration are key to developing a ‘whole systems’ approach to intermediate care.