Author: Heenan D and Birrell D
Journal: Social Policy and Administration, 2006
Volume/pages: Vol 40(1), pp47-66

About the study
This qualitative study uses semi-structured interviews and focus groups to explore health and social care integration in Northern Ireland. The authors report that health and social care have been fully integrated in Northern Ireland since 1973. 24 senior managers from health and social services boards and community health and social services trusts were interviewed, while 22 health and social care professionals in a range of roles took part in focus groups.

Findings
Participants on the whole were positive about the integrated structure of services. There were a number of interesting findings relating to staff’s views of the integrated system. For example, hospital discharge was perceived to be extremely efficient and timely within the integrated structure; the medical model of care was still felt to dominate, with funding for health apparently being given priority; and there was believed to be too little opportunity for inter-professional training.

Key messages

• A "culture of integration", with shared visions, aims and objectives, appears to be as important as integrated structures, although perhaps more difficult to achieve.