Author: Cameron A, Macdonald G, Turner W, Lloyd L
Journal: International Journal of Integrated Care, 2007
Volume/pages: Vol 8(4), available from the International Journal of Integrated Care

About the study
This paper reports the findings of the evaluation of the Supporting People Health Pilots programme, which was established to demonstrate the policy links between housing support services and health and social care services by encouraging the development of integrated services. The paper highlights the challenges of working across housing, health, and social care boundaries.

Findings
The study found four key areas to be critical in successful joint working: a shared understanding of the aims and objectives; a history of joint working; clear and effective governance and management arrangements at strategic and operational levels and the active involvement of the voluntary sector.

Key messages

• Establishing pilots in the voluntary sector meant that the new services were not constrained by statutory sector models of provision so were able to respond more flexibly to the needs of individuals.
• People with complex needs may find it easier to engage with a service primarily because it is based in the voluntary sector.
• Greater flexibility in integrated services requires a ‘whole systems’ approach to thinking about service delivery.