Single Assessment Process - training materials Books and journal articles The following listing is subject to ongoing review and revision... A national template The blurring of long-term health and social care has led to a new, more enlightened continuing care framework aimed at resolving the current mess [author: Melanie Henwood] A journal article in Community Care, 29 June 2006, pp 30-31. The national framework on NHS continuing health care has been launched (19 June) for consultation. In this article the author reviews the current situation of continuing care and gives her view of what a national framework should provide, against which the proposed framework appears to measure up. Henwood concludes that the proposed framework offers "a real prospect for putting in place a more equitable system." However, achievement of the framework will depend on additional costs associated with adoption of it being met, which could amount to an estimated £110m in the first year. Assessment processes will provide the critical gateway to determining eligibility and a decision support tool has been developed to ensure consistent application. This and seven other documents are part of the consultation documentation that are downloadable from the Department of Health's website. The deadline for the consultation is: 22 September 2006. Contact Details: Melanie Henwood Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail: melanie@henwood-associates.co.uk |  Web links: http://www.communitycare.co.uk  |  http://www.dh.gov.uk/Consultations/LiveConsultations/LiveConsultationsArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4136175&chk=fOAfTD Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 03075508 Notes: Active steps to prevention A shift towards more preventive services is paying dividends in reducing older people's stays in hospitals ... [authors: Gerald Wistow, Derek King] A journal article in Community Care, 29 June 2006, pp 32-33. In this article, the authors present the first year's results from the Innovation Forum's older people project, Improving Futures for Older People, which was set up by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Local Government Association in 2003, as a partnership between central government and the highest-rated local authorities to pioneer ways of delivering public services. The project adopted a target for all participating authorities: to achieve over three years from April 2004, a 20 per cent reduction in unscheduled hospital in-patient bed days occupied by older people aged 75 or over compared with the predicted level. The pilot councils are Kent (lead council), Cornwall, Cheshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, City of Westminster, West Sussex and Wigan. Considerable success was recorded during the first year, with the number of bed days used below the predicted rate. If the first year's progress can be sustained, the project will be a pathfinder, and demonstrate the ability of councils to initiate and lead the co-ordination of change in acute hospital and community services. This will not only improve the futures of older people but also the future of local democracy more generally. The project is being evaluated by researchers attached to each field site and co-ordinated by the London School of Economics. Contact Details: Gerald Wistow Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail: gerald.wistow@btinternet.com |  Web links: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/prtl  |  Target group: LAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 03075508 Notes: Adjusting the focus [preparation for SAP by health and social care professionals] [author: Rebecca Ellinor] (16 March 2004) Article in: Care and Health Magazine, issue 57, 2004, pp 6-9. In 2002, guidance was issued for health and social care professionals about a new way of assessing older people's needs. After 24 months of preparation for the Single Assessment Process (SAP), are professionals ready to put it into practice? While organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors agree that SAP is a good idea, putting it into action is more easily said than done, and is an example of where government could have offered more direction. Some of the SAP key players identify difficulties including: obtaining commitment at the chief executive strategic level; the appropriateness of the accredited SAP tools; assessment overload; SAP in the context of the national IT agenda; engaging general practitioners (GPs); and data protection issues. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.careandhealth.com  |  Target group: All staff  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 14779994 Notes: An age-old problem? A perception that depression is a "natural" part of old age, means many older people are not getting the help they need [author:Mike George] (1 February 2005) Article in: Care and Health Magazine, issue 99, pp22-23. This article considers the needs of older people in Britain who suffer from depression, which is estimated to be between 1.4 million and 1.9 million. It is considered one of the most prevalent health problems facing older people today. It is argued that age discrimination prevents older people from being referred to services, especially speciliast mental health services, when needed. This process may be reinforced by the National Standards Framework for Mental Health which focuses predominantly on those of working age and below, yet Professor Susan Benbow (Chair of the Faculty for the Psychiatry of Old Age at the Royal College of Psychiatry) urges a higher priority to be given to older people's needs and believes better support can be given by community-based health and social care services. Ben Bano, Director of Social Care and Older People's Services at East Kent NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust is in agreement and East Kent already has a local area agreement framework which "offers an ideal opportunity to work on a multi-agency basis on common approaches to promoting social inclusion of older people who are isolated and potentially prone to depression." In the same way, "SAP can be used as an opportunity to identify issues before they become problems" advocates Jonathan Ellis, Policy Manager at Help the Aged. Further work undertaken by Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Trust is also mentioned. Contact Details: Mike George Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.careandhealth.com  |  Target group: LA/HAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 14779994 Notes: Assessing patients' eligibility for fully funded nursing care [author: William Anderson, Hilary Bungay] (13 January 2004) Article in: Nursing Times, vol 100, no 2, pp 38-39. The introduction of free nursing care in nursing homes requires that patient's needs for care from a registered nurse are determined as part of the assessment of health and social care needs. It is important that patients are assigned to the band of care that is appropriate for them so that they receive the correct contribution to their care. A minimum data set/resident assessment instrument (MDS/RAI) was piloted on residents living in nursing homes as an assessment tool to see whether this agreed with decisions that had been made by the NHS-designated assessor for the registered nursing contribution to care. Comparison of findings showed that the assessment tool was a means of improving the quality of assessments. Further information about training to use the assessment tool and the MDS/RAI can be found at the website of the Senectus Project. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.senectus.org  |  http://www.nursingtimes.net Target group:  |  Type / Format: article; assessment tool Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 0954-7762 Notes: see Related Organisations Conversing with clients a generic approach to mental health needs assessment [author: Malcolm T Firth] Article in:: Practice, vol 11, no 2, 1999, pp 35-48. Good practice requires mental health professionals to engage service users in a reciprocal working relationship, and good assessment underpins care management and the Care Programme Approach (CPA). Both processes can be aided by a comprehensive assessment of needs which allows workers to be flexible, and which invites clients to have an active voice in service provision. This paper examines how a structured form of needs assessment, the Manchester Care Assessment Schedule (MANCAS), can encourage purposeful conversations between clients and workers which assist engagement, and which are relevant to care plans and to review. The approach is broad-based, and relies as much on workers' use of self and pre-existing professional skills as on the written format. Contact Details: British Association of Social Workers, 16 Kent Street, Birmingham B5 6RD. Tel: 0121 622 3911  |  Fax: 0121 622 4860 E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.basw.co.uk  |  Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 09503153 Notes: Copy supplied by Malcolm Firth, Lecturer in Social Work, CHSSC, University of Salford, Allerton Building, Frederick Road, Salford, Greater Manchester M6 6PU. Tel 0161 295 6425 E-mail: m.firth@salford.ac.uk Malcolm Firth was formerly Lecturer/Practitioner - Social Work, ,Manchester Mental Health and Social Care NHS Trust, and Hon Research Fellow, University of Manchester Department of Psychiatric Social Work. Courtesy entitles [older people consider dignity to be a key element in their treatment ] [author: Michael Calnan, Gillian Woolhead, Paul Dieppe ] (20 February 2003) Article in: Health Service Journal, vol 113, no 5843, pp30-31. The National Service Framework for older people (NSF) emphasises the need for older people to be treated respectfully as individuals. However, a study of 72 people in Bristol and South Wales ranging in age from 50 to 90 (median age 72), showed that dignity - and lack of it - were key issues in their estimation of care. Their concerns about lack of dignity centred on lack of privacy, mixed sex wards, forms of address, and loss of independence. The study - which forms part of an EU funded project relating to the Fifth framework (quality of life) programme - suggested that older people do not complain about care for fear of retaliation. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.hsj.co.uk  |  Target group: LA/HA  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 0952-2271 Notes: Evaluation of the implementation of the Single Assessment Process and its impact on occupational therapy practice a special study presented as part of the requirement for the degree of MSc in Professional Health Studies, College of York St John [author: Alicia Ridout] (2004) This special study (122 pp) aimed to survey senior occupational therapists across health and social care in a large city, to explore the impact of implementing the single assessment process (SAP) on their practice. The study was to be carried out within the context of national policy and the occupational therapy professional standards of practice and the local approach to implementation A 10-item questionnaire was constructed with these purposes in mind; and of 54 distributed variously to staff from primary care, acute hospitals, mental health and social services, 31 were returned (58% response). The data generated (including both qualitative and some objective quantitative data) would then allow themes for future evaluation and research to be developed which would support the profession's engagement with the implementation and its own modernisation agenda. The study highlights risks to and inconsistencies within the therapists' use of SAP, both between services and therapists' practice. Primary care therapists appeared to be the group practising in the most-client-centred way and adhering more closely to the process principles and professional standards of practice. Social services provided the poorest response rate and highlighted numerous practice issues. The therapists generated a wide range of strategies with which to improve the implementation, and appeared to be engaged with it despite obvious frustrations. One overarching theme was therapists' wish for a more corporate implementation across the profession in the city, indicating motivation to improve the services provided by occupational therapists. The report includes a literature review, copies of letters, the questionnaire, and data collection form. View dissertation. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links:  |  Target group: Occupational therapists across all services  |  Type / Format: book Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: Notes: Ever ready [pilot of "Evercare nurses" in the UK by 10 PCTs] [author: Carol Lewis] (8 January 2004) Article in: Health Service Journal, vol 113, no 5886, pp26-27. A model of care for older people which has helped nurse practitioners to cut hospital admissions and prescriptions through improved risk management is being piloted in the UK by 10 primary care trusts (PCTs), and has been well received. "Evercare nurses" are based on a US model of an expanded clinical role. The pilots report good results in increasing quality of social care. However, there has been criticism of diverted resources and an unthinking importing of US ideas. This article reports on Evercare projects in Airedale, Bristol South and West, Bristol North, and South Gloucestershire PCTs. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.hsj.co.uk  |  Target group: PCT  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 0952-2271 Notes: Explaining about ... sheltered housing and the Single Assessment Process [authors: Peter Huntbach, Jilly Alexander] Journal article in Working with Older People, December 2005, vol 9, issue 4, pp 8-11. The authors explain in this article, that for many professionals within the sheltered housing sector, this is a time of real change and opportunity. There are benefits to be reaped for residents and staff by connecting health, housing and social care professionals through the Single Assessment Process and this article outlines how SAP does work in practice within the sheltered housing service and where it sits with the assessments and support plans already undertaken. It concludes that sheltered housing providers will have to adapt their working practises to incorporate needs assessments and support plans, as required by Supporting People. To do so will help both residents to be at the centre of the process and establish the role of staff within the whole system of care management. Contact Details: Peter Huntbach Tel: +44 (0)1273 293248  |  Fax: E–mail: peter.huntback@brighton-hove.gov.uk |  Web links:  |  Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 13663666 Notes: Find the connections Social care research has to take account of the increasing amount of partnership and joint working [author: Bob Hudson] (20 January 2005) Article in: Community Care, no 1556, pp 36-37. This article reports on a Good practice : developing an evidence base conference held by the Integrated Care Network to develop effective working in partnership and integration. The need to take a broad interpretation of what constitutes research is emphasised and three levels of thinking about joint working are identified. Examples of local practitioner-researcher programmes are outlined. Contact Details: bob@bobhudsonconsulting.com Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.communitycare.co.uk  |  Target group: SSD  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 03075508 Notes: For patients' sake, don't boycott e-health records Personal view [author: Marlene Winfield] 21 July 2007 A brief article in the BMJ (British Medical Journal), 21 July 2007, vol 335, p158. The author is a national patient lead, NHS Connecting for Health, London - but gives a personal view on the BMA's decision to advise general practitioners to boycott the creation of summary care records for their patients. The author does not accept that the risks of a breach of confidentiality about health information on a patient's record, justifies a wholesale boycott by GPs. The patient will have several options to safeguard what health information is on the summary care record on the national database and GPs should be reassured by this process. The author concludes that "True collaboration produces better outcomes for both patients and the NHS than paternalism". Contact Details: Marlene Winfield Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail: marlene.winfield@nhs.net |  Web links: http://www.bmj.com  |  Target group: HAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 09598138 Notes: Green paper pledges 'virtual' care trust for every council HSJ Exclusive: Next month's ground-breaking document will establish 'duty to co-operate' [author: Daniel Martin ] (16 December 2004) Article in: Health Service Journal, vol 114, no 5936, p5. The green paper for adult social care will propose that every council should set up a new kind of 'virtual' care trust. HSJ has learned that the paper, due out next month, will give every council a duty to set up a care trust, involving the director of adult social services and representatives of primary care trusts. The green paper will outline a model for care trusts similar to that for children's trusts, which are currently being rolled out across England. The 'duty to co-operate' between the NHS and local authorities will require legislation. HSJ has termed this development as a "Sure Start" for older people's services. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail: daniel.martin@emap.com |  Web links: http://www.hsj.co.uk  |  Target group: LA/HAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 0952-2271 Notes: Happy ever after [Unique Care, an alternative to Evercare] [author: Ann Dix] (9 December 2004) Article in: Health Service Journal, vol 114, no 5935, pp 28-31. Unique Care, which is based on case management (itself a US model of care) is now being promoted by the National Primary Care Development Team (NPDT) as a more viable alternative to the Evercare model for managing people with long-term conditions. This article describes how the Castlefields health centre in Runcorn, run by national primary care director Dr David Colin-Thomé, has been using this form of managed care for more than four years. Those over 65s who are likely to become high users of hospital services are identifIed, and their conditions are managed in ways that reduce hospital admissions. This work involves a half-time nurse and full-time social worker case manager. The practice has also extended case management to mental health. Case management of cancer patients is also being piloted in 9 PCTs, including Halton, Castlefields' local PCT. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.hsj.co.uk  |  Target group: LA/HA  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 0952-2271 Notes: National Primary Care Development Team: http:// www.npdt.org Home comforts Prescribed telecare packages could help older or vulnerable people live at home safely for longer. So why are they not more widely used? [author: Beverly Castleton] (September 2006) Article in HSJ Intelligence (supplement) within Health Service Journal, 21 September 2006, p11. Dr Castleton is Associate Medical Director at North Surrey PCT describes how work in the PCT has begun to show how telecare can be brought into the mainstream of care delivery and applied on a community-wide scale, bringing an improved quality of life of the people who use it. The model of care is based on the Columba Project for independent living and is a collaboration between the PCT, Runnymede BC, Careline and telecare solutions specialist Tunstall. Two key elements were involved: an intermediate care team for assessing patient needs and equipping a dedicated short-term residential unit with telecare equipment, to familiarise patients with the technology and help to re-able them. After a period in the unit - typically four to six weeks - two-thirds of patients were able to live independently at home, supported by home care, supplemented by a prescribed telecare package. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: www.hsj.co.uk  |  Target group: LAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 09522271 Notes: Identifying the development needs of community matrons [authors:Alison Pooler, Pam Campbell] (12 September 2006) Article in Nursing Times, 12 September 2006, pp 36-38. The aim of this research was to gain some insight into the needs of community matrons from both the practitioners' and managers' perspectives. Focus groups with community matrons in different PCTs were used. These groups identified that skills in physical assessment and prescribing were taken as prerequisites or essential to the role, and that the educational priorities were viewed as clinical education relating to the management of many long-term conditions linked to major causes of unplanned admissions. The preferred format for education appears to be work-based learning delivered by clinicians. It is concluded that PCTs need to ensure that community matrons have their learning needs assessed and to put in place systems of work-based learning that allow for appropriate development. Although matrons themselves may not initially see the value of non-clinical education, this will be vital to the long-term success of their role. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: www.nursingtimes.net  |  Target group: HAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 09547762 Notes: Implementing the single assessment for older people [authors: Keith V Wilson, Angie Clegg, Frances Fairclough et al] An article in Nursing Times, vol 101, no 43, 25 October 2005 issue, pp 32-35. The National Service Framework for Older People envisages that the single assessment process will act as a key driver in the improvement of services for older people. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust implemented a form of contact assessment that works in both hospital and community settings. In this instance, as a result of introducing SAP, improved person-centred information follows the patient on discharge. In conclusion, it is suggested that whilst awaiting the arrival of the NHS IT strategy (or a local interim SAP software solution), a window of opportunity exists for staff to ensure the principles of the SAP are well-established and practised among staff team before the additional and challenging requirement to learn a new software application becomes necessary. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.nursingtimes.net  |  Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 09547762 Notes: Implementing the Single Assessment Process driving change or expecting the impossible? [authors: David McNally, Michelle Cornes, Roger Clough] (April 2003) Article in: Journal of Integrated Care, vol 11, issue 2, pp 18-29 The authors consider the potential for single assessment to overcome longstanding difficulties with care management. and look at initial progress in one SHA area in northern England. They identify some key priorities for the next stages of local implementation, and conclude that not only is much more work required in localities, but additional national guidance and resources may also be required. Contact Details: Pavilion Publishing, The Ironworks, Cheapside, Brighton BN1 4GD. Tel: 0870 161 3505  |  Fax: 0870 161 3506 E–mail: info@pavpub.com |  Web links: http://www.pavpub.com  |  Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 14615436 Notes: David McNally (formerly Local Implementation Officer, National Service Framework for Older People, Knowsley Primary Care Trust), now at Trafford Primary Care Trusts, tel 0161 873 9572; Email: david.mcnally@trafford-pcts.nhs.uk Implementing the Single Assessment Process: Opportunities and challenges [author: Dr Angela Dickinson] [August 2006] Article in Journal of Interprofessional Care, Volume 20, Number 4 (August 2006), pp. 365 - 379 The aim of the study was to evaluate a pilot introduction of the Single Assessment Process in the South-East of England. A qualitative case study design, incorporating observation and semi-structured interviews, was used to collect data. Assessment visits were observed and recorded, and interviews were carried out with older people and their carers (n = 9), health and social care practitioners, operational managers, and other key individuals involved in the pilot (n = 26). Overall the evaluation found three major themes that had an impact on the implementation of the Single Assessment Process. These were: the process of implementing policy and change; the health and social care boundary; and communication and sharing of assessments. Front-line practitioners had a major impact on SAP implementation, particularly through their reluctance to engage with the process, work together and share assessments. Success of the national SAP implementation will depend on the extent to which those working directly with older people can be engaged in the policy process. Contact Details: Dr Angela Dickinson, Centre for Research in Primary and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK. Tel: 01707 285993  |  Fax: E–mail: a.m.dickinson@herts.ac.uk |  Web links:  |  Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: Notes: Implementing the single assessment process using the Minimum Data Set - Home Care : a pilot study [author: Julia Miller, Sandra Birnie, Kim Dutton (et al)] (December 2004) Article in: Nursing Older People, vol 16, no 9, pp 14-18. Julie Miller and colleagues describe a study designed to examine the role of contact assessment in primary care. The study was carried out in six GP surgeries - two in Chester, three in Ellesmere Port and one in rural Cheshire - with the social service access team and the social service blue badge scheme. The project was run for one week in primary care and the blue badge scheme, and three weeks in social services. Each patient of 75 years and over who attended the GP surgery and each client of 65 years and over who contacted the access team of blue badge scheme during the pilot was asked to complete the self-assessment questionnaire. The article gives further details including the findings with discussion. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.nursingolderpeople.co.uk  |  Target group: HA  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 1472-0795 Notes: In sickness and in health Domiciliary workers act as agents of independence, enabling older and disabled people to stay at home. But they have to put up with low pay. [author: Anabel Unity Sale] An article in Community Care, 16 November 2006, issue 1649, pp26-27. The author joins a domiciliary worker for a Monday morning shift and observes the stresses and strains of the work at first hand. The home care worker is with a private care provider (Enara Community Care) working within the London Borough of Islington, one of seven agencies it uses. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: www.communitycare.co.uk  |  Target group: LA/HAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 03075508 Notes: In the same boat : [managing staff from social care, health and housing] [author: Sarah Wellard] (August 2005) Article in Community Care, issue 1587, 25 August 2005, pp 40-41. (Management in practice series) A case study of the single assessment process and multi-agency working in Sedgefield PCT, County Durham spearheaded by Ann Workman (Community Partnership Manager), who has led the pathfinder team since May 2004. Adult social care, health and housing departments are being reorganised into five neighbourhood level multi-disciplinary teams, with district nurses, social workers and housing support officers all working together. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.communitycare.co.uk  |  Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 03075508 Notes: Information needs of United Kingdom primary care clinicians [author: Deborah A Swinglehurst] Article in Health Information and Libraries Journal, vol 22, no 3, pp 196-204. This paper reviews the literature on the information needs of primary care clinicians to enable evidence-based decision making. Drawing on the literaure, and using a specific example of a clinical informaticist service, some lessons are drawn onthe role of information professionals in facilitating evidence-based health care. (The specific example is based in the Imperial College, London). It was concluded that evidence-based information to clinician's questions in a user-friendly format has the potential to facilitate changes in practice. The successful implementation of information services requires attention to both academic and service dimensions, fostering closer working relationships between clinicians and information professionals. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/hir  |  Target group: HAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 1471-1834 Notes: Inside multi-disciplinary practice challenges for single assessment [authors: Michelle Cornes, Roger Clough] (April 2004) Article in: Journal of Integrated Care, vol 12, issue 2, pp 18-29 The authors draw on their study on assessment and care management practice in three localities in North West England, which tracked older people's journeys through the health and social care system, and now highlights some of the key issues which will need to be tackled if the new single assesment process (SAP) is to become user and carer friendly. They argue that the concept of the "whole system" is a misnomer, and a more accurate picture is one of "disputed territory". They suggest that too much emphasis has been placed on IT systems and paperwork, and that the real challenge is to cut through the jargon of modernisation, and to see things from a wholly different perspective. Some discussion topics to aid local implementation of SAP are suggested. Contact Details: Pavilion Publishing, The Ironworks, Cheapside, Brighton BN1 4GD. Tel: 0870 161 3505  |  Fax: 0870 161 3506 E–mail: info@pavpub.com |  Web links: http://www.pavpub.com  |  Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 14615436 Notes: Other contact details: michellecornes@aol.com Inter-agency information sharing in health and social care services: the role of professional culture [authors: Sue Richardson, Sheena Asthana] An article in the journal : British Journal of Social Work, vol 36, no 4, June 2006, pp657-669. This article uses a literature review to examine the ways in which professional culture might shape inter-organizational exchange of personal information in a health and social care context. The aim is to explore a simplified model of possible information-sharing behaviours ("ideal, over-open, over-cautious, and chaotic") and to suggest that patterns of information sharing may be influenced by a number of factors. It is proposed that these factors include not only inter-professional differences in the approach taken to information sharing but also the ways in which the professions inter-relate. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail: sue.richardson@plymouth.ac.uk |  Web links: http://www.bjsw.oxfordjournals.org  |  Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 00453102 Notes: Interprofessional Mentorship: taking on the challenge [authors:Michelle Marshall, Frances Gordon] (April 2005) Article in the Journal of Integrated Care, vol 13, no 2, April 2005 pp 38-43. The current emphasis on the development of an interprofessional workforce in health and social care puts interprofessional learning at the heart of undergraduate curricula. This paper explores the concept of interprofessional mentorship and considers how this role might be developed in order to faciliate interprofessional learning in the practice placement. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail: f.gordon@sheffield.ac.uk |  Web links:  |  Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 14769018 Notes: Involving older people in the implementation of the National Service Framework making progress in the North West [authors: David McNally, Michelle Cornes, Pat Leahy] (December 2002) Article in: MCC: Building knowledge for integrated care [Managing Community Care] vol 10, no 6, pp 37-42. Central to the National Service Framework for Older People (NSF) is the belief that older people should be involved as "genuine partners" in the implementation process. The authors describe how regional and local implementation teams (LITs) in North West England are working in partnership to develop a coherent and sustainable strategy for engaging with older people. They note that in the NSF there is little in the way of guidance on how to translate the rhetoric of partnerships into practice. Their article considers older people's views regarding aspects of services that need inproving, what matters most to older people, and involving older people in LITs, for which some points for good practice guidance are suggested. Although no reference is made to the Single Assessment Process, the material is relevant to Standard Two of the NSF and person-centred care. Contact Details: Pavilion, The Ironworks, Cheapside, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 4GD. Tel: +44 (0)1273 623222  |  Fax: +44 (0)1273 625526 E–mail: info@pavpub.com |  Web links: http://www.pavpub.com  |  Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 14615436 Notes: MCC: Building knowledge for integrated care [Managing Community Care] continues as Journal of Integrated Care in 2003. David McNally (formerly Local Implementation Officer, National Service Framework for Older People, Knowsley Primary Care Trust), now at Trafford Primary Care Trusts, tel 0161 873 9572; Email: david.mcnally@trafford-pcts.nhs.uk Journal of Dementia Care for all who work with people with dementia This journal is published six times a year by Hawker Publications. Its Advisory Board includes many prominent specialists in the field of dementia and its Consultant Editors are Tracy Packer, Consultant Nurse in dementia care, North Bristol NHS Trust and Jill Manthorpe, Professor of Social Work, King's College London. The journal is a multidisciplinary journal for all professional staff working with people with dementia, in hospitals, nursing and residential care homes, day units and the community. The journal is committed to improving the quality of care provided for people with dementia, by keeping readers abreast of news and views, research, developments, practice and training issues. The journal is grounded firmly in practice with articles on care practice, vocational issues, technology developments in the field, reviews of resources and events. Contact Details: Sue Benson (Editor) Subscriptions, ESCO Business Services, Robjohns Farm, Vicarage Road, Finchingfield, Essex CM7 4LJ Tel: +44 (0)1371 810433  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links:  |  Target group:  |  Type / Format: journal Availability / Price: annual subscription rate: UK institutional £70 (dd £60)  |  ISBN/ISSN: 1351-8372 Notes: Link Age shows its benefits [assessment of] progress on modernising provision for older people [author:Chris Smith] (15 February 2005) Article in: Care and Health Magazine, issue 101, pp 12-13 Link Age strategy is the contribution of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to modernise benefit provision and create an integrated network of services for older people. Link Age is designed to ensure older people, or their carers, get their state benefits as soon as possible; it also involves local authorities, voluntary groups, GPs and nurses, and large charities such as Age Concern have also signed up. The DWP has opened its computer system to partner organisations to speed up claims and people trained in giving benefit advice can sort out a claim as part of the single assessment process; and this can involve form-filling by a trained volunteer. Examples of current practice cited in the article are the Care Direct call-centre in Somerset and Nottinghamshire County Council pilot schemes overseen by John Hannam, Link Age Project Manager. The impact of Link Age to date will be assessed at a conference chaired by the Local Government Association (LGA) in London in the last week of February. Contact Details: Chris Smith Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.careandhealth.com  |  Target group: LA/HAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 14779994 Notes: Mainstreaming interprofessional partnerships in a metropolitan borough [Author: Dave Doyle, Michelle Cornes] (October 2006) An article in Journal of Intergrated Care, vol 14, issue 5, October 2006, pp27-46 This article reflects 'practice wisdom' on the development of interprofessional partnerships for older people in a metropolitan borough in north west England. It is suggested that most interprofessional partnership working continues to sit outside mainstream services, and that integration and seamless service remain a significant challenge. The focus is on local plans for service reconfiguration ('Go Integral') and their likely implications for non-traditional services such as intermediate care and falls prevention. Finally, the social care and social work values are shown to glue the system together so that it becomes easily accessible and meaningful to older people. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail: dave.doyle@knowsley.gov.uk |  michellecornes@aol.com Web links: http://www.pavpub.com  |  Target group: LAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 14769018 Notes: Matron's mate Community matrons can save money and improve care - and Nina Barnett and colleagues have the evidence to prove it An article in Health Service Journal, vol 116, no 6032, 16 November 2006, pp26-27. A brief article featuring the work of Harrow PCT who decided to explore the community matron role through a pilot supervised by a steering group from health, social care and clinical governance which included Nina Barnett and colleagues. Harrow PCT recruited 2 matrons in December 2005 who were then trained and accredited in advanced clinical skills, as well as being assigned mentors. In the first 3 months of the pilot, the trusts identified GP practices that wanted to support its objectives and help in the accurate identification of high-risk patients, particularly vulnerable older people; and the Department of Health's patients at risk of readmission (PARR) tool was used in conjunction with other data. This pilot suggests that community matrons can make a positive difference to vulnerable patients and reduce care costs for the PCT. In a wider context, it has highlighted the need for service redesign, as the community matron role can provide both the co-ordination and supervision needed to develop an existing but often fragmented service. (Nina Barnett is a specialist pharmacist for older people at Harrow PCT, pharmacist prescriber for the Denham Unit nursing home and pharmacy adviser for older people for London, Eastern and South East Specialist Pharmacy Services). Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.hsj.co.uk  |  Target group: HAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 09522271 Notes: Multi-disciplinary person-centred care: has government policy helped or hindered? [author: Wendy Parkinson] (October 2004) Article in: Nursing Older People, vol 16, no 7, pp14-17. Government policy appears to make all the right noises about person-centred care for older people, but, asks the author, what is the reality behind the rhetoric? The author concludes that for those people cared for at home, exclusion criteria have become increasingly wide and there are fewer people receiving community care. Is the focus really on the older person or is it on the resources available? If the latter, how does this impact on 'patient choice'? Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.nursingolderpeople.co.uk  |  Target group: LA/HAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 14720795 Notes: NTAwards 2004 - Nursing Older People (19 October 2004) Article in: Nursing Times, vol 100, no 42, p 63 Marie Barnes and Josie Melia were overall winners for the NTAwards 2004 Nursing Older People, for the development of the older people's champions network at St Helen's and Knowsley NHS Hospital Acute Trust. The NSF requires every trust to have an identified 'champion' of older people's services. Ms Barnes has taken this concept and developed it to an entire network of older people's champions within the Trust - 85 so far - all volunteers who include porters, ward hostesses and nurses. Highly commended entries in this category were presented to: William Anderson, Canterbury and Coastal PCT, for the establishment of a specialist support team for nursing homes; Elisabeth Baranowski, Sarah Bray and Gill Bedson, all from Luton PCT, for an Evercare project describing the APN (Advanced Primary Nurse) role; Mark Dowell, Gateshead Health NHS Trust, for a service providing rapid access to specialist stroke management; and a further Evercare project involving the roll-out of the APN role across three PCTs presented to Aileen Fraser, Joanne Chambers and Neil Willison, from Bristol North PCT, South Gloucestershire PCT and Bristol North PCT respectively. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.nursingtimes.net  |  Target group: SHAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 0954-7762 Notes: Nurse-led implementation of the single assessment process in primary care: a descriptive feasibility study [authors: H C Roberts, Z M Hemsley, G Thomas (et al)] (July 2006) An article in the journal : Age and Ageing, July 2006, vol 35, no 4, pp 394-398. The objective of this study was to determine the resources required to carry out the single assessment process in one urban primary care practice, in Southampton. The participants were 944 people aged 70+ years, registered with the practice, not living in residential/nursing home or terminally ill. Participants were sent the six-item Sherbrooke questionnaire (case-finding tool); 863 (91%) of participants replied. From such results as detailed, it was concluded that targeting those scoring 3+ on the Sherbrooke questionnaire (28% of the sample) may improve the identification of patients who would benefit from further assessment. A contact approach rather than a case-finding one may improve the relevance of this process to older people. Contact Details: Helen C Roberts Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail: hcr@soton.ac.uk |  Web links: http://www.ageing.oxfordjournals.org  |  Target group: HAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 00020729 Notes: Older and wiser [interview with Ian Philp, National Director of Older People's Health] [author: Alexis Nolan] (9 December 2004) Article in: Health Service Journal, vol 114, no 5935, pp 18-19. April 2005 marks the last of the milestones in the National Service Framework for Older People (NSF), when every health and social care system should have an integrated falls service. This article outlines the findings of Ian Philp's report, "Better health in old age"; refers to the forthcoming green paper on adult social services; and lists priorities for older people's services. Philp stresses the importance of implementing the single assessment process (SAP): although it is "the most difficult, but potentially the most transformational part of the older people's programme, he describes it as the "hard wiring that pulls together the reforms in primary, intermediate, emergency and social care, long-term conditions and mental health issues." Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.hsj.co.uk  |  Target group: LA/HA  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 0952-2271 Notes: Older people's perception of healthcare [authors: Obaid Khan, Theresa Allain, Christine Purvis] Article in : Geriatric Medicine, vol 35, no 9, September 2005, pp27-33. Comprehensive assessment and provision of holistic care to older patients depends upon positive multi-disciplinary attitude and enthusiasm. In this article, the authors discuss a recent local survey they conducted to determine whether or not older patients exposed to health care services in North Bristol approve of staff attitudes towards them and their care. The working group consisted of the clinical audit project lead, the clinical audit facilitator and five members of the patient panel. A questionnaire was designed and given to 86 patients who were over 70 years, cognitively intact and who had spent more than 15 days in hospital. 71 patients returned their questionnaire (not all were fully completed). The audit was undertaken on two of the hospital sites - Frenchay, an acute hospital setting and Blackberry Hill, a rehabilitation care centre. In conclusion, it was acknowledged that a significant number of respondents remain concerned about the need to repeat the same information unnecessarily and they would like staff to be able to communicate with them in a more effective manner. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.gerimed.co.uk  |  Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 0268201X Notes: On the case [critique of case management based on US-style Evercare] (11 January 2005) Article in: Care and Health Magazine, issue 96, pp16-18. This article considers whether too much emphasis is placed in the Evercare model for the UK on health at the expense of social care. Evercare, is part of the United Healthcare Group based in Minnesota, USA. The Kaiser Permanente programme is briefly considered as an alternative model. The author reviews the progress of Evercare providing two pilot programmes, Halton PCT and Bexley Care Trust as case studies. The views of the Long Term Medical Conditions Alliance, Age Concern, Help the Aged, and those within the Department of Health are amongst those quoted. The article urges readers to consider the recent report by the King's Fund, "Case managing long-term conditions: what impact does it have in the treatment of older people?" (King's Fund, November 2004) Contact Details: Mike George Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.careandhealth.com  |  Target group: LA/HAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 14779994 Notes: On the receiving end [author: Kina Avebury] (September 2004) Article in: Working with Older people, volume 8, issue 3, pp 27-30 Kina Avebury writes of her experiences of being on the receiving end of assessment and service provision as an older person, following a personal accident in her home which is in the London Borough of Hackney. Kina Avebury is herself, a highly experienced social services and social care practitioner. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.pavpub.com  |  Target group: LA/HA  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 1366-3666 Notes: One for all [implementation of the single assessment process] [author: Mark Hunter] (3 July 2003) Article in: Community Care, no 1479, pp 30-31. It is now more than two years since the single assessment process (SAP) was announced as part of the National Service Framework for Older People (NSF). The SAP is intended to help local agencies simplify health and social care assessments for older people. However, as the deadline for implementation (1 April 2004) approaches, many authorities are still confused over the government's guidance and funding. In Cambridgeshire, the local implementation team has piloted a paper-based SAP format used by health, social care and housing staff and then adapted it to the computerised Cambridge assessment tool. The article notes that the London Older People's Service Development Programme has piloted joint initiatives between health and social services in a variety of settings. Jonathan Monks, the SAP programme manager in Worcestershire has reservations as to the readiness of authorities such as his for full SAP implementation in April 2004. He is also concerned about the cost of commercially available assessment systems, and the implementation guidance being 'too prescriptive and too complicated'. So he is trying to simplify the process and 'produce tools that people can actually use', in the belief that SAP will 'eventually produce the kind of one-stop assessment shop originally envisaged in the National Service Framework for Older People' (NSF). Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.communitycare.co.uk  |  Target group: SSD  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 03075508 Notes: Opening doors A scheme being trialled in Norttinghamshire is extending the ethos of direct payments by allowing some service users to do their own assessments of their needs. [author: Simon Creasey] An article in Community Care, 16 November 2006, issue 1649, p51. This article focuses on the Midlands self assessment pilot undertaken in Nottinghamshire Council which received £60,000 and has three occupational therapists pulling the project together, which is being led by Pete McGavin from its social services department. The focus is on the distribution of cheap, easy to use equipment that can help the county's service users. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: www.communitycare.co.uk  |  Target group: LA/HAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 03075508 Notes: Outcomes-focused social care services for older people - progress and possibilities [authors: Caroline Glendinning, Sue Clarke, Philippa Hare et al] (November 2006) Research findings from the Social Policy Research Unit: Research Works, 2006-03, November 2006; SPRU, University of York. Outcomes-focused services are now central to Government policies. In order to help social care services in their implementation of this new way of working, SPRU was invited by the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) to research the outcomes valued by older people and the best methods for developing an outcomes-focused service. This Research Works contains the key findings from this research, including case studies from selected localities showing significant developments in intermediate care and reablement services. Barriers to a successful implementation of an outcomes approach are also discussed. The study was carried out by SPRU and Acton Shapiro. The full report (152pp) is published by SCIE (December 2006) as one of its Knowledge Reviews (number 13). It is entitled 'Outcomes-focused services for older people'. Contact Details: The University of York, Heslington, York Y010 5DD Tel: +44 (0)1904 321950  |  Fax: E–mail: SPRU@york.ac.uk |  Web links: http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/spru/pubs/ccatreps.htm  |  Target group: LAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price: download  |  ISBN/ISSN: Notes: Person-centred assessment with older people [author: Jonathan Webster] (May 2004) Article in: Nursing Older People, May 2004, vol 16 no 3, pp 22-27 This practice article describes the principles behind the assessment of older people's needs and the challenges inherent in developing a person-centred framework for assessment. It suggests that person-centred assessment calls for skilled, empowered and well supported nurses who are able to work in creative, innovative ways and who recognise that the needs of the older person are at the centre of all therapeutic working. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.nursingolderpeople.co.uk  |  Target group: Nursing staff  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 1472-0795 Notes: Person-centred assessment with older people [author: Jonathan Webster] An article in Nursing Older People, vol 16, no 3, May 2004 pp 22-28. This article describes the principles behind the assessment of older people's needs and the challenges inherent in developing a person-centred framework for assessment. It suggests that person-centred assessment calls for skilled, empowered and well-supported nurses who are able to work in creative, innovative ways and who recognise that the needs of the older person are at the centre of all therapeutic working. This article is published as part of the Continuing Professional Development series for nursing staff and as such, it has mini-assessment exercises to do and a number of bibliographic references. The author is Consultant Nurse for Older People at the Royal West Sussex NHS Trust and Western Sussex PCT. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.nursingolderpeople.co.uk  |  Target group: HAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 09547762 Notes: A picture of health [a successful example of joint working between health and social care] [author: Vari Drennan, Steve Iliffe, Deborah Haworth (et al)] (24 April 2003) Article in: Health Service Journal, vol 113, no 5852, pp22-24. The Well-Being project, a scheme offering joint health and social care assessment to people aged 75+ in the London Borough of Camden identified more than a quarter of them as needing its services. This article by a group of researchers from the Royal Free and University College Medical School notes that using general practitioners (GPs) to identify the target population proved inefficient, as almost half of those contacted were no longer at the same address. Assessments, conducted by a community nurse and a social welfare officer, often involved two visits. Given such problems, the article suggests that the project has provided valuable learning for implementing targets in the National Service Framework for older people (NSF), including single assessment, falls prevention, and reviewing medication. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.hsj.co.uk  |  Target group: PCT/SSD  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 0952-2271 Notes: Profiling intermediate care patients using the single assessment process : a road to better service provision? [authors: Mathew Mackenzie, Iain Carpenter, Kathy Kotiadis] Article in: Journal of Integrated Care, August 2005, vol 13, issue 4, pp 43-48. This paper demonstrates that three intermediate care services in Shepway, East Kent each cater for distinct patient groups, and that data from a single assessment process (SAP) tool can be used to differentiate between them. By applying statistical techniques, inferences can be made about the likelihood of admission to a particular service, given specific health characteristics. In conclusion, the utility of standardised assessment as a means of providing data for audit and planning is highlighted, and the importance of the SAP as a means of developing care services is stressed by the authors. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail: M.Mackenzie@kent.ac.uk |  Web links: http:www.pavpub.com  |  Target group: LAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 1476-9018 Notes: Protecting electronic data Nurses are using laptops to store patients' personal data but how can you ensure this information is safe? [author: Martin Allen] (11 July 2006) Journal article in Nursing Times, 11 July 2006, pp 20-21. This brief article does look at practical ways in which patient records stored on laptops can be protected, given the increased use of portable IT in the healthcare sector. Healthcare staff are urged to ensure solutions are in place before any mishap occurs, as laptops are particularly vulnerable to theft. The use of data encryption is recommended. The author is the Managing Director of Pointsec Mobile Technologies. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.pointsec.com  |  http://www.nursingtimes.net Target group: HAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 09547762 Notes: Respect your elders [mental health services for older people] [author: William Little] (17 March 2005) Article in: Health Service Journal, vol 115, no 5947, pp 25-26. Report on progress made by the Department of Health as compared to the NSF for older people's mental health services (Standard 7). Voluntary organisations claim none of the milestones that should have been established in April 2004 have been achieved; and the DH also admits to progress that is "patchy". There is concern that age discrimination is particularly entrenched in the mental health services. Further analysis of the situation is supported by Age Concern and Susan Benbow, of the National Institute for Mental Health in England and examples of good practice are cited - flexible carers service - by Age Concern Oxfordshire and training being carried out by Bolton, Salford and Trafford Mental Health Trust. Readers are also directed to Godfrey and Denby's book " Depression and Older People: towards securing wellbeing in later life" (2004, Marston Book Services)(see separate entry). Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.hsj.co.uk  |  http://www.publications.doh.gov.uk/nsf/olderpeople Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 09522271 Notes: Risk management and older people [author: Margaret Dangoor] (October 2004) Article in: Care, issue 4, pp4-5. The author writes as Executive Director of the Association of Litigation and Risk Management, ALARM, an organisation which supports managers working in the NHS with a particular responsibility for patient safety. This brief article outlines the work of ALARM and refers to an article by Jane Cowan published in the journal "Clinical Governance: an international journal" (5 Feb 2003, vol 8, no 1, pp92-95) that suggests patient safety and risk management has not been given enough emphasis in the NSF for Older People. The single assessment process should play a key role in alerting professionals, userrs and carers to exploring risk issues and making it a factor in the assessment. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.counselandcare.org.uk  |  Target group: HAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: Notes: Sea change or quick fix? Policy on long-term conditions in England [author: Bob Hudson] (July 2005) Article in: Health and Social Care in the Community, vol 13, no 4 pp 378-385. Long-term conditions is a policy area that has risen rapidly up the political agenda in England, culminating in the development of the National Health Service and Social Care Model in 2005, which is to be implemented over the following 2 years. The Model draws heavily upon US ideas of case management and proposes the creation of 3000 community matrons to undertake this role with the most vulnerable patients. Although welcomed in principle, the specific proposals in the Model have been subject to some criticism, and these issues are explored in this paper. The problematic areas include patient identification, transplanting US models to England, the role of case management, workforce and funding issues and the mix of medical and social models. The author concludes that there is a danger of long-term care policy developing an unduly health-focused approach at a time when the thrust of partnership working is towards an inclusive, whole-system model. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail: bob.hudson@durham.ac.uk |  Web links:  |  Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 09660410 Notes: Senior and heard a programme to address the social as well as medical needs of old people has given a shot in the arm to London boroughs, as national service framework targets loom [author: Mary-Louise Harding ] (12 February 2004) Article in: Health Service Journal, vol 114, no 5892, pp32-33. A service development programme is helping London boroughs meet deadlines for national service frameworks for older people. The scheme identifies older people at risk - high-resource users aged 75 and over - and co-ordinates work across care-team boundaries. Hospital admissions among the elderly people the project has helped have dropped by 47per cent. An evaluation of the programme is being undertaken by the Institute for Applied Health and Social Policy. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.hsj.co.uk  |  Target group: LA/HA  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 0952-2271 Notes: Sharing letters with patients : one year on [Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust experience] [author: Simon Eaton] Article in : Geriatric Medicine, vol 35, no 9, September 2005, pp 21-25. Since April 2004 patients have had the right to receive a copy of any letter written about them. As a follow-up to his review of this policy last year, Dr Eaton discusses the experiences over the past year of implementation of this policy within Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust. In this period, various efforts were taken to ascertain views, comments and concerns about the policy thoughout the Trust and local primary care services. On the whole, implementation of this policy has been successful and considerably less problematic than anticipated. However, care needs to be taken though in the language used and sensitivity needs to be employed when relaying new information or diagnosis. The major workload impact was focused on preparing and sending out the letters. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.gerimed.co.uk  |  Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 0268201X Notes: 'Single' assessment for older people comparison of the MDS-HC with current auditable methods in the home care setting [authors: G Iain Carpenter, David J Challis, Cameron Swift] (October 2005) Article in: Journal of Integrated Care, vol 13, issue 5, pp 35-41 A randomised controlled trial compared the the extent to which the the Minimum Data Set - Home Care (MDS-HC) and current community care assessments (CCAs) used in assessing older people met the following criteria: usable by a range of professionals including social workers; a tool which exhibits reliability; a practical tool for workers in the field; sensitivity to change; auditable in terms of both the process and the product of the assessment; sufficiently comprehensive to cover the key domains relevant for care of older people; and improve need identification. The study was conducted in two social service departments (SSDs) with 384 subjects aged 65+ meeting these criteria. The authors outline methods used and discuss the results. They find that use of a well-developed standardised assessment (the MDS-HC) was associated with much better coverage of key domains than that of existing assessment instruments: it is likely that the instrument's characteristics were the key to better auditable results. They note that MDS-HC took no longer to use than existing assessments, and conclude that assessment methods of unproven reliability and validity may jeopardise the interests of older people and the need to raise assessment standards. Contact Details: Pavilion, Richmond House, Richmond Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 3RL. Tel: 01273 623222  |  Fax: 01273 625526 E–mail: info@pavpub.com |  Web links: http://www.pavpub.com  |  Target group: SAP leads, SSDs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 14769018 Notes: Address for correspondence: Professor G I Carpenter, CHSS, George Allan Wing, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NE. Tel 01227 827868 Fax 01227 827868 E-mail: G.I.Carpener@kent.ac.uk Single assessment in acute hospitals [authors: David McNally, Jan Peet] (September 2003) Article in: Working with Older People, vol 7, no 3, pp 18-21 National guidance on the single assessment process (SAP) focuses on its implementation in localities. While this should include hospitals, the authors note that local progress on the SAP has generally only been made in the community. A joint St Helens and Knowsley Older People's Service collaborative project with Whiston and St Helens Hospitals seeks to improve older people's experience of hospital care and discharge through implementing single assessment. This is one of 10 collaborative projects in the north-west, which tackles various aspects of the National Service Framework for Older People (NSF). The authors outline how single assessment in an acute hospital has been implemented alongside that in the community, which will not only ensure continuity but also reduces the number of times older people are asked for information. Contact Details: Pavilion Publishing, The Ironworks, Cheapside, Brighton BN1 4GD. Tel: 0870 161 3505  |  Fax: 0870 161 3506 E–mail: info@pavpub.com |  Web links: http://www.pavpub.com  |  Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 13663666 Notes: David McNally (formerly Local Implementation Officer, National Service Framework for Older People, Knowsley Primary Care Trust), now at Trafford Primary Care Trusts, tel 0161 873 9572; e-mail: david.mcnally@trafford-pcts.nhs.uk Jan Peet is St Helen's & Knowsley Older People's Collaborative Project Manager. Email: janpeet2311@aol.com Striving for fusion Partly due to its geography and economies of scale, south west local authorities have a history of working collaboratively A one page article in Community Care, 7th September 2006, issue 1639, p52. The single assessment process was specified as the way forward in the government's National Service Framework for Older People, but councils in the South West (Cornwall, Devon, Torbay and Plymouth along with NHS agencies) have extended it to apply to all adults with health and social care needs. The process is aimed at simplifying assessments, reducing duplication and empowering service users to a far greater extent than before. It also allows for sharing of information between professionals working for different agencies, once the consent of the service user has been gained. This brief article outlines how the South West has achieved this using champions across the organisations and running group events that were funded by the Modernisation Agency for all stakeholders. The collaboration hopes to sign a contract with an IT supplier in the next few months and launch the e-SAP in early 2007. Heather Eardley, is the Programme Manager for South West Pennisula SAP. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: www.communitycare.co.uk  |  Target group: LA/HAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 03075508 Notes: Taking the accent off the acute [Mithran Samuel] 15 June 2006 Journal article in Community Care, 15 June 2006, pp 26-29. One of the three articles which examine the challenges faced by a health service in the throes of fundamental reforms, against a background of anxiety in the NHS over increased costs, which are hampering the development of preventive services and partnerships with social care. The author finds that the shift of capacity and resources from acute to community services must overcome conflicts between some of the policy strands currently operating and change fatigue among GPs and at primary care trusts A discussion forum is available on the website of Community Care which poses the question : do you think the government's changes will lead to a leaner, more locally responsive health service within five years? Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.communitycare.co.uk  |  Target group: HAs/LAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 03075508 Notes: Teleaddicts Telemedicine and community matrons are among the options being explored by a Kent PCT fighting to keep emergency admissions down An article in Health Service Journal, vol 116, no 5997, HSJ Intelligence supplement, pp10-11. The locality involved is Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley PCT in Kent which has beaten the deadline to get community nurses in post since March 2004. The PCT started by analysing data (using the Evercare caseload model) to find "frequent fliers" in the previous year and found 2000 such patients. The PCT looked at four categories of long-term condition and found a locally significant cohort of patients who would often turn up at A&E, worried about their symptoms, through lack of immediate advice and support. Capacity was identified within the existing community nursing workloads and the roles of 11 district nurses and two practice nurses were redesigned to manage caseloads. The project was officially launched in December 2004. There are now 15 community matrons with caseloads of 40-50 patients. A second phase of the project is to introduce four new roles of associate community matron, who will concentrate on the frequent fliers with a cancer diagnosis. At the same time of developing community matrons, the PCT developed a £1m pilot scheme involving 275 people with chronic illnesses which began in 2006. It will be the most widespread technology in the country and will be subject to an academic study to ensure the benefits are properly evaluated. It is technology that has been developed in the US as TeleHealth technology with some success since 2003, initially in Seattle with people living in nursing homes. It is hoped that such success can be replicated in the PCT but much will depend on the community matrons and management of their caseloads. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.hsj.co.uk  |  Target group: HAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 09522271 Notes: The assessment gap [comment on the single assessment process] [author: Paul Clarkson, David Challis] (15 July 2004) Article in: Community Care, no 1531, pp 38-39. The authors, from PSSRU at University of Manchester, are investigating the implementation and impact of SAP in England. This article examines the relevance of recent research for the debates leading up to the deadline for full implementation in April this year. Integrating assessment practices between health and social care will require more than the breaking down of professional barriers. Joint structures, providing incentives for collaboration are just as important. Contact Details: Paul.C.Clarkson@man.ac.uk Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.communitycare.co.uk  |  Target group: SSD  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 03075508 Notes: The British Journal of Healthcare Computing & Information Management Journal that provides comprehensive coverage of developments in healthcare informatics in the UK and hosts the Autumn Forum conference and exhibition (see: SAP Discussion forum - events). Published monthly (10 issues per year). Free email newsletter available. Contact Details: BJHC Limited, 45 Woodland Grove, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 9EQ Tel: +44 (0)1932 821723  |  Fax: +44 (0)1932 820305 E–mail: mail@bjhc.co.uk |  Web links: http://www.bjhc.co.uk/index.html  |  Target group: HAs  |  Type / Format: journal Availability / Price: by subscription but free sample copy available  |  ISBN/ISSN: Notes: The clinician's perspective on electronic health records and how they can affect patient care [author: Stephen H Walsh] Article in: British Medical Journal, May 2004, Vol 328, pp 1184-7 Many attempts to get clinicians to use electronic health records have failed, often because of difficulties with data entry. This article examines lessons learned from previous attempts to get clinicians to use computers in health care, discusses how clinicians actually work, makes recommendations on designing or selecting clinical computer systems and explores how the use of electronic health records might affect patient care. View full text of article  | Download article in pdf format Contact Details: Stephen H Walsh Birmingham Heartlands and Solihull NHS Trust, Solihull Hospital, Solihull B91 2JL Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links:  |  Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price: Available as a downloadable document from BMJ website.  |  ISBN/ISSN: Notes: The e-record Revolution [ health care staff in England and the implications of access to electronic patient records] [author:Mahua Chatterjee] (15 February 2005) Article in: Nursing Times, vol 101, no 7, pp 20-22. This article introduces the Integrated Care Records Service (ICRS) and its potential. ICRS implementation is in its early stages with the programme due to be rolled out nationally by 2007. Northumberland Tyne and Wear SHA are already using the technology in their single assessment process and other examples are cited in relation to nursing care records. The author goes on to assess the pros and cons of e-records and concludes that "there are numerous issues that need to be addressed if the system is to be truly effective by the time it is introduced nationally." Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.nursingtimes.net  |  Target group: HAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: Notes: The Freedom of Information Act [author:John Dow] (April 2005) Article in the Journal of Integrated Care, vol 13, no 2, April 2005 pp 34-37. This article highlights some of the key features of the Freedom of Information Act and considers its implications for health and social services authorities. The Act was implemented from 1 January 2005, and it is already raising questions about its implementation. Further information can be found from various sources including: Department for Constitutional Affairs (www.dca.gov.uk/foi) and The Information Commissioner (www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk). Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail: john_dow@bathnes.gov.uk |  Web links:  |  Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 14769018 Notes: The Implementation of Single Shared Assessment in Meadowbank, Falkirk : a Joint Future [Author: Gail MacNamara] (August 2006) An article in Journal of Intergrated Care, vol 14, issue 4, August 2006, pp38-44. This paper briefly describes a small research study, and presents its findings on the factors that have had an impact on the implementation of single shared assessment (SSA) in co-located primary care and social work teams. Findings highlight continuing difficulties of policy implementation and the need for ongoing support, guidance and training. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail: gail.macnamara@falkirk.gov.uk |  Web links: http://www.pavpub.com  |  Target group: LAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 14769018 Notes: The Single Assessment Process [author: Hester Ormiston] (April 2002) Article in: MCC [Managing Community Care]: Building knowledge for integrated care, vol 10, no 2, pp 38-43. This paper aims to assist people responsible for revising local approaches to community care assessment in line with government requirements, as detailed in the National Service Framework for Older People (NSF). Standard 2 of the NSF, on person-centred care, states that "the NHS and social services treat older people as individuals and enable them to make choices about their own care". This is achieved through the single assessment process (SAP), integrating commissioning arrangements and integrated provision of services. The paper analyses the SAP's key elements and suggests approaches to be adopted, some of which are based on workshops with local stakeholders from a number of authorities. The paper is practical in its approach, listing the various aspects to be covered. Included in the references: EASY-Care Elderly Assessment System UK Version 1999-2002 (University of Sheffield). Contact Details: Pavilion Publishing, The Ironworks, Cheapside, Brighton BN1 4GD. Tel: 0870 161 3505  |  Fax: 0870 161 3506 E–mail: info@pavpub.com |  Web links: http://pavpub.com  |  Target group: SAP Leads  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 14615436 Notes: The Single Assessment Process in Primary Care : older people's accounts of the process [authors: Jackie Powell, Judy Robison, Helen Roberts] Article in the British Journal of Social Work, vol 37, no 6, 2007, pp 1043-1058. Recent government policies have been active in addressing social inclusion and active participation of older people in many aspects of societal life. Independence and well-being animate these developments and are evident in the emphasis on person-centred services within the single assessment process for older people. Drawing on a feasibiilty study of SAP as a "case-finding" approach, this paper presents findings drawn from older people's accounts of this experience. These accounts indicate the potential of the process for identifying "low-level" need, whilst raising issues of access to formal services and resource constraint; also they underline the importance of understanding how older people seek ways of managing their own health and well-being, whilst continuing to contribute to the social cohesion of society by providing support to their peers and to younger generations. Interdependence, it is suggested, rather than dependence should underlie any approach to assessing older people's needs, if we are to appreciate and build upon the complexity of older people's strategies for actively managing their lives. Contact Details: Jackie Powell Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail: J.M.Powell@soton.ac.uk |  Web links: htttp://www.bjsw.oxfordjournals.org  |  Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 00453102 Notes: The Single Assessment Process (SAP) : a personal perspective [author: Nicky Bradbury] (January 2006) Brief article in PSIGE Newsletter, January 2006, pp 39-40. PSIGE is the Psychologists' Special Interest Group Working with Older People, within the Division of Clinical Psychology of the British Psychological Society. The author is a consultant psychologist within a mental health trust and considers what impact SAP has had on the working lives of individual clinical psychologists and believes that the effect is largely dependent on the services which employ them. As for the intended benefits to older people and their families, the author believes that the outcomes have, so far, "fallen well short of expectation". To keep SAP as an evolving process involving so many organisations when no one of them "owns it presents a continuing challenge". Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links:  |  Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 13603671 Notes: The single issue [author: Jon Glasby] (May 2004) Article in: Nursing Older People, May 2004, vol 16 no 3, p 6 The single assessment process offers much to the care and support of older people, but, it also presents staff with major challenges. This short article draws upon Jonathan Ellis's presentation paper given at the Department of Health conference in Birmingham on 19 February 2004 - " Integrated Care for Older People". Jonathan Ellis is the Health and Social Care Policy Manager for Help the Aged. This powerpoint presentation is available. View presentation Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.nursingolderpeople.co.uk  |  Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 1472-0795 Notes: The use of assessment scales in old age psychiatry services in England and Northern Ireland [authors: S Reilly, D Challis, A Burns, J Hughes] (May 2004) Article IN: Aging & Mental Health, vol 8, no 3, pp 249-255. Implementation of the Single Assessment Process (SAP) in the UK is designed to ensure that more standardised assessment procedures are in place across all agencies, that practice improves, and older people's needs are comprehensively assessed. This study by the Personal Social Services Research Unit (PSSRU) provides a unique picture of the range and prevalence of standardised scales used within old age psychiatry services in England and Northern Ireland, reported by 73% of old age psychiatrists. Most services (64%) used three or more standardised assessment scales (range 1-12). 62 separate instruments were identified. The six most used measures were the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE, 95%), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS, 52%) and the Clock Drawing (50%), the Clifton Assessment Procedures for the elderly 26%), the Barthel Index (18%), and the Health of the Nations Outcome Scales (HoNOS65+, 18%). Shared documentation, along with other indicators of integration between health and social care were associated with greater use of standardised scales. The provision of a memory clinic was associated with greater use of neuropsychiatric scales and lower levels of use of cognitive scales. These results provide key material for shaping the provision of psychiatric services for older people. Contact Details: Dr Siobhan Reilly, Research Fellow, PSSRU at Manchester, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Manchester, 1st Floor, Dover Street Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL Tel: +44 (0)161 275 5680  |  Fax: +44 (0)161 275 5790 E–mail: Siobhan.reilly@man.ac.uk |  Web links: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals  |  http://www.pssru.ac.uk/manchester.htm Target group: MHTs, SAP Leads  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 1360-7863 Notes: United front [joint working and implications for IT systems] [author: Steve Mathieson] An article in the Health Service Journal supplement "HSJ Intelligence" within the 3 November 2005 issue, pp4-7. The key point made in this article highlights that joint working in IT between health and social services and local authorities remains difficult, with technical and organisational barriers. A number of localities have tried information-sharing, but so far they are only able to deal with very basic data. Two Cambridgeshire pilots of deeper integration had mixed results. Additionally, persuading the public to allow their information to be shared presents another hurdle to trusts and local authorities. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.goodmanagement-hsj.co.uk/jointworking  |  Target group: SHAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 09522271 Notes: Use of community matrons for care of long-term conditions [author: Mandy Bowler] (15 August 2006) Journal article in Nursing Times, 15 August 2006, vol 102, no 33, pp31-33. Improving care for people with long-term conditions has become a national priority and has led to many new - and often challenging - roles for nurses. This article describes the appointment of 12 community matrons to act as key workers and the use of their advanced clinical skills to improve the care offered to vulnerable patients with multiple long-term conditions. This article also makes reference to the June 2005 conference "Developing the Role of the Community Matron in Case Management : A Practical Guide" - the programme of which can be viewed at the website given below. Reference is also made to the Department of Health's policy guidance document, Supporting People with Long Term Conditions : an NHS and Social Care Model to Support Local Innovation and Integration (2005) - click on link below: View document Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.nursingtimes.net  |  http://www.ukhcc.com/event/rcm.html Target group: HAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 09547762 Notes: Using the Liverpool Care Pathway in a nursing [authors: Kathryn Mathews, Jemma Finch] (12 September 2006) Article in Nursing Times, 12 September 2006, pp 34-35. The Liverpool Care Pathway provides evidence-based guidelines relating to the care of dying patients. This article outlines a pilot project to introduce it to a 150-bed BUPA nursing home in Hatfield, Hertfordshire (St Christopher's). The authors are both Liverpool Care Pathway Nursing Home facilitators, Mount Vernon Cancer Network. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: www.nursingtimes.net  |  www.lcp-mariecurie.org.uk Target group: HAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 09547762 Notes: Validation of short screening tests for depression and cognitive impairment in older medically ill inpatients [authors: Hannah Goring, Robert Baldwin, Alison Marriott, Helen Pratt, Chris Roberts ] (May 2004) Article in: International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, vol 19, no 5, pp 465-471. Depression and cognitive impairment in medically ill patients can be detected by screening questionnaires. Very short scales such as the short Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS4) and the Orientation-Memory-Concentration test (OMC) appear to be valid alternatives to longer ones. These very short scales may be useful screening instruments for use with the Single Assessment Process (SAP), as recommended by the National Service Framework for Older People (NSF). Appendix includes questions for the GDS4 and Short OMC test of cognitive function. Contact Details: Robert Baldwin Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust, York House, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9BX. Tel: +44 (0)161 276 5317  |  Fax: +44 (0)161 276 5303 E–mail: Robert. Baldwin@man.ac.uk |  Web links: http://www.interscience.wiley.com  |  Target group: Mental health  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 0885-6230 Notes: The research was supported by a grant from the North West Research and Development arm of the Department of Health (grant holders Robert Baldwin and Elizabeth Matthew) and by Tameside and Glossop Community and Priority NHS Trust who seconded Helen Pratt. Hannah Goring and Helen Pratt are based at Tameside General Hospital; Alison Marriott at Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust,; and Chris Roberts at the School of Epidemiology and Health Sciences, University of Manchester. What are the benefits and the challenges of shared assessments through the Single Assessment Process (DH 2001) and the development of integrated care planning as described in Our Health, Our Care, Our Say (DH 2006) through a common assessment framework across primary, secondary, social and mental healthcare services? Ask the experts (October 2007) Article in Nursing Older People, vol 19, no 8, 2007, p14.> Three opinions are given in response to the above question, from three different healthcare professionals: Deborah Sturdy, Nurse Adviser Older People, DH; Jill Jackson, Nurse Consultant Older People, Wakefield District PCT; and, Clare Abley, Nurse Consultant Vulnerable Older Adults, Newcastle upon Tyne. Contact Details: Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.nursingolderpeople.co.uk  |  Target group:  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 14720795 Notes: Your guide to ... Indicator of relevant need in Single Shared Assessment [examination of the] standardised system for assessing old people's needs currently being rolled out in Scotland [author:Mike George] (15 February 2005) Article in: Care and Health Magazine, issue 101, pp 30-31 An operational guidance resource pack is available - see website for pack and further details on the Scottish system of single shared assessment and indicator of relative need (SSA-IoRN). Contact Details: Mike George Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail:  |  Web links: http://www.careandhealth.com  |  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/care/17673/9484 Target group: LA/HAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 14779994 Notes: arkgroup Ltd., Single assessment process: passing the April milestone [author: Lynne Bradey] (July 2004) Article in: ELDERLY CLIENT ADVISOR, in volume 9, issue 5. Lynne Bradey, a solicitor at Wrigleys Solicitors, considers where the NHS should be now that the April 2004 milestone is long past. It is left for readers to decide how well the single assessment process for older people is working in practice. Contact Details: 2nd Floor, 86/88 Upper Richmond Road, Putney, London SW15 2SH Tel: +44 (0)20 8785 2700  |  Fax: +44 (0)20 8785 9373 E–mail: info@ark-group.com |  Web links: http://www.ecadvisor.com  |  Target group: HA  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 1369-2700 Notes: Elderly Client Advisor is a journal available on subscription published 6 times per year. Community Care Positive outcomes Research on the outcomes valued by older people and the methods providers use to achieve them is analysed [author: Jane Maddison] An article in Community Care, 11 January 2007, pp 32-33. This article summarises research on the outcomes valued by older people and lessons learned from authorities developing outcomes-focused services for older people in England and Wales. The research was commissioned by the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) and carried out by the Social Policy Research Unit (SPRU) at the University of York and Acton Shapiro. Further information including a download of the report (Outcomes-focused services for older people) can be obtained from SPRU's website, details given. For information on training for authorities wishing to develop an outcomes approach consult the Acton Shapiro website. The author has provided questions about this article to guide discussion in teams. These can be viewed from (www.communitycare.co.uk/prtl) and individuals' learning from the discussion can be registered on a free, password-protected training log held on the site. Contact Details: Jane Maddison, Senior Researcher Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail: Jane@actonshapiro.co.uk |  Web links: http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/spru/pubs/ccatreps.htm  |  http://www.actonshapiro.co.uk Target group: LAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price: download report/summary  |  ISBN/ISSN: 03075508 Notes: Community Care Magazine An injection of social care Social workers must tell their health sector counterparts how they can contribute to multi-disciplinary practice - otherwise they risk losing their professional identity [author:Daisy Bogg] An article in Community Care, 29 March 2007, pp 30-31. This article examines the social work role in partnership trusts. As a profession, the author writes, we have become disenfranchised and cannot afford to rest on our laurels. Professional identity is placed at risk only if we let it. As we move towards integration, the validity of the social care perspective becomes ever more vital in the switch to person-centred care. The author is a Consultant Practitioner in mental health social care for Bedfordshire & Luton Partnership Trust. The author has provided questions about this article to guide discussion in teams; these can be viewed at the website link given below. (KJ) Contact Details: Daisy Bogg, Consultant Practitioner in mental health social care Tel:  |  Fax: E–mail: daisy@bogg.eclipse.co.uk |  Web links: http://www.communicare.co.uk/prtl  |  Target group: LAs  |  Type / Format: article Availability / Price:  |  ISBN/ISSN: 03075508 Notes: Community Care Magazine Directors call for strong leadership to hasten move to electronic records (workforce news) [author: Mithran Samuel] A news item in Community Care, 12 April 2007, p8. This bulletin reports on a poll, commissioned by the former ADSS and answered by 134 of the 150 councils, which found 94 per cent of authorities had partially implemented electronic case management systems, but there were several barriers to full implementation. David Johnstone, of the new ADASS, is leading on this issue which will ensure it is considered at the next executive meeting and is then likely to call for a national framework for care