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Health & Social Care in the Community Jan 2016The topic of social care for older people has gained increasing attention from the part of academics, professionals, policy makers and media. However, we know little... (Review)
Review
The topic of social care for older people has gained increasing attention from the part of academics, professionals, policy makers and media. However, we know little about this topic from the perspectives of older persons, which hinders future developments in terms of theory, empirical research, professional practice and social policy. This article presents and discusses a systematic review of relevant qualitative research-based evidence on the older persons' experiences and perspectives of receiving social care published between 1990 and September 2014. This review aimed to obtain answers to the following questions: How is the reception of social care experienced by the older persons? What are the negative and positive aspects of these experiences? What are the factors which influence the experiences? The synthesis of the findings of reviewed papers identified six analytical themes: asking for care as a major challenge; ambivalences; (dis)engagement in decisions concerning care; multiple losses as outcomes of receiving social care; multiple strategies to deal with losses originated by the ageing process; and properties of 'good care'. These themes are discussed from the point of view of their implications for theory, care practice and social policy, and future research.
Topics: Aged; Attitude to Health; Humans; Qualitative Research; Social Work
PubMed: 25660372
DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12186 -
Journal of Evidence-informed Social Work 2015Concerns have been raised over the appropriateness of adopting evidence-based practice (EBP) as a framework for practice within social work. In this systematic review... (Review)
Review
Concerns have been raised over the appropriateness of adopting evidence-based practice (EBP) as a framework for practice within social work. In this systematic review the authors aim to synthesise research findings exploring social workers' EBP orientation, attitudes, adoption, knowledge, skills, and perceived EBP barriers and facilitators. Numerous challenges to EBP implementation were identified, including: time management, research accessibility, and misperceptions of the role of evidence in decision making. Colleagues, supervisors, perceived experts, organizational culture, and tailored training were important for social workers' dissemination and utilization of evidence. Social workers may prefer more conversational, face-to-face methods of research dissemination. Implications of the review findings are discussed.
Topics: Attitude; Evidence-Based Practice; Humans; Knowledge; Organizational Culture; Perception; Professional Competence; Social Workers
PubMed: 25747891
DOI: 10.1080/15433714.2013.853014 -
PloS One 2023The delivery of high quality care is a fundamental goal for health systems worldwide. One policy tool to ensure quality is the regulation of services by an independent...
BACKGROUND
The delivery of high quality care is a fundamental goal for health systems worldwide. One policy tool to ensure quality is the regulation of services by an independent public authority. This systematic review seeks to identify determinants of compliance with such regulation in health and social care services.
METHODS
Searches were carried out on five electronic databases and grey literature sources. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies were eligible for inclusion. Titles and abstracts were screened by two reviewers independently. Determinants were identified from the included studies, extracted and allocated to constructs in the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). The quality of included studies was appraised by two reviewers independently. The results were synthesised in a narrative review using the constructs of the CFIR as grouping themes.
RESULTS
The search yielded 7,500 articles for screening, of which 157 were included. Most studies were quantitative designs in nursing home settings and were conducted in the United States. Determinants were largely structural in nature and allocated most frequently to the inner and outer setting domains of the CFIR. The following structural characteristics and compliance were found to be positively associated: smaller facilities (measured by bed capacity); higher nurse-staffing levels; and lower staff turnover. A facility's geographic location and compliance was also associated. It was difficult to make findings in respect of process determinants as qualitative studies were sparse, limiting investigation of the processes underlying regulatory compliance.
CONCLUSION
The literature in this field has focused to date on structural attributes of compliant providers, perhaps because these are easier to measure, and has neglected more complex processes around the implementation of regulatory standards. A number of gaps, particularly in terms of qualitative work, are evident in the literature and further research in this area is needed to provide a clearer picture.
Topics: Humans; United States; Social Work; Motivation; Social Support
PubMed: 37053186
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278007 -
Chest Dec 2023Bronchiectasis, a previously neglected condition, now has renewed research interest. There are a few systematic reviews that have reported on the economic and societal...
BACKGROUND
Bronchiectasis, a previously neglected condition, now has renewed research interest. There are a few systematic reviews that have reported on the economic and societal burden of bronchiectasis in adults, but none have reported on children. We undertook this systematic review to estimate the economic burden of bronchiectasis in children and adults.
RESEARCH QUESTION
What is the health care resource utilization and economic burden of bronchiectasis in adults and children?
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
We performed a systematic review identifying publications from Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane (trials, reviews, and editorials), and EconLit about the economic burden and health care utilization in adults and children with bronchiectasis between January 1, 2001, and October 10, 2022. We used a narrative synthesis approach and estimated aggregate costs for several countries.
RESULTS
We identified 53 publications reporting on the economic burden and/or health care utilization of people with bronchiectasis. Total annual health care costs per adult patient ranged from 2021 $3,579 to $82,545 USD and were predominantly driven by hospitalization costs. Annual indirect costs including lost income because of illness (reported in only five studies) ranged from $1,311 to $2,898 USD. Total health care costs in children with bronchiectasis were $23,687 USD annually in the one study that estimated them. Additionally, one publication found that children with bronchiectasis missed 12 school days per year. We estimated aggregate annual health care costs for nine countries, ranging from $101.6 million per year in Singapore to $14.68 billion per year in the United States. We also estimated the aggregate cost of bronchiectasis in Australian children to be $17.77 million per year.
INTERPRETATION
This review highlights the substantial economic burden of bronchiectasis for patients and health systems. To our knowledge, it is the first systematic review to include the costs for children with bronchiectasis and their families. Future research to examine the economic impact of bronchiectasis in children and economically disadvantaged communities, and to further understand the indirect burden of bronchiectasis on individuals and the community, is needed.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; United States; Cost of Illness; Financial Stress; Australia; Health Care Costs; Bronchiectasis
PubMed: 37423293
DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.06.040 -
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric... May 2022Social connections have been linked to the genesis and amelioration of mental health problems and thus have potential therapeutic value.
BACKGROUND
Social connections have been linked to the genesis and amelioration of mental health problems and thus have potential therapeutic value.
PURPOSE
To identify the current evidence base, assess risk of bias and synthesise findings on the effectiveness of social network interventions for people with mental health problems.
METHODS
Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus) and grey literature databases were systematically searched from inception to October 2021 using free text syntax combining synonyms for 'mental health problems' and 'social network interventions'. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they reported data from randomised controlled trials on the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve social networks for adults (18+) with mental health problems. Papers were independently reviewed for inclusion with conflicts resolved through consensus. Included papers were quality assessed and data extracted and synthesized narratively. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.
RESULTS
Nine studies randomising 2226 participants were included. Four focused on those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or psychosis, one on major depressive disorder and four included all types of mental health diagnoses. The current evidence base is of unclear quality. However, interventions which focused on supporting social activities appear to hold the most promise for enhancing social networks. Data on cost-effectiveness and research acceptability were limited, but suggest the potential economic feasibility of and acceptability for evaluating these interventions.
CONCLUSION
There is emerging evidence that social network interventions can be effective in improving social connections for people with mental health problems. However, further evaluations with robust methodological approaches are required to inform evidence-based recommendations for health services.
Topics: Adult; Depressive Disorder, Major; Humans; Mental Health; Narration; Psychotic Disorders; Social Networking
PubMed: 35138427
DOI: 10.1007/s00127-022-02242-w -
Neuro Endocrinology Letters 2014This paper addresses the issue of interdisciplinary collaboration between medical and non-medical professions in health and social care. The introduction defines basic... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
This paper addresses the issue of interdisciplinary collaboration between medical and non-medical professions in health and social care. The introduction defines basic terms such as interdisciplinary cooperation, interdisciplinary team, and health and social care. Additionally, it highlights the significance and contribution of interdisciplinary collaboration in the care of the patient/client in health and social care. The aim of the paper is to identify factors influencing the process of interdisciplinary collaboration between, in particular, social workers and physicians. In compliance with the main goal of the research, the following partial goals were included: 1) to identify factors that limit the process of interdisciplinary collaboration between social workers and physicians, and 2) to identify factors which support the process of interdisciplinary collaboration between social workers and physicians.
METHODS
Based on the research goals, a systematic review was selected as the research method for the paper. The research dataset consisted of articles obtained from the following databases: EBSO, PUBMED/MEDLINE, SCIENCE DIRECT and SCOPUS. The databases were search using the following keywords: interprofessional cooperation, interdisciplinary, collaboration, social work, and physicians/doctors.
RESULTS
Using the results, the following factors supporting interdisciplinary collaboration were identified: acknowledgement of colleagues' expertise, recognition of roles, positive level of communication, and mutual respect. Factors that limit interdisciplinary processes included the following: varying professional perspectives, theoretical differences, lack of knowledge, and poor communication.
Topics: Cooperative Behavior; Humans; Models, Organizational; Patient Care Team; Physicians; Social Work
PubMed: 25433356
DOI: No ID Found -
BMC Health Services Research May 2023Fragmented delivery of health and social services can impact access to high-quality, person-centred care. The goal of system navigation is to reduce barriers to...
BACKGROUND
Fragmented delivery of health and social services can impact access to high-quality, person-centred care. The goal of system navigation is to reduce barriers to healthcare access and improve the quality of care. However, the effectiveness of system navigation remains largely unknown. This systematic review aims to identify the effectiveness of system navigation programs linking primary care with community-based health and social services to improve patient, caregiver, and health system outcomes.
METHODS
Building on a previous scoping review, PsychInfo, EMBASE, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Clinical Trials Registry were searched for intervention studies published between January 2013 and August 2020. Eligible studies included system navigation or social prescription programs for adults, based in primary care settings. Two independent reviewers completed study selection, critical appraisal, and data extraction.
RESULTS
Twenty-one studies were included; studies had generally low to moderate risk of bias. System navigation models were lay person-led (n = 10), health professional-led (n = 4), team-based (n = 6), or self-navigation with lay support as needed (n = 1). Evidence from three studies (low risk of bias) suggests that team-based system navigation may result in slightly more appropriate health service utilization compared to baseline or usual care. Evidence from four studies (moderate risk of bias) suggests that either lay person-led or health professional-led system navigation models may improve patient experiences with quality of care compared to usual care. It is unclear whether system navigation models may improve patient-related outcomes (e.g., health-related quality of life, health behaviours). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of system navigation programs on caregiver, cost-related, or social care outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
There is variation in findings across system navigation models linking primary care with community-based health and social services. Team-based system navigation may result in slight improvements in health service utilization. Further research is needed to determine the effects on caregiver and cost-related outcomes.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Quality of Life; Community Health Services; Social Work; Social Support; Patient-Centered Care
PubMed: 37158878
DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09424-5 -
PloS One 2023Social entrepreneurship (SE) is an all-encompassing concept in comparison to a typical non-government organization (NGO). It is a topic that has captured the interest of...
Social entrepreneurship (SE) is an all-encompassing concept in comparison to a typical non-government organization (NGO). It is a topic that has captured the interest of academics investigating nonprofit, charitable, and nongovernmental organizations. Despite the interest, few studies have examined the overlap and convergence of entrepreneurship and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in congruence with the new phase of globalization. The study gathered and evaluated 73 peer-reviewed papers using a systematic literature review methodology, mainly from Web of Science but also from Scopus, JSTOR, and Science Direct, and supplemented by a search of existing databases and bibliographies. Based on the findings, 71 percent of studies suggest that organizations must reconsider the concept of social work, which has evolved rapidly, aided by globalization. The concept has changed from the NGO model to a more sustainable one, such as that proposed by SE. However, it is difficult to draw broad generalizations regarding the convergence of context-dependent complex variables such as SE, NGOs, and globalization. The results of the study will significantly contribute to a better understanding of the convergence of SE and NGOs, as well as the recognition that many aspects of NGOs, SE, and post-COVID globalization remain unexamined.
Topics: Humans; Entrepreneurship; COVID-19; Organizations; Organizations, Nonprofit; Internationality
PubMed: 37141214
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283093 -
PLoS Medicine Sep 2019Torture and other forms of ill treatment have been reported in at least 141 countries, exposing a global crisis. Survivors face multiple physical, psychological, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Torture and other forms of ill treatment have been reported in at least 141 countries, exposing a global crisis. Survivors face multiple physical, psychological, and social difficulties. Psychological consequences for survivors are varied, and evidence on treatment is mixed. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the benefits and harms of psychological, social, and welfare interventions for torture survivors.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
We updated a 2014 review with published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for adult survivors of torture comparing any psychological, social, or welfare intervention against treatment as usual or active control from 1 January 2014 through 22 June 2019. Primary outcome was post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms or caseness, and secondary outcomes were depression symptoms, functioning, quality of life, and adverse effects, after treatment and at follow-up of at least 3 months. Standardised mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios were estimated using meta-analysis with random effects. The Cochrane tool was used to derive risk of bias. Fifteen RCTs were included, with data from 1,373 participants (589 females and 784 males) in 10 countries (7 trials in Europe, 5 in Asia, and 3 in Africa). No trials of social or welfare interventions were found. Compared to mostly inactive (waiting list) controls, psychological interventions reduced PTSD symptoms by the end of treatment (SMD -0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.52 to -0.09, p = 0.005), but PTSD symptoms at follow-up were not significantly reduced (SMD -0.34, 95% CI -0.74 to 0.06, p = 0.09). No significant improvement was found for PTSD caseness at the end of treatment, and there was possible worsening at follow-up from one study (n = 28). Interventions showed no benefits for depression symptoms at end of treatment (SMD -0.23, 95% CI -0.50 to 0.03, p = 0.09) or follow-up (SMD -0.23, 95% CI -0.70 to 0.24, p = 0.34). A significant improvement in functioning for psychological interventions compared to control was found at end of treatment (SMD -0.38, 95% CI -0.58 to -0.18, p = 0.0002) but not at follow-up from only one study. No significant improvement emerged for quality of life at end of treatment (SMD 0.38, 95% CI -0.28 to 1.05, p = 0.26) with no data available at follow-up. The main study limitations were the difficulty in this field of being certain of capturing all eligible studies, the lack of modelling of maintenance of treatment gains, and the low precision of most SMDs making findings liable to change with the addition of further studies as they are published.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings show evidence that psychological interventions improve PTSD symptoms and functioning at the end of treatment, but it is unknown whether this is maintained at follow-up, with a possible worsening of PTSD caseness at follow-up from one study. Further interventions in this population should address broader psychological needs beyond PTSD while taking into account the effect of multiple daily stressors. Additional studies, including social and welfare interventions, will improve precision of estimates of effect, particularly over the longer term.
Topics: Depression; Female; Humans; Male; Mental Health; Psychotherapy; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Social Welfare; Social Work; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Survivors; Torture; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31550249
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002919 -
International Journal of Mental Health... Aug 2016Concepts of personal and social recovery in mental illness are constantly evolving because the journey is fluid and subject to change over time. Dynamic interactions... (Review)
Review
Concepts of personal and social recovery in mental illness are constantly evolving because the journey is fluid and subject to change over time. Dynamic interactions between the complexities of human nature and mental illness create ever-altering landscapes of perplexity. The acknowledged ebb and flow of recovery in the presence of chronic and serious mental illness requires health professionals to provide a flexible suite of care, delivered through skills and methods that are responsive and meaningful to the recipient. We conducted a systematic search for qualitative literature that articulated the work of personally-supportive recovery-oriented practice (ROP) to determine the specific components of recovery-supportive work. Twenty-one articles were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria and were synthesized using a coding framework derived from Normalization Process Theory. We identified three kinds of recovery-supportive work required from health professionals: alleviating stigma, delivering effective recovery-supportive responses in the presence of complex health and social situations and managing challenges associated with the work of ROP. We discuss the resources needed for ROP and the barriers that inhibit health professionals' engagement in this work. By elucidating the work of ROP, we highlighted a disparity between health professionals' aspirations and achievements. These revelations could inform service delivery in order to better support consumer recovery in serious mental illness.
Topics: Humans; Mental Disorders; Mental Health Services; Remission Induction
PubMed: 27381002
DOI: 10.1111/inm.12241