Collaboration between general practitioners and social workers: a scoping review

Abstract

ObjectivesAim of the study is to present an overview of collaboration structures and processes between general practitioners and social workers, the target groups addressed as well the quality of available scientific literature.DesignA scoping review following the guidelines of the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews).Included sources and articlesAccording to a pre-published protocol, three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, DZI SoLit) were searched using the participant-concept-context framework. The searches were performed on 21 January 2021 and on 10 August 2021. Literature written in English and German since the year 2000 was included. Two independent researchers screened all abstracts for collaboration between general practitioners and social workers. Articles selected were analysed regarding structures, processes, outcomes, effectiveness and patient target groups.ResultsA total of 72 articles from 17 countries were identified. Collaborative structures and their routine differ markedly between healthcare systems: 36 publications present collaboration structures and 33 articles allow an insight into the processual routines. For all quantitative studies, a level of evidence was assigned. Various measurements are used to determine the effectiveness of collaborations, for example, hospital admissions and professionals’ job satisfaction. Case management as person-centred care for defined patient groups is a central aspect of all identified collaborations between general practitioners and social workers.ConclusionThis scoping review showed evidence for benefits on behalf of patients, professionals and healthcare systems by collaborations between general practitioners and social workers, yet more rigorous research is needed to better understand the impact of these collaborations.Trial registration numberwww.osf.io/w673q.

Identifying patients with psychosocial problems in general practice: A scoping review

“…Studies from Germany show that GPs both feel responsible for dealing with social problems and are able to manage them themselves. However, the need for external support was also expressed, as was the view that interprofessional cooperation is helpful and necessary (3,(80)(81)(82). Collaboration between social work and primary care, for example, is considered beneficial and studies show that subjective health, functioning, and self-management can be improved and psychosocial morbidity and barriers to treatment and health maintenance reduced (83,84).…”

Experiences of Social Workers in Working With Health Care Practitioners: A Multidisciplinary Team Approach

“…The collaborative structures and processes, therefore, became the essential points of focus in this study. Löwe, Mark, Sommer and Weltermann (2022) regard patient-centred case management as central to professional collaboration. Taberna et al (2020:2) describe case management as the "systematic effort to coordinate patient and family care in this complex pathology".…”

Gunnar Inghe: A founding father of Scandinavian social medicine and still highly relevant

“…Another sign of the lack of collaboration is the fact that all the knowledge generated by social epidemiology has had very little impact on clinical work. If social determinants are fundamental for understanding the health of individuals, it is paradoxical that they play such a small role in clinical work [24]. A long process of shared learning and respect is needed.…”