Ge L, Yip WF, Yan AHH, Seng ECS, Pei CCP, Onn ILY, Yiwen EC, Tham S, Moon-Ho RH, Tan WS. Perceived Roles and Barriers in Delivering Community-Based Care: A Qualitative Study of Health and Social Care Professionals.
Int J Integr Care 2023;
23:5. [PMID:
37877112 PMCID:
PMC10591202 DOI:
10.5334/ijic.7617]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction
As healthcare systems increasingly embrace population health management, the integration of health and social care to improve the health and well-being of individuals is crucial. Thus, we conducted a qualitative study in Singapore to understand health and social care professionals' (HCPs and SCPs) perception of the roles they played in delivering community-based care.
Methods
A descriptive phenomenological research design was adopted. HCPs and SCPs (n = 53) providing services in community settings were recruited purposefully and interviewed through eleven focus group discussions. Each session was recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was applied.
Results
Our results revealed eight themes in three main categories describing the roles played by HCPs and SCPs, including: (1) delivering needs-based care in community settings; (2) activating and empowering clients in health care, and (3) fostering community-based sustainable support networks. Six barriers encountered while performing these roles were also identified.
Discussion and Conclusion
Our results highlight that the roles of HCPs and SCPs go beyond the provision of direct medical and social care. They were involved in activating and empowering clients to take care of their health, and importantly, fostering community-based sustainable support networks to better empower individuals in coping with health challenges. The identified barriers shed light on areas for potential improvements for integrated community care.
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