Electronic Information Sharing Between Nursing and Adult Social Care Practitioners in Separate Locations: A Mixed-Methods Case Study

Abstract

Context: A longstanding concern, both in the UK and internationally, is that multiple health and social care professionals undertake assessments of adults and older people with complex needs, but that information is not shared. Electronic information sharing within assessment and support planning has been identified as a means of promoting integrated care for adults with complex health and social care needs. Objective: To evaluate the implementation of a shared electronic record between nursing and adult social care practitioners in separate agencies and locations to inform the assessment of need for adults and older people with complex needs. Methods: The design of the study reflected the incremental implementation of the shared electronic record between 2010 and 2012 in one geographical area within England. It was a mixed-methods case study employing data from three sources: audit of patient case files; survey of nurse practitioners’ time use, well-being and job satisfaction; and manager interviews post-implementation providing further insights into the implementation process. Findings: Electronic information sharing facilitated greater involvement of adult social care practitioners in the continuing healthcare assessment process and contributed to a more streamlined service. No adverse effects of the intervention on the well-being and job satisfaction of nursing practitioners’ were reported. Limitations: This research was undertaken in a single setting. Implications: Continuing healthcare services are a universal service that uses a standardised assessment process, offering the potential for this to be replicated elsewhere. Thus, findings are of value to policy makers and practitioners and offer the potential to inform wider roll-out.