Purpose

Reducing the number of delayed discharges of older people in hospital and avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions and readmissions is a major policy concern. However, little is known about what is happening in hospital social work and its potential to contribute to improving discharge arrangements and reducing unnecessary readmissions. The purpose of this work was to provide review the evidence on the specific role, activities and costs of social work in hospitals and its impact on the quality of life and care of individuals (patients) and carers.

Jo Moriarty introduced the report on our blog.

Timescale

2018-19

Funding

NIHR Policy Research Programme

Methods

The study involved a systematic mapping of research about hospital social work with older people published between 2000-2018. The findings were shared with a panel of social work academics, service users and carers and practitioners to obtain their views.

Impact

The review findings were shared in a meeting of policymakers and analysts at the Department of Health and Social Care.