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.

Unemployment is associated with a variety of adverse health-related outcomes, yet little data on primary care services for this risk group exist. Using data from two surveys, we analyzed the frequency of GP contacts and patients’ experiences with GPs comparing unemployed with employed individuals. Data of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1), a nationwide cross-sectional study (n = 8151), were analyzed regarding associations between employment status and the number of GP visits. The General Practice Care-1 study (GPCare-1), a cross-sectional questionnaire survey (n = 813), evaluated patients’ communication with their GP. Data were collected from June to August 2020 in 12 teaching practices affiliated with our university. The statistical analysis included individuals of working age (18–64 years old) (DEGS1 n = 5659, GPCare-1 n = 587). In both studies, working age subpopulations were analyzed (DEGS1: n = 5659 of 8151, GPCare-1: n = 587 of 813). In DEGS1, the prevalence of unemployment was 6.5% (n = 372). Unemployed individuals had more GP contacts in the last 12 months (4.50 vs. 2.86, p < 0.001). In the GPCare-1 study, unemployed individuals (6.6%, n = 39) were significantly less satisfied with GP communication: enough space in consultations (42.9% vs. 60.3%, p = 0.043), feeling comfortable to address sensitive topics (44.1% vs. 65.9%, p = 0.010), problems taken very seriously by GP (48.6% vs. 70.6%, p = 0.007). Yet, they were more willing to accept GPs’ help for psychosocial burdens (67.6% vs. 47.6%, p = 0.024). GPs should be aware that patients with unemployment wish more support to cope with their burdening situation.

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Der Einsatz von Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien in der ambulanten Pflege erfolgt vor dem Hintergrund des demografischen Wandels mit dem Ziel, auch in Zukunft die Qualität der pflegerischen Versorgung sicherzustellen. Die Akzeptanz der telematischen Anwendungen ist dabei entscheidend für die erfolgreiche Implementation. Ziel: Das Ziel der Untersuchung war eine Erfassung der subjektiven Haltungen und Einstellungen sowie der Nutzungsintention der Pflegekräfte hinsichtlich telematischer Anwendungen in der ambulanten Pflege. Methoden: Auf der theoretischen Grundlage der „Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology“ (UTAUT) wurde eine Onlineumfrage erstellt, anhand derer deutschlandweit ambulante Alten- und Krankenpflegekräfte sowie Auszubildende in Pflegeschulen befragt wurden. Insgesamt konnten 371 Befragte in die Analyse eingeschlossen werden. Ergebnisse: Der Informationsstand zur Telematik und die eigenen technischen Kompetenzen werden als gering eingeschätzt. Es wird eine verbesserte Transparenz des Pflegeprozesses erhofft; genauso wie eine Erleichterung des Austausches sektorintern und -übergreifend. Dagegen wird befürchtet, dass die telematischen Anwendungen mit erhöhten Kosten, Schulungsaufwand und Technikabhängigkeit einhergehen. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Ergebnisse zeigen die Relevanz der Einstellungen und Bedürfnisse von Nutzerinnen und Nutzern für eine erfolgreiche Implementierung. Aus-, Fort- und Weiterbildungen sollten in Zukunft verstärkt die technologische Kompetenz der Pflegekräfte fördern.