Implementing the Single Assessment Process: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract

2Implementing the Single Assessment Process: Opportunities and Challenges. AbstractThe Single Assessment Process (SAP) has been introduced as part of the National Service Framework for Older People (DoH 2001) and has major implications for health and social care.The aim of this study was to evaluate a pilot introduction of the Single Assessment Process in the South-East of England. A qualitative case study design incorporating observation and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data.Assessment visits were observed and recorded, and interviews were carried out with older people and their carers (n=9), health and social care practitioners, operational managers, and other key individuals involved in the pilot (n=26).Overall the evaluation found three major themes that had an impact on the implementation of the Single Assessment Process. These were: the process of implementing policy and change, the health and social care boundary, and communication and sharing of assessments. Front-line practitioners (street-level bureaucrats) had a major impact on the SAP implementation, particularly through their reluctance to engage with the process, work together and share assessments. Success of the national SAP implementation will depend on the extent to which those working directly with older people can be engaged in the policy process.

From Policy to Practice: The Implementation and Negotiation of Technologies in Everyday Child Welfare

“…Whilst it is possible that our findings reflect ‘teething problems’ inherent within the early stages of such initiatives, they do raise serious questions about future implementation and outcomes. In particular, the considerable differences in local policy implementation and practices raise questions about the possibilities of achieving a standard or common approach (Dickinson, 2006; Hudson, 2005b) and this is of huge concern given the government’s current plans to expand ISA, establishing both the database (Contactpoint) and CAF as national standard systems (DfES 2006a,b; 2007). Indeed recent announcements which use the term ‘integrated practice’ (rather than ISA) suggest a wider vision of cultural change.…”

Integrating mental health services for older people in England – From rhetoric to reality

“…Implementing change is a complex, non-linear process that requires ownership and support (Dickinson, 2006) and a recent national service development guide suggested that the one thing that would most improve older people's mental health services is strong, effective leadership, across and within all health and social care organizations (Department of Health & Care Services Improvement Partnership, 2005). CMHTs do not sit in a vacuum, and integration within such teams will not be achieved unless the wider service setting is committed to establishing systems and structures that support and facilitate integration on a broader basis (Lingard & Milne, 2004).…”

Towards a common disability assessment framework: theoretical and methodological issues for providing public services and benefits using ICF

“…When the impairment is explicitly addressed, the methodological and measurement consequences are clear and the use of ICF is often considered essential [21]. The need of a rationalisation and convergence of the disability evaluation methodologies and procedures has been recently addressed by different countries following different principles [16,17,[22][23][24][25]. In international literature, two strategies, strongly influenced by the characteristics of the welfare system providing services and benefits, have essentially been followed.…”