Social Work and Integrated Care

Robin Miller,2019,Social Work and Integrated Care,Routledge.（2.11.2020）

Integrated Care（統合ケア）とInclusive Care（包括ケア）は、もって異なるものだ。後者は「だれも排除しないケア」というケアの受け手の平等をめざすものであるのに対し、Integrated Careとは、医師、保健師、看護師、ソーシャルワーカー、ケアワーカー、ケアマネージャー、カウンセラー、セラピスト等の、多職種連携チームによるケアのことである。
　「緊縮財政」下におけるイギリスの社会福祉らしく、「多職種連携」は、ケアの効率性を向上させるために必要だとされる。しかし、待てよ、「ケアの効率性」ってなんだ？例えば、帰る場所のない入院患者を多職種連携のもと退院させて地域社会に放り出すことなのか？虐待されている可能性がある子どもを多職種連携のもといち早く「保護」することなのか？
　そういうのは、もはやケアとはいえないだろう。「ケアの効率性」をもって「ソーシャルワークのアカウンタビリティ」を果たすなんざ、欺瞞に欺瞞を重ねた倒錯ではないだろうか。
　本書に読むに値する点があるとすれば、イングランド、北アイルランド、アイルランド、ウェールズ、スコットランドにおける社会福祉の制度と政策が詳細に検討されていることだろう。
　イギリスのソーシャルワークの沈滞ぶりを感じさせる、その意味では残念な書物である。

Social Work and Integrated Care draws on the latest research, practice and theory to explore integration within both child and adult services. Although all the home nations in the UK view integrated care as a top priority within health and social care policy, many people continue to experience fragmented care.This book sets out the case for integration, considers the evidence of its impact, and discusses the implementation challenges that must be overcome.
Packed full of current examples of integration, from across the UK and internationally, and reflexive exercises which highlight practice issues for social workers, it provides the following key learning outcomes:
An understanding of what is meant by integrated care and why it is seen as vital to a modern health and social system.
A knowledge of the expected impacts in relation to improving the experience and outcomes for individuals and their families, addressing inequalities and promoting health and wellbeing and increasing financial efficiency.
A recognition of the common barriers to integrated care and what such fragmentation can mean for individuals and their families.
A critical review of key approaches to promote integration and their practical implementation.
Reflection on the potential contribution of social workers and their own collaborative practice.
Providing a comprehensive and accessible overview of integrated care policies and practice, this book will help prepare social workers for the realities of collaborating with other professions and services. It should be considered essential reading for students undertaking their professional qualification and those who are in practice who are looking to improve their ability to collaborate.