Social network analysis for modelling integrated social care services for older people with complex needs: a feasibility study

Implementation of the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act (2014) (SSWWA) in 2016 required Local Authorities to provide integrated health and social care services for older people with high support needs. The aim of this mixed methods research study was to assess inter and intra-organisation collaboration in delivering care to older people with high support needs. The results of the SNA revealed weak integration between organisations on all measures. Further analyses at a sector level revealed the highest levels of integration occurring within the health sector and the lowest within the independent sector. Five major themes emerged from the qualitative analysis relating to: partnership working, awareness of other organisations, referrals, thresholds and sharing resources, and reflecting the findings of the SNA. Older people with high support needs were mainly unaware and unconcerned about service integration issues when their needs were being met.