Innovative models of interfacing between NHS and social care (v1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of the role and impact of innovative models of interfacing between the NHS and children’s social care to improve outcomes for children at risk of abuse and neglect
IRAS ID
124733
Contact name
Samantha McDermid
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Warwick University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 1 days
Research summary
Recent policy and research has highlighted the need for improved practice at the interface between key front line health practitioners and children’s social care. In response, a number of localities have developed multi-agency teams and a range of approaches that are aimed at improving support and safeguarding for children and families. A partnership between the University of Warwick, the University of Sussex and the Centre for Child and Family Research at Loughborough University has been funded by the Department of Health to identify and evaluate a number of innovative models of working that improve the interface between both primary and acute sectors of the NHS and children’s social care.
The research combines a desk-based review of published literature and a telephone survey to identify the type and spread of innovative practice models. This will be followed by in-depth fieldwork in six sites across England exemplifying innovative practice in the successful management of the interface between primary and secondary health, and children’s social care.
The study aims to examine the role and impact of innovative models of interfacing between the NHS and children’s social care that are aimed at improving outcomes for children at risk of abuse and neglect. The research will also seek to develop a translational model which will facilitate the sharing of findings, inform practice and develop innovative working elsewhere in the NHS and children’s social care. The research seeks to identify the factors and mechanisms that are effective in improving multidisciplinary practice and translate these findings for use by policy makers and practitioners.
At each of the six sites, telephone interviews and focus groups will be undertaken with health and children’s social care practitioners involved with the innovative models. Face to face interviews will also be completed with families (parents, carers and children) in receipt of services.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/YH/0223
Date of REC Opinion
17 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion