Abstract

Better evidence is needed on how social care, health care and housing support interact to enable people to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. In most countries, individual level administrative data on social care, housing support and health care are collected separately by different organisations. Linking such datasets could enable service providers, planners and policy makers to gain an improved understanding of how these services can work together more effectively to improve outcomes for patients/clients.

Our paper describes a study carried out on such a linked dataset. In collaboration with the Scottish Government’s Health Analytical Services Division and the Information Services Division of NHS Scotland we have analysed a unique dataset which brings together detailed information on individual social care packages, prescribing, diagnoses (including dementia and mental health) and hospital episodes. Interrogation of this distinctive dataset offers huge potential by providing information on services received by people who have had an admission(s) to hospital (planned or unplanned), and are subsequently in receipt of prescriptions and/or social care packages. This enables us to take a clearer more holistic overview of the interaction of health and social care from the individual perspective.

Research findings will include an exploration of geographic variation in care packages, examined in relation to the frequency and nature of hospital admissions.

Slides