The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published a new paper ‘Physicians and Social Care Professionals: Working Together’ which sets out key principles on building effective relationships between physicians and social care professionals to improve patient care.
The paper aims to give practical, general advice for physicians working in all specialties to support effective collaboration with social care professionals.
The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has been working with the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) to better understand the dynamics of the relationship between physicians and social care professionals.
Based on this, the RCP has developed this short document for its members. While not intended as formal guidance it suggests some key principles for how physicians can work effectively with their colleagues in social care spanning from co-producing services, mutual understanding and respect and living with uncertainty.
Dr Jonathan Steel, RCP lead fellow for social care said:
“This document aims to support physicians to work effectively with social care professionals so that together we can deliver the best possible care. Understanding the similarities and differences between our professions and the demands and pressures that influence our decision making provides a strong basis for developing positive working relationships. I was pleased to work with practitioners and key leads in the field to develop this document.”
Sarah McClinton, Director of health and adult services and president of the Association of Directors of Social Services said:
“ADASS was pleased to be involved in contributing to the development of this document and a roundtable discussion. We recognise the importance of building relationships and understanding and we will be giving further consideration to the points captured in the RCP document and in particular whether a list of top tips might be helpful.”