Capital Health Network

Today a trial of embedding social workers in general practice was launched in the ACT to support the health, social and welfare needs of patients.

As ACT’s Primary Health Network (PHN), Capital Health Network (CHN) CEO Megan Cahill said they are looking at ways to trial innovative models of care to improve patient outcomes.Similar international models of care have shown the benefits of having a social worker in a general practice.

“We’ve seen the success of social workers in general practice in both the UK and New Zealand where they play a significant role serving as a link between the primary care provider and community services. As we’re keen to see if a similar model will work here, we will have this trial independently evaluated,” said Ms Cahill.

Almost half of ACT adults have a long-term health condition and there is growing interest in exploring models of social prescribing to address the social determinants of health, such as social inclusion, housing and transportation.

“We’re interested to see the benefits of social workers being able to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team alongside GPs to help support patients to get the right care at the right place at the right time. The social workers will assist patients to improve their health and wellbeing, better navigate the health system, access support and avoid unnecessary hospitalisations,” said Ms Cahill.

Unpaid family Carers are also set to benefit from the trial as they are often the ones who are left to try to navigate appropriate services.

“Not only will the ability to meet with a social worker assist the patient but we believe it may also help support the unpaid family Carer who is often a key part of the coordination team. The social workers will assist the GP, patient and Carer by facilitating and coordinating additional assistance with social, welfare or community providers,” said Ms Cahill.

The trial is being conducted over 18 months in four local general practices: Interchange Health Co-op, Next Practice Deakin, Fisher Family Practice and Wakefield Gardens.

The trial is supported by funding from the ACT PHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.