Together we are better? Strategic needs assessment as a tool to improve joint working in England

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to report the results of a national survey to explore preparations under way by local authorities and primary care trusts (PCT) for the duty to conduct a joint strategic needs assessment (JSNA), key barriers and enablers to this, and the implications for future policy. In particular, the study focuses on JSNA in the context of current and future health and social care partnerships.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Department of Health e‐mail circulation lists, the authors conducted a national survey of all PCT chief executives, directors of adult social services and public health in England (a total of 459 people). A qualitative survey was e‐mailed in February 2008 at the time when health and social care communities were preparing to implement the new duty. All completed surveys were analysed by both authors using thematic content analysis. A grounded approach was taken whereby the thematic framework emerged from initial familiarisation with the data, to which any further themes emerging during the coding process were incorporated.

Findings

Although respondents felt that it was very early days, they had a number of aspirations for JSNA and identified a number of potential impacts and implications. First and foremost, respondents felt that JSNA had scope to raise the profile of the importance of jointly agreed approaches to needs assessment and to partnership working more generally. However, as many respondents pointed out, the extent to which JSNA is able to realise this potential depends on it being seen as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself.

Originality/value

Overall, the impression from this early survey was of a health and social care system taking the new duty seriously and with aspirations in some areas to make JSNA a future driving force for local service changes.

Citation

Ellins, J. and Glasby, J. (2011), "Together we are better? Strategic needs assessment as a tool to improve joint working in England", Journal of Integrated Care, Vol. 19 No. 3, pp. 34-41. https://doi.org/10.1108/14769011111148159