ABSTRACT
Clinicians will always face the challenge of contextualising the care plans they provide for the patients within their environment. Socioeconomic factors will play a substantial role in determining health outcomes, particularly in vulnerable and marginalised patient groups. Unfortunately, the model of brief consultations that clinicians currently work under will not always effectively deal with the most pressing priorities in a patient’s circumstance. This has led to a variety of developments in new ways to provide more holistic healthcare services. Based on the rise of Focused Care in Manchester, various GP practices across the UK have demonstrated the effective use of coordinating different service sectors to tackle health inequalities.
This chapter explores further:
Five case studies highlighting different approaches and suggestions for practice: A social prescribing model (Bromley-by-bow), a supportive GP network (Deep End), an integration of holistic healthcare services (HealthWORKS), a model supporting marginalised groups (BRICCS) and a collaboration providing support for the management homeless patients (Pathway).
