Individualised integration of social and health services for frequent attenders

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe how frequent attenders (FAs), divided into different profiles, use of primary care, emergency care and specialised medical care and which social services have been granted to them.Design/methodology/approachThe present study utilises previous research of FAs and their identification of four profiles. The data were acquired from three data registries in Finland. Analysis of the FAs (n = 56) data was undertaken using descriptive statistics methods and qualitative analysis.FindingsPatients with multiple problems used primary care, emergency care and specialized medical care frequently, and they had the highest number of appointments with doctors and nurses. Social services were required mostly social work. Visits made by patients with an impaired capacity caused by substance abuse were mainly targeted at appointments and mental health care services to a nurse in primary care. The required types of social services were often rehabilitative work experience. For mothers requiring support, the most frequently used services in primary were the child health and maternity clinic. The social services granted were mostly social work. Children and adolescents who are burdened by everyday concerns visits were mainly focused on primary to the child health and maternity clinic. Use of social services often entailed the supervision of contact sessions between parents and children’s.Research limitations/implicationsThe study confirmed that there is a need for increase knowledge of FAs. The service needs of FAs should be understood multi-dimensionally and the research results justify the individualised integration of social and health services for FAs.Originality/valueThe research results justify the individualised integration of social and health services for FAs.