Integrating Social And Medical Care For Patients With Complex Needs: A Qualitative Exploration Of Nursing Specialists And Technicians' Perspectives

Abstract

Patients with complex medical and social needs often require integrated care that addresses both their health conditions and social determinants of health. Nursing specialists and technicians play a crucial role in providing comprehensive care to these patients. This qualitative study explores the perspectives of nursing specialists and technicians on integrating social and medical care for patients with complex needs in Saudi Arabia. Through semi-structured interviews, the study investigates the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for delivering integrated care in various healthcare settings. The findings reveal that nursing specialists and technicians recognize the importance of addressing patients' social needs, such as housing, transportation, and financial support, in conjunction with their medical care. However, they also identify barriers to effective integration, including limited resources, lack of coordination among healthcare and social service providers, and inadequate training in social care. The study highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, enhanced communication, and supportive organizational policies to facilitate the integration of social and medical care. The insights gained from this study can inform the development of interventions and policies aimed at improving the delivery of integrated care for patients with complex needs in Saudi Arabia and beyond.