6 | P a g e
Research and Evaluation Methods in Social Work module (SWK 752)
Title of Study
Who cares?
Staff perceptions and experiences
of the barriers to identification of
informal carers in primary care
services
Abstract
Context
Research suggests that informal carers are more likely to have seen their GP
than any other health professional and staff within primary care services may
be the first connection to the health service that an informal carer may make
while providing care to another individual. For this reason, it is vital that
systems and supports are available within primary care services to identify,
involve, and subsequently provide support to enable carers to maintain their
own health and wellbeing.
Methodology and Methods used
This service evaluation study used a qualitative approach to explore the
perceptions and experiences of a range of staff groups within selected GP
surgeries to consider the barriers to identification of family or informal carers
throughout their day-to-day work. Survey Mechanics online survey tool was
used to assist with producing a survey questionnaire. Overall, thirty-one
participants with a range of roles including GPs, Practice Managers, Mental
Health Practitioners, Social Workers, Pharmacists and
Reception/Administration staff participated in the study. The data generated
was organised into key themes with the support of the Survey Mechanics tool
and then collated using excel software.
Findings
Despite the evaluation being a small-scale study, it provided a valuable insight
into the challenges faced by staff based in GP surgeries when identifying