Social Care Integration with Primary Care: call for articles

Our journal is inviting submissions that explore the integration of social care with primary care services. We are particularly interested in research that investigates how the collaboration between primary healthcare providers and social care services can enhance the wellbeing of individuals, improve patient outcomes, and foster more efficient, holistic, and person-centred care. The integration of social care and primary care is a critical aspect of addressing the complex and multifaceted needs of patients, particularly those with long-term conditions, frailty, and socioeconomic deprivation.

We are seeking research that explores various aspects of social care integration, including the different models of collaboration, such as joint working, co-location of services, and shared care pathways. Studies can document the benefits and challenges of these models across diverse healthcare systems. Additionally, we invite research that examines the impact of integrated care on patient outcomes, such as improvements in quality of life, reductions in hospital admissions, and better management of long-term conditions.

There is also a need for research that identifies the barriers and facilitators to successful collaboration between social care and primary care, addressing factors such as organisational, cultural, financial, and regulatory challenges. Investigations into how social care can address wider social determinants of health — such as housing, education, employment, and social isolation — are also welcome, particularly those exploring its impact on primary care practices.

We are interested in studies that focus on the training and workforce development necessary for effective collaboration between primary care professionals and social care workers. Research exploring interdisciplinary education and shared competencies in person-centred care will be particularly valuable. Furthermore, we encourage qualitative research that explores the perspectives of patients and families on integrated care, focusing on their satisfaction, perceived benefits, and challenges in navigating both social and healthcare systems.

Research examining the role of technology, digital platforms, and data-sharing systems in facilitating integrated care between primary healthcare providers and social care teams is also of interest. Additionally, studies evaluating the cost-effectiveness of integrated care models, including potential cost savings, financial sustainability, and the economic implications of these integrated approaches, are highly encouraged.

Submission types

We welcome a wide range of submissions, including:

• Primary research, both qualitative and quantitative
• Scoping reviews
• Systematic reviews
• Meta-analyses
• Research protocols
• Editorials on policy or practice.

We look forward to receiving your contributions to this vital area of healthcare research.

Submissions can be made through the ScholarOne submission portal. Please select 'Social care' from the drop-down submission menu, and state in your cover letter that you are targeting this particular call.

About The Editor's Priorities for the Year

The Editor's Priorities for the Year are a new way of publishing 'virtual' special issues, without holding multiple articles back for simultaneous publication. Instead, articles that are accepted under a Call for Articles will be published as soon as they are ready. Each special issue will then be brought together with an editorial at its close, which will highlight each article and provide a synthesis of the learnings and insight gained from the issue as a whole.

The Editor's Priorities for 2025 are Artificial Intelligence in Primary Care and Social Care. Visit the Artificial Intelligence Call for Articles page.

You can also access our existing Special Issues via the Past Research Calls page.