Dr Austen El-Osta joined the Department in January 2013 to assume the role of NIHR Primary Care Research Manager with NWL CLRN. His principle aim is to widen access and participation in primary care research by engaging constructively with existing and emerging organizational forms during times of great change as the NHS transitions form one state to another. Before joining the CLRN team, Austen worked in a similar capacity in South London, where he engaged with general practices to support recruitment into NIHR-portfolio studies.
The integration of Work Coaches (WCs) & Disability Employment Advisors (DEAs) into UK General Practice (GP) provides an innovative approach to bridging the gap between health & employment services. We now reflect on the findings of our recent study led by Shriti Patani, Lara Shemtob & Kabir Varghese in collaboration with colleagues from the Department of Primary Care and Public Health at Imperial College London. The study explored the benefits & challenges of integrating emplyment support services in primary care from the perspectives of GPs & work coaches. What’s the context? Employment is a critical social determinant of health, with unemployment linked to poorer physical & mental wellbeing & reduced quality of life. Traditionally, individuals seeking employment support access services through Jobcentres. However, barriers including stigma or lack of awareness - especially in people with disabilities or long-term health conditions -...
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