This book represents a major contribution to the development and increasingly accepted importance of involving service users in research. It argues that this development is neither a fad nor a cure-all, and highlights the strengths, weaknesses, benefits, and costs of the approach. Using reflexive questions and practical examples to challenge the reader to consider their own position in relation to these issues, this book should occupy a central place on the shelves of all undergraduate health and social welfare students.
This book provides a definitive critical introduction to service user views and involvement. It addresses both the theoretical and practical issues of service user involvement, and includes initiatives on the impact and outcomes from involvement.
Service user involvement in research can range from the extremes of being the subject, to being the initiator or investigator, of a research study. The activity of the professional researcher can also range from being the person undertaking the research, to being a partner with, or mentor to, service users. This broad scope of levels of involvement is reflected in the contributions in this book, both in the research experiences reported and in the writing of the chapters themselves. With contributions coming from a range of service areas including learning disabilities, cancer care, older people and mental illness, chapters look at important research issues such as: strategies for working in true partnership avoiding ‘tokenism’ involving service users at all stages of the research process communication and terminology involving service users of different ages and experience training needs of professionals and service users problems surrounding ‘payment’ for service users other ethical and practical issues. This book is invaluable reading for researchers in health and social care from academic, professional and service user backgrounds.
Presents a clear, theoretical rationale for the importance and viability of action research in a variety of professional settings The book exposes the limitations of existing models of the relationships between professional theory and professional practice Contains credible case-studies of work undertaken by practioners and service-users Offers practical guidance and strategies for carrying out such work
Some people have always had to find ways of living with long term conditions such as diabetes or coeliac disease, but as people live longer, increasing numbers of us now experience long-term poor health. While some conditions that previously limited the length of life are manageable a growing number of people live with long-term conditions. Against this backdrop, Long Term Conditions explores the complex issues surrounding the experience of long-term illness and the enormous pressure this puts on individuals, their families and carers and on health and social care services. The perspectives of each of these groups are voiced within this book, with chapters written by people who use health and social care services, carers, policy-makers and practitioners. Using a variety of research methods to get to the heart of the matter, the book probes assumptions about the experience of long-term poor health and what constitutes good care. Its aim is to challenge readers to think critically about existing policy and provision and to inspire change based on sound evidence and a drive towards greater multi-professional working. Long Term Conditions provides academics, practitioners and students with a thorough grounding in the complex issues surrounding the experience and management of long-term illness. It is an ideal text for courses on policy, management and practice in health and social care.
Action research is a form of research closely linked to practice which can readily be undertaken by practitioners and service users. This handbook offers a comprehensive guide to action research as a strategy for inquiry and development in health and social care. It can be used by individuals or groups working independently on their own projects or as a basis for a tutor-led course. It features * an introduction to the theories behind action research and other forms of research related to it *lively case studies from social work, nursing, mental health care and community work * a step-by-step study guide. The theoretical section of the book provides a general definition of action research, compares action research with other forms of social research, outlines the nature of a 'culture of inquiry' in the workplace, and describes the links between action research and service-user research, management,community development, evaluation, reflective practice, feminist research and anti-racist research. This practical study guide covers issues such as preparing a proposal, ethics and principles of procedure, gathering and analysing data, writing a report, the links between action research and critical reflection. It will be particularly useful for groups wishing to undertake action research on an independent basis
Hearing (Our) Voices describes two innovative participatory action research projects - one on communication with medical professionals, the other on housing - carried out by a group of people diagnosed with schizophrenia under the guidance of Professor Barbara Schneider. Participants designed the research, conducted interviews and focus groups, participated in data analysis, and disseminated research results through a number of innovative strategies including theatre performances, a documentary film, a graphic novel, and a travelling exhibit. Emerging from these projects is the central and significant finding that people diagnosed with schizophrenia are caught between their dependence on care and their longing for independent lives. The research presented in Hearing (Our) Voices points to a way to resolve this paradox and transform lives through the inclusion of people diagnosed with schizophrenia in research, in decision-making about their own treatment and housing, and in public discourse about schizophrenia.
This is a timely book, given the increasing emphasis on user participation in both research and health and social service provision, that can be read in conjunction with a more general book on research..." David Hicks, Liverpool John Moores University, UK User participation in research is still in its relative infancy with many practical, ethical, moral, methodological and philosophical questions unanswered. This text gathers together an international set of authors to explore these issues and begin to forge some practical solutions to each of these concerns. The book includes contributions on the use and application of narrative approaches, intervention and evaluation research, methodological development and quality thresholds. It provides a practical framework for all groups wishing to undertake research based on the principles and values of user participation. The book is structured around ten original case studies which explore the use of participatory methods in practice with a variety of groups across diverse health, social care and community settings. These include older people, including those with dementia, people with learning disability, mental health service users and their carers, and children and young people. Unique and often groundbreaking studies from Australia, Sweden, the UK, and the USA are used to illustrate application of theory to research practice. In addition the text: Considers the issues, challenges and rewards of user participation research Draws on the actual experience of doing research and working with users Includes the voices and contributions of users in reporting research User Participation in Health and Social Care Research: Voices, Values and Evaluation is key reading for students, researchers, practitioners and users themselves wishing to undertake participative research involving service users.
In addition to creating the opportunity for collaboration, transformation, and innovation in the healthcare industry, technology plays an essential role in the development of human well-being and psychological growth. Handbook of Research on ICTs for Human-Centered Healthcare and Social Services is a comprehensive collection of relevant research on technology and its developments of ICTs in healthcare and social services. This book focuses on the emerging trends in the social and healthcare sectors such as social networks, security of ICTs, and advisory services, beneficial to researchers, scholars, students, and practitioners to further their interest in technological advancements.
Social Care, Service Users and User Involvement provides a definitive introduction to practical, philosophical and theoretical issues at the heart of user involvement. This book provides an accessible account of the latest research findings regarding user involvement on three levels: the delivery and provision of services, practice and practitioners, and research and evaluation. It explores a wide range of service user needs and concerns, including the latest developments in personalisation and the effect of the Equality Act 2010. First-hand accounts illustrate the range of issues and service user needs which could be addressed by increased involvement within and beyond the social care system. The book also distinguishes between user views and user involvement, and addresses their processes outcomes and impact, as well as their measurement. This book will be a key source of information for care workers, service managers, policy makers, researchers, service users and social and health care professionals involved in social care and support service planning.
