scholarly journals “Being brave”

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 201-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Mangan ◽  
Mark Pietroni ◽  
Denise Porter
Keyword(s):  
Peer Review ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Peer Review Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Local Stakeholders ◽  
Inappropriate Admissions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on the use of an innovative peer review approach to identifying and addressing the causes of inappropriate admissions from hospital to nursing homes in South Gloucestershire (SG). It explains the methodology that was developed, the findings of the peer review process and reflects on the effectiveness of the process. Design/methodology/approach – The peer review consisted of two stages. The first stage involved a panel of local stakeholders carrying out an audit of a random selection of cases where people had been assessed as needing permanent nursing or residential care. From this four cases of inappropriate admissions were identified. Stage two involved an externally facilitated process with two peer challenge panels; one of local stakeholders and the other external experts. The two panels analysed the cases of inappropriate admissions, identified the system causes and suggested actions to tackle the issues which were fed back to an audience of local stakeholders. Findings – The combination of case audit and peer review was successful in providing robust challenge to the processes in SG by identifying shortcomings in the system and suggesting actions to improve outcomes. Research limitations/implications – The approach was taken in one Council area and therefore may not be replicable in another area. Practical implications – The case study suggests that a peer review approach using both local and external peers, including providers, is an effective way to identify weaknesses in the health and social care processes. The insights offered by external peers and providers is helpful for councils in identifying where to focus resources and suggests that other areas should consider proactive adaptations to the peer review methodology that is offered as part of the LGA’s programme of sector-led improvement. Social implications – The case study suggests that a peer review approach could have a positive impact on the quality of care and quality of life for older people who are admitted to hospital. Originality/value – The case study offers an innovative and original use of the peer review approach in social care that can be shared with other councils and partners. The Southwest Improvement Board have identified it as of particular interest to other areas seeking to work with partners to identify and implement positive change.

scholarly journals Responding to the NHS and social care workforce crisis

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Hanney ◽  
Helen Karagic
Keyword(s):  
Social Care ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Apprenticeship Learning ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Government ◽  
Further Education Colleges

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse the development of a foundation degree, including a higher apprenticeship route, which enables learners to access both higher education (HE) and health and social care professional programmes. The underpinning rationale is the urgent workforce crisis in health and social care services. Design/methodology/approach The authors will review the multiple drivers which stimulated course development and the creation of a community of practice to ensure quality management. This case study illustrates the potential of a higher apprenticeship to enable both personal and professional development. Findings The paper provides insight into working with a number of further education colleges, how to ensure consistency in delivery and assessment and the strategies which contribute to quality assurance. This case study illustrates the potential of work-based learning to transform lives and to provide the workforce required by our public services. Practical implications This paper explores the lessons learnt from setting up a new collaborative partnership and the processes that need to be in place for success. Social implications The paper discusses the potential of widening access into HE, the positive impact on recruitment to professional courses and the long-term effect on the public service workforce. Originality/value The government is committed to the expansion of apprenticeship learning in health and social care. This paper shares the authors’ experience of working with a range of employers and education providers, the challenges and successes and recommendations for development.

Collaborating across health and social care: joint funding an adult protection Coordinator post in Caerphilly, UK

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-147
Author(s):  
Andrea Giordano ◽  
Alison Neville
Keyword(s):  
Social Services ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Service Improvement ◽  
Health Board ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Abuse And Neglect ◽  
Vulnerable Adults ◽  
Adult Protection

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to improve the consistency and quality of the response to vulnerable adults who experience abuse and neglect within NHS, independent healthcare and social care settings is noted by practitioners, agencies and patients. Health and social care policy frameworks promote principles of service improvement and consistency, along with a focus on outcomes and resource effectiveness and interagency collaboration. The Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA) coordinator role carries the responsibility of coordinating a response to individual referrals of abuse and neglect as described as part of the Designated Lead Manager role in the Wales Interim POVA Policy and Procedures for the POVA from abuse (Wales Adult Protection Coordinators Group, 2013). Design/methodology/approach – This paper will explore the benefits realised through a registered nurse being seconded from the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board into a newly created joint adult protection Health Coordinator post within the Caerphilly County Borough Council social services department POVA team. Findings – This is the first example of such partnership working in adult protection in Wales and has provided a number of benefits in relation to: providing adult protection advice; coordinating the response to referrals of vulnerable adult abuse and neglect within health and social care settings; carrying out or buddying others to complete adult protection investigations; facilitating the two day non-criminal POVA investigation training course and, awareness raising within the local Health Board. The development of a student nurse placement in the social services POVA team cements the multiagency collaborative approach that this development sought to achieve. Originality/value – The need to improve the consistency and quality of the response to vulnerable adults who experience abuse and neglect within NHS, independent healthcare and social care settings is noted by practitioners, agencies and patients.

Time for some home truths – exploring the relationship between GPs and social workers

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 51-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Mangan ◽  
Robin Miller ◽  
Jeremy Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between general practitioners (GPs) and social care professionals by reflecting on a project (the Home Truths project) which sought to improve joint working between general practice and social care though an action-research process. Design/methodology/approach – iMPOWER's Home Truths project involved gathering local data regarding joint working in local areas and using this data as a catalyst for change. The Institute of Local Government Studies and the Health Services Management Centre at the University of Birmingham were asked to act as a critical friend to the project. This involved supporting the design of the data collection, offering advice on the process and to carrying out a short evaluation of the impact of the first wave. The paper reflects on the collected data from the sites and information from the impact evaluation. Findings – The paper highlights the poor quality of the relationship between GPs and social workers. Findings that illustrate this include GPs’ poor knowledge of social care services; a perception that social care services were of poor quality and rating the quality of their relationships with social workers as poor. However GPs felt that knowing more about social care could help prevent their patients going into residential care earlier than necessary and wanted to work more closely with social care to exploit the benefits and opportunities. The interventions that have been put in place to try and improve relationships focus on the day-to-day working lives of the professionals rather than attempting to introduce new initiatives. Research limitations/implications – The response rate from GPs in the areas was low (average response rate was 10 per cent in each area) and it may be that only those GPs who are interested in working with social care responded. The initiatives that have been developed appear to be reasonable responses to the issues identified. However, a lack of discrete outcomes through which to measure improvement will make it difficult to demonstrate the impact of the interventions. Originality/value – This paper underlines that despite many years of policy makers promoting better integration, the relationship between the key gate-keepers within the health and social care systems is still poor. The findings from the Home Truths surveys and action plans has gone some way to address the gap identified in the evidence base about the relationships between GPs and social workers.

“When we say ‘urgent’ it means now …”

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 143-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Griffith ◽  
Jon Glasby
Keyword(s):  
Social Care ◽  
Professional Culture ◽  
Practical Case ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Senior Leaders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Policy Debates ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Structural Solutions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the perceptions which senior health and social care leaders have of their own organisations and of partner agencies, illustrating a possible method for beginning to think and talk about organisational and professional culture in settings. Design/methodology/approach – This is a practical case study, with a group of senior leaders from across the health and social care system. Findings – Different groups were often more critical of their own organisations than of others, but could still identify certain characteristics that they associated with partner agencies. While there is much that we admire about ourself and others, we seldom get chance to share this positive feedback. Equally, we rarely have the scope to give each other more challenging feedback and this – when carefully facilitated – can help build stronger relationships in the longer term. Research limitations/implications – Inter-agency working is often influenced by the implicit assumptions and stereotypes we hold about each other’s professional culture. Surfacing these in a safe, facilitated setting can help to explore and challenge such assumptions (where appropriate), reflect on how we see others and better understand how others see us. Originality/value – Policy debates about integrated care too often focus on structural “solutions” and arguably pay insufficient attention to the importance of culture. While work with front-line practitioners often tries to explore different perceptions of each other, it is less common for such an approach to be attempted with senior leaders.

Housing, health and social care – an introduction

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Handy
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Good Life ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Government ◽  
Proportionate Universalism ◽  
Significant Factors

Purpose – There are clear links between health, housing and social care. The homeless live much shorter lives as do those people living in poorer quality accommodation and areas of deprivation. Life expectancy and the quality of life in later years are both drastically affected by Marmot's (2010) social gradient, with people from poorer backgrounds often doing worse. A decent home is fundamental to a healthy and a good life. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The research approach reviewed existing articles, examples from the housing sector and analysis of a range of data from organisations including the NHS. Findings – Good housing helps to support better health but it is not the only answer – joined up working between agencies and Marmot's proposal of proportionate universalism are significant factors in finding solutions to this long-standing issue. Social implications – Costs to the government, health services and local authorities and other agencies could be reduced by wider thinking around the link between housing, health and other support. Originality/value – This paper focuses on the existing links between health, housing and social care.

How NHS Sutton Clinical Commissioning Group is working with care homes to improve the health and wellbeing of older residents

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 60-68
Author(s):  
Christine Harger
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Residential Homes ◽  
London Borough ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Health And Social Care

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe how NHS Sutton Clinical Commissioning Group (Sutton CCG) is working with nursing homes, residential homes and other health and social care organisations in Sutton to improve the quality of provision for residents in nursing and residential homes “care homes”. Design/methodology/approach – The paper explains how Sutton CCG engaged with care homes initially to seek their views on whether they wanted support and what support they would value. It describes what arrangements Sutton CCG put in place for managers and staff in local care homes to provide support face-to-face. The paper outlines the key areas for improvement that Sutton CCG and the care homes are focusing on. It includes examples of work carried out jointly by the care homes and Sutton CCG to improve the quality of care for residents. It goes on to describe joint-working arrangements between the CCG, London Borough of Sutton and other health and social care organisations to ensure the overall quality of care homes in Sutton. Findings – The paper outlines feedback from care home managers and staff who were invited to share their views about what support they wanted from Sutton CCG. It includes early feedback from care homes about the support put in place and the areas where they have found it most useful. Practical implications – In the UK many older people live in care homes. Britain has an ageing population so the need for residential and nursing homes and the numbers of people living in care homes is only likely to increase. Our ageing population also places additional demands on the NHS, with residents in care homes often spending time in A&E and lengthy spells in hospital. This paper highlights how CCGs and other health and social care organisations can work with care homes to improve the health and wellbeing of older residents in care homes and reduce pressures on other health services. Originality/value – Sutton CCG has put in place new arrangements for working with care homes that aim to support carers to improve the lives of their older residents. The paper shares practical examples of support that the CCG has provided which has successfully improved care and decision making in care homes; early indications show this has reduced 999 calls and conveyances to hospital. Sutton CCG, London Borough of Sutton and other statutory organisations with responsibility for care homes in Sutton have also set up a joint intelligence group to gain an overall picture of the quality of the borough’s care homes.

scholarly journals Working in triads: A case study of a peer review process

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-44
Author(s):  
Peter Grainger ◽  
◽  
Martin Bridgstock ◽  
Todd Houston ◽  
Steve Drew ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peer Review ◽  
Teaching Practices ◽  
Review Process ◽  
Peer Review Process ◽  
Teaching Quality ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Quality Of Teaching

Peer review of teaching has become an accepted educational procedure in Australia to quality assure the quality of teaching practices. The institutional implementation of the peer review process can be viewed as genuine desire to improve teaching quality or an imposition from above as a measure of accountability and performativity. One approach is to conduct the peer review process as a team or a triad, involving a group of three academics. This article reviews this process of peer review through the eyes of the participants. The results of the study indicate that the peer review process upon which this study is based, has the potential to not only significantly impact academics’ pedagogy but to improve teaching confidence and associated benefits in regard to evidence based teaching for promotional opportunities.

Diagnosis of “acopia”: prescription for neglect?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoe Hodges
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Appropriate Care ◽  
Care And Support ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Professional Disciplines ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to reflect upon the usefulness of the word “acopia” as a diagnosis in relation to individuals in hospital. Design/methodology/approach A response to existing literature and consideration of application to practice with adults who may be vulnerable. Findings The term “acopia” is derived from medicine but has gained popularity throughout health and social care. It is a term that has no diagnostic tool or agreed characteristics. Practical implications Practitioners across a number of professional disciplines need to be aware of the individual circumstances, preferences and priorities of individuals to secure the most appropriate care and support for each person. Failure to acknowledge complexity of an individual’s presenting condition at hospital admission may have fatal consequences. Originality/value The importance of language used to refer to adults who are likely to be vulnerable may influence the quality of the care and treatment that they receive.

scholarly journals Quality improvement through the paradigm of learning

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 195-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trish Hafford-Letchfield ◽  
Peter Lavender
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Project Staff ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Learning Interventions

Purpose – Achieving meaningful participation and co-production for older people in care requires radical approaches. The purpose of this paper is to explore an innovation where learning interventions were introduced into care settings and older people matched to community-based learning mentors to develop partnerships. The authors explore how the concept of learning might be used as a paradigm to raise the quality of care in institutionalised settings using a co-productive and relationship-based approach to promote wellbeing. Design/methodology/approach – A structured evaluation drew on qualitative data captured from interviews with older people (n=25) and learning mentors (n=22) to reflect on the potential benefits and challenges involved when introducing learning interventions in care settings. This was contextualised alongside data captured from stakeholders (n=10) including a care home manager, social care and education commissioners, trustees and project staff to assess the interdisciplinary contribution of lifelong learning to quality improvement. Findings – Introducing learning interventions to older people within care settings promoted participation, advocacy and relationship-based care which in turn helped to create a positive culture. Given the current challenges to improve quality in care services, drawing on a paradigm of learning may encourage older people to retain their independence as care homes strive towards a person-centred approach. Promoting social activities and leisure using learning was found to foster closer working relationships between older people and the wider community. These had a levelling effect through reciprocity, using an asset based approach. There were benefits for the care provider as the partnerships formed enabled people to raise both individual and collective concerns about care and support. Originality/value – Raising and sustaining the quality of support for older people requires input from the wider public sector beyond health and social care. Purposeful engagement with other disciplines such as learning and leisure offers the potential to realise a more sustainable model of user choice, person-centred support and user involvement. Being engaged through learning can nourish membership in the community for marginalised populations such as older people living in care homes.

The peer-review process of the Journal of Neurosurgery

1999 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 364-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrina S. Firlik ◽  
Andrew D. Firlik
Keyword(s):  
Peer Review ◽  
Review Process ◽  
Peer Review Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Peer review is the process by which scientific articles are evaluated and selected for publication. To clarify this procedure for readers and writers, the authors present a detailed description of peer review at the Journal of Neurosurgery (JNS) in the context of other journals. They discuss the unique characteristics of JNS's peer-review process and how it contributes to the quality of the JNS.

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