Jackie Powell

Appraising the Evidence: Reviewing Disparate Data Systematically

The authors describe a method of systematically reviewing research from different paradigms. They draw on the methods adapted, developed, and designed during a study concerned with the delivery of care across professional boundaries. Informed by the established method of systematic review, the authors undertook the review in distinct stages. They describe the methods developed for each stage and outline the difficulties encountered, the solutions devised, and the appraisal tools developed. Although many of the problems encountered were related to the critical assessment of qualitative research, the authors argue that the method of systematic review can be adapted for use with different data and across disciplines.

A Case Study of Knowledge Management in Multiagency Consumer-Informed `Communities of Practice': Implications for Evidence-Based Policy Development in Health and Social Services

We report a study that facilitated and evaluated two multiagency Communities of Practice (CoPs) working on improving specific aspects of health and social services for older people, and analysed how they processed and applied knowledge in formulating their views. Data collection included observing and tape-recording the CoPs, interviewing participants and reviewing documents they generated and used. All these sources were analysed to identify knowledge-related behaviours. Four themes emerged from these data: (1) the way that certain kinds of knowledge became privileged and accepted; (2) the ways in which the CoP members transformed and internalized new knowledge; (3) how the haphazard processing of the available knowledge was contingent upon the organizational features of the groups; and (4) the ways in which the changing agendas, roles and power-relations had differential effects on collective sense making. We conclude by recommending ways in which the process of evidence-based policy development in such groups may be enhanced.

Accountability and Accounting: Using Naturalistic Methodology to Enhance Organizational Control – A Case Study

Reports a case study investigating the use of naturalistic methodology to enhance the accountability of strategic decision making in a community health service. Discovers the possibilities and problems of stakeholders′ evaluation to improve accounting information. The study involved a district health psychogeriatric service in southern England over the period 1988‐1992.

The ‘international dimension’ in social work education: current developments in England

As our awareness of the impact of globalising trends has increased, so too has social works interest in international issues grown. At the same time, concerns have been raised about what constitutes international social work, and how this ‘international dimension’ might be introduced to social work students as part of their preparation for practice. This paper reports on a recently completed study which explored the different ways in which international issues are being addressed in social work programmes leading to the newly established three-year degree in social work across the UK. Based on an email survey of accredited programmes in England, plus a small number of follow-up interviews, findings are presented on the different approaches and innovations adopted in the development of curriculum with an international perspective. Discussion focuses on possible factors promoting and/or inhibiting the development of an international dimension within the qualifying curriculum. The paper concludes with some observations on how the different understandings of ‘international social work’ can contribute to a greater appreciation of global problems and alternative ways of responding to social needs at local, national and international levels.

Professional territories and the fragmented landscape of elderly care.

This paper examines the problems and dilem mas involved in delivering care to older people. In particular it seeks to identify the processes that facilitate or hinder communication and collaboration between those involved in care that has to be both reliable and expeditious to ensure that high quality care is provided. To do this the paper draws on a recent international systematic review of the relevant research lit erature which is briefly described. A geo graphical analogy is employed to help map dif ferent organisational and professional territo ries of care. It will be argued that these territo ries have their own priorities, patterns of working and perceptions of older people. The paper concludes by considering a potential way to merge territorial interests by reconfig uring the map of care around the older per son.

Identifying ‘value’ in day care provision for older people

Day care can play a prominent part in the overall development of high quality health and social care provision for older people. This paper describes an approach to evaluating day care services which brings together costs and service users’ views as a means of establishing the overall ‘value’. This strategy, it is argued, underlines the purpose of day care itself as a means of promoting the independence and autonomy of older people.

Using Naturalistic and Economic Evaluation to Assist Service Planning: A Case Study in the United Kingdom.

This article reports the results of a case study that evaluated a psychogeriatric service in the United Kingdom. The case study was an attempt to develop a methodology combining natural istic and scientific approaches to assist the management of a public sector service. Use was made of stakeholder analysis and naturalistic evaluation to complement an economic, cost effective ness analysis to enable a service strategy to be developed. The approach was found to be of benefit in the areas of extending access to decision making and improving the information used but was expensive to support and required a high level of commitment and a willingness to compromise from all stakeholders.

Promoting Older People's Voices—: The Contribution of Social Work to Inter-Disciplinary Research

Abstract UK government policies over the last decade or more have focussed on giving older people more voice in the design, delivery and assessment of services. Mirroring these trends, there has been a shift towards increased involvement of older people in the research process. Drawing on three research studies, this paper examines the contribution of social work to an inter-disciplinary research agenda designed to promote increased involvement of older people in issues of service quality in primarily health settings. Challenges and opportunities are discussed. Each of the studies illustrates the importance of promoting research practice congruent with social works commitment to partnership and empowering forms of practice. This, it is argued, requires the challenging of ageist assumptions, the use of a range of research methods and the valuing of different forms of knowledge.

Accessing an assessment of social support needs: perspectives on the process

This paper reports on the second phase of a study examining the accessibility to visually impaired people of appropriate assessment and social support in the context of the implementation of the National Health Service (NHS) and Community Care Act 1990. It draws upon interviews with visually impaired people who have recently experienced an assessment, with relatives or other people giving them significant informal support and with front-line workers who assessed their needs.