An exploratory multi-case study of the health and wellbeing needs, relationships and experiences of health and social care service users and the people who support them at home.

Henderson, Louise; Bain, Heather; Allan, Elaine; Kennedy, Catriona

Abstract

International policies and legislation set a precedence of person-centred sustainable integrated Health and Social Care (HSC) that meets the health and wellbeing needs of service users through improved experiences. However, current research focuses on service models, with fewer studies investigating experiences and needs. This qualitative multi-case [n=7] study was co-designed with key stakeholders, and aimed to explore experiences and needs of people who access and provide HSC at home. Data were collected in a regional area of Scotland (UK) via single [n=10] or dyad [n=4] semi-structured interviews, with service users [n=6], informal carers [n=5] and HSC staff [n=7]. The data were synthesised using Interpretive Thematic Analysis. Interpersonal connections and supportive relationships were found to be instrumental in helping all participant groups feel able to cope with their changing HSC needs and roles. They promoted reassurance, information sharing and reduced anxiety; when they were lacking, it negatively impacted upon experiences of HSC. Promoting inter-personal connections that encourage supportive relationships between people who access and provide HSC and their communities, could therefore promote person-centred, relationship-based care and improve HSC experiences. This study identifies indicators for improved HSC, advocating co-produced community-driven services to meet the self-defined needs of those who access and provide care.

Citation

HENDERSON, L., BAIN, H., ALLAN, E. and KENNEDY, C. 2023. An exploratory multi-case study of the health and wellbeing needs, relationships and experiences of health and social care service users and the people who support them at home. International journal of integrated care [online], 23 (1), article 11. Available from: https://doi.org/10.5334/ijic.7003

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 2, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Publication Date: Mar 31, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jan 30, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 30, 2023
• Journal: International journal of integrated care
• Electronic ISSN: 1568-4156
• Publisher: Ubiquity Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 23
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: 11
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/ijic.7003
• Keywords: Patient-centred care; People-centred care; Relationship-based care; Health and wellbeing; Patient families; At-home care
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1871023
• Related Public URLs: https://rgu-repository....ribe.com/output/1677988 (Thesis)
• Additional Information: This paper has been produced to summarise and further disseminate findings of the lead authors PhD study; co-authors were part of the supervisory team. The full thesis is available here: https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-1677988.