Integrated working and outcomes for disabled children and their families: A service user perspective
Abstract
There has been considerable discussion in the last decade about the integration of Children’s Services and the development of outcomes frameworks to evaluate their effectiveness. However, whilst these drivers have shaped a whole ‘generation’ of service development, scant attention has been paid to the evidence base as to any cause and effect relationship between the two or to any service-user perspective. It is from this standpoint of ‘barrenness’ that the research question emerged. This study outlines the gap in the existing knowledge base as to whether integrating services does in fact impact on outcomes specifically for the parents/carers of disabled children from a service user perspective. The interpretive methodology adopted is that of a grounded theory approach, moving the reader towards emerging ‘new’ theory. To accomplish the task the author presents her individual paradigm and explores the extant literature to inform her findings. The methods implemented are described in detail and findings which initially ‘tell the story’ of experiences of integrated services, and identification of outcomes, reposition the reader within an integrated framework where both basic needs and more aspirational outcomes can be addressed. Current gaps in integrated services are highlighted and implications for both further research and future service provision are offered in conclusion.Publisher
University of ChesterType
Thesis or dissertationLanguage
enCollections
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