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 in a regional area of Scotland.

The aim of this research was to explore the health and wellbeing needs, relationships, and experiences of Health and Social Care (HSC) Service Users and the people who support them at home, in a regional area of Scotland. Current United Kingdom legislation sets a precedence of person-centred HSC that meets the health and wellbeing needs of Service Users and their families through improved experiences. Despite this, current research in the field focuses on evaluation of services and models of integrated HSC, with fewer studies investigating person-centred experiences and needs of people who use HSC. This qualitative multi-case study was designed with HSC key stakeholders. Eighteen participants were recruited across three participant groups: Service User [n=6]; Informal Carer [n=5]; HSC staff [n=7]. Service Users identified an Informal carer and HSC staff member to take part with them, creating a 'case' [n=7]. Qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews (December 2019 – March 2020) and principles of interpretive thematic analysis were employed to synthesise data and findings. The study found that supportive relationships and interpersonal connections were instrumental in helping all participant groups to feel able to cope with their changing HSC needs and roles, promoting reassurance, information sharing and reduced anxiety. When these connections and relationships were lacking, it negatively impacted upon Service Users' experiences of HSC. Service Users and Informal Carers wanted to connect with their local communities for support. These connections appeared more cohesive and collaborative than those with statutory NHS and Local Authority services because of their personal connections with individual community members. Supportive relationships within a community were instrumental in meeting the HSC needs of their individual members. The support that statutory services provided did not always meet the needs of the people who were accessing or providing it, and they were not always aware of the support that communities provided. This study offers insight into indicators for improved HSC. Findings suggest a need to adopt Person-centred, Relationship-based HSC to encourage meaningful connections and improve experiences of accessing and providing HSC. Co-produced, community-driven services that meet the needs of the people who use them, as defined by those people themselves, should be encouraged.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

PhD

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Robert Gordon University

Year dc:date.issued

2022

Author dc:creator

• Henderson, Louise Claire

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• C. Kennedy, H. Bain and E. Allan

• Community health services
• Health services
• Patient-centred care
• Person-centred care
• Scotland

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

oai:rgu-repository.worktribe.com:1677988
https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-1677988

Author Identifier

0000-0003-3477-3661

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:rgu-repository.worktribe.com:1677988