Making a difference?
Exploring the impact of multi-agency working on disabled children with complex health care needs, their families and the professionals who support them
By Ruth Townsley, David Abbott and Debby Watson
Published
Feb 18, 2004Page count
96 pagesISBN
978-1861345738Dimensions
297 x 210 mmImprint
Policy Press
Making a difference?
Many health, education and social service initiatives aim to implement better multi-agency working between agencies and professionals. But what difference does this sort of organisational change make to those families and children on the receiving end? Making a difference? explores the process and impact of multi-agency working on disabled children with complex health care needs and the families and professionals who support them.
Examining in detail the work of six multi-agency services, the report describes the process of multi-agency working, key success factors, and outcomes for professionals, as well as the impact on families in terms of their daily life, well-being, and contact with services and professionals. A concluding chapter summarises key issues and makes recommendations for policy and practice.
"The research is fascinating and there are many lessons to be learnt for services." New Opportunity Newsletter (Handsel Trust)
"... a fascinating, informative, well-written and clearly presented book." Health and Social Care in the Community
Ruth Townsley, David Abbott and Debby Watson are all based at the Norah Fry Research Centre, University of Bristol.
Introduction; Introduction to the research: why ask about multi-agency working in services to disabled children with complex health care needs?; The six services: different types of multi-agency working; The impact of multi-agency working on professionals and agencies; Exploring the impact of multi-agency working on families' daily lives and well-being; Exploring the impact of multi-agency working on families' contact with services and professionals; How do disabled children and young people with complex health care needs experience multi-agency working?; Conclusions and recommendations.