A scoping study of workforce development for self-neglect work

Self-neglect is complex and varied. In England, as in many other countries, there is no standard definition in general use. Consequently consistent prevalence data do not exist at a national level (Braye et al., 2011), making it hard to estimate the scale of the issue. However, qualitative research with social care and health professionals has indicated that self-neglect cases are often practically, personally and ethically challenging for them (Gunstone, 2003; Lauder et al., 2005; Braye et al., 2011; Day et al., 2012). There is as yet no widespread or definitive approach to workforce development to assist in addressing the difficulties of practice with self-neglect. This study, commissioned by Skills for Care, explores to what extent there is a need and justification for such an undertaking. It reviews evidence from the research literature, relevant serious case review summaries and interviews carried out at five localities within England. The findings add to what is known about the challenges of self-neglect practice and identify key workforce development issues to be addressed. They also identify examples of ways forward already in progress and point to key priorities for the sector skills council, Skills for Care.