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Self-neglect and safeguarding adult reviews: towards a model of understanding facilitators and barriers to best practice

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Open access

Abstract

Purpose – One purpose is to update the core dataset of self-neglect safeguarding adult reviews and accompanying thematic analysis. A second purpose is to draw together the learning available from this dataset of reviews to propose a model of good practice that can be used as the basis for subsequent safeguarding adult reviews. Design/methodology/approach – Further published reviews are added to the core dataset from the web sites of Safeguarding Adults Boards. Thematic analysis is updated using the four domains employed previously. A sufficient number of reviews have been done from which to construct an evidence-based model of good practice. A framework is presented with the proposition that this can be used as a proportional methodology for further safeguarding adult reviews where self-neglect is in focus. Findings – Familiar findings emerge from the thematic analysis. This level of analysis, constructed over time and across reviews, enables a framework to be developed that pulls together the findings into a model of good practice with individuals who self-neglect and for policies and procedures with which to support those practitioners involved in such cases. This framework can then be used as an evidence-based model with which to review new cases where safeguarding adult reviews are commissioned. Research limitations/implications – The national database of reviews commissioned by SABs is incomplete and does not contain many of the safeguarding adult reviews reported in this evolving dataset. The Care Act 2014 does not require publication of reports but only a summary of findings and recommendations in SAB annual reports. It is possible, therefore, that this dataset is also incomplete. Drawing together the findings from the reviews nonetheless enables conclusions to be proposed about the components of effective practice, and effective policy and organisational arrangements for practice. Future reviews can then explore what enables such effective to be achieved and what barriers obstruct the realisation of effective practice. Practical implications – Answering the question “why” is a significant challenge for safeguarding adult reviews. A framework is presented here, drawn from research on safeguarding adult reviews featuring self-neglect, that enables those involved in reviews to explore the enablers and barriers with respect to an evidence-based model of effective practice. The framework introduces explicitly research and review evidence into the review process. Originality/value – The paper extends the thematic analysis of available reviews that focus on work with adults who self-neglect, further building on the evidence base for practice. The paper also proposes a new approach to safeguarding adult reviews by using the findings and recommendations systematically within a framework designed to answer “why” questions – what promotes and what obstructs effective practice. Keywords: Safeguarding adult reviews, evidence, self-neglect, proportionality Paper type: Research paper

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 219-234

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Journal of Adult Protection (Volume 21, Issue 4)

Publication milestones

  • Accepted/In press - 20/05/2019
  • Published - 01/08/2019

Publication status

Published - 01/08/2019

ISSN

1466-8203

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/623309
  • Scopus: 85070279787

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