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Coproduction with Service Users in Adult Social Work

A Study of Service Users’ and Social Workers’ Experiences in Northern Ireland

Bibliographic Data

ID10897331
AuthorsPatricia Burns (0009-0002-3644-1601, School of Applied Social and Policy Sciences, Ulster University , Northland Road , Derry BT48 7JL, Ireland), Patricia B Burns (University of Ulster, corresponding author), Tony McGinn (0000-0001-9465-5523, School of Applied Social and Policy Sciences, Ulster University , Northland Road , Derry BT48 7JL, Ireland), Lelia Fitzsimons (Belfast Health and Social Care Trust , Knockbracken Healthcare Park, Saintfield Road , Belfast BT8 8BH, UK)
Year2023
Volume53
Issue8
Pages3566-3583
Publication date2023-12-07
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe British Journal of Social Work (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0045-3102 • E-ISSN: 1468-263X
PublisherOxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1093/bjsw/bcad151
OpenAlexW4382193152
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited60

Involving service users, in the delivery of health and social care, is a focal point in social policy discourse. Coproduction has become synonymous with anti-oppressive practice and service user empowerment. This article reports on a qualitative study carried out in Northern Ireland which explored service user involvement in adult social care practice and policy development. Semi-structured interviews were completed with service users (n = 6) and social workers (n = 7); thematic analysis was applied to the resultant data. The study was coproduced with service users who informed the research design and were actively involved throughout each phase of the study. Findings suggest that service users are motivated to participate in coproduction and can feel valued in these roles, but meaningful coproduction is a challenge in the current practice environment. Close working relationships, with clear and consistent communication are difficult to maintain amid the current trend of bureaucratisation in our profession. Findings point towards the need for a service-user/social worker alliance which can challenge problematic organisational cultures. Remuneration for service users, engaged in coproduction, is encouraged, alongside organisational recognition of the time and resource necessary for effective coproduction. A procedural and ethical framework for coproduction practices would also be timely

Business · Coproduction · Political science · Public relations · Qualitative research · Service (business) · Service delivery framework · Service design · Service provider · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Healthcare innovation and challenges · Marketing · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Social Work Education and Practice · Social Work

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Unique citing works4
Citations per year1,33
Citation span2023 - 2026 (4)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 4
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