Narrative Recording as Relational Practice in Social Services: A Case Study from a Scottish Carer Support Organisation

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Narrative recording in case records and individual plans within social services represents the means by which stories can be constructed with and about the people with whom services work, influencing relationship building and outcomes. Identities and decision-making are forged in records, shaping people’s lives. Yet, limited attention is paid to narrative recording in research and practice. Indeed, recording, which increasingly veers towards ‘box-ticking’, is viewed by practitioners as a bureaucratic burden, limiting time for the ‘real job’ of face-to-face work. Drawing on Ricoeur’s narrative hermeneutics in exploring qualitative data from a carer support organisation, we identify the potential contribution of narrative recording. Carers often seek support when their sense of identity and quality of life is diminished by their unpaid caring role. We explore practitioners’ views about the role of the narrative record in holding memories, feeding into recognition of capable agency, clarifying possibilities for action, restoration of identity and wellbeing. Applying a Ricoeurian lens demonstrates how attaining these benefits require recording practice which supports recognition through relational practice, in pursuit of better outcomes for carers. Carer benefits could be enhanced by carers holding a copy of and being able to reflect on and further contribute to their own plan.</jats:p>

Exploring the use of images to support short break conversations with unpaid carers

“…needing "permission" to think through their own outcomes and quality of life; feeling unprepared; knowing little about possible options; and finding it difficult to think about "what matters to them" due to their intense caring situation (Miller and Barrie, 2019).…”

“…Optimally, CAs develop partnership working, joint understanding (Hanson et al , 2008) and establish the foundations for personalised support (Scottish Government, 2016; Welsh Government, 2021). Unpaid carers can face challenges engaging in these conversations: needing “permission” to think through their own outcomes and quality of life; feeling unprepared; knowing little about possible options; and finding it difficult to think about “what matters to them” due to their intense caring situation (Miller and Barrie, 2019). …”

“…finding it difficult to think about “what matters to them” due to their intense caring situation (Miller and Barrie, 2019).…”

Making personalised short breaks meaningful: a future research agenda to connect academia, policy and practice

“…This work may sit within a wider programme of research around assessments and support planning as co-produced conversations to generate shared understanding, to facilitate alternative thinking about what works for individuals and to promote positive well-being outcomes. Evidence about outcome-focused carer assessments and support planning in the UK (Seddon and Robinson, 2015;Miller and Barrie, 2016;Miller and Barrie, 2020) provides a starting point to frame future research. Similarly, there are established frameworks for researching the intended outcomes for people with complex needs (Miller and Barrie, 2016).…”