Working towards integrated client-oriented care and services: A qualitative study of the perceptions of Finnish health and social care professionals

Abstract

Introduction Client orientation is an essential principle that underlines the delivery of high-quality health and social care. Despite this, little is known about how the health and social care professionals perceive this principle. The aim of this qualitative study was to describe the integrated perceptions of health and social care professionals of client orientation and the requirements for competencies and care and service systems. Methods The 29 participants were Finnish health and social care professionals and the data were collected with asynchronous online discussions in a closed Internet-based group from November 2017 to January 2018 and analysed with inductive content analysis. Results Client orientation was a core value in health and social care and services due to the humane approach required and the client's rights and responsibilities. It also required the professionals to have specific competencies and collaborate. The system elements that supported client orientation were an integrating and responsive service system, service availability and accessibility, guidance, leadership, resources and the effective use of technology. Discussion Professionals need additional training and structural support from their organizations if they were to deliver efficient, flexible, high-quality client-oriented health and social care and services.

Preparing students for interprofessional collaboration in services for children with special needs in Finland: A document analysis

“…Scrutinising the study contents more closely, it seemed to be considered particularly important to promote students' clientoriented thinking, understanding of shared expertise, and professional discourse and interaction. Indeed, based on previous literature [1], these are all elements recognised as central for successful client work. Thus, we conclude that higher education aims to prepare special education, social work and psychology students for IPC.…”

“…Genuine and functional collaboration between professionals from different disciplines is necessary to achieve client-oriented [1] and effective service provision [2]. Competencies [3,4], attitudes and trust [5] that extend beyond a professional's disciplinary boundaries are crucial for such collaboration.…”

“…In this study, the concept of interprofessional collaboration (IPC) describes a horizontally integrative work approach and partnership [2] among professionals from different fields. Thanks to the partnership, IPC produces synergy in work and considers the goals of clients' individual needs [1]. Continuity and high quality of care depend on combining various fields of expertise and multi-perspective decision-making [7,9].…”

“…Continuity and high quality of care depend on combining various fields of expertise and multi-perspective decision-making [7,9]. Collaboration among professionals should always involve the common client in the partnership to achieve successful care [1].…”

“…Therefore, being familiar with other professionals' roles and tasks and understanding their perspectives is essential [1,3,5]. As for IPC competencies, communication [6] and teamwork skills, including mastery of reciprocal knowledge sharing [1,7] and a common, understandable language [6] are central elements.…”