Improving collaborative inter-agency systems and practice in self-neglect: a realist review and interview study.

Area of Science:

• Social Care Research
• Interprofessional Collaboration
• Safeguarding Adults

Background:

• Self-neglect poses significant risks to individual well-being and necessitates multi-agency cooperation.
• Existing practice reviews indicate persistent challenges in interagency collaboration for self-neglect cases.
• This study addresses the need to understand and improve collaborative practice in self-neglect contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify challenges in interagency and interprofessional practice concerning self-neglect.
• To develop a realist theory to guide effective interventions for self-neglect.
• To enhance collaborative working strategies among diverse professional groups.

Main Methods:

• A realist review of international literature and Safeguarding Adults Reviews (SARs).
• Interviews with practitioners, individuals with lived experience, and family carers.
• Analysis of SARs as case studies and focus groups for research translation.

Main Results:

• Four principal programme theories emerged: policies/procedures, mutual understanding, person-centered focus, and management support.
• Effective collaboration requires practical policies, shared understanding of roles, and a collective focus on the individual.
• Lack of interagency understanding hinders communication and cooperation, impacting service delivery.

Conclusions:

• Interprofessional curiosity, supported by structural, procedural, and managerial elements, is crucial for effective safeguarding.
• Addressing interagency dynamics is vital to improve the lives of individuals experiencing self-neglect.
• The findings offer a framework for enhancing collaborative practice in self-neglect cases.