|
DRINK & DRUGS NEWS :: Q&AYou ask the questions - you answer the questions. Please keep your answers coming, and feel free to email a new question. Thanks to this issue's respondents for their contributions. Question:We are a small Tier 3 team who support young people aged up
to 19 years with comorbid sustance use and mental health needs.
I am currently undertaking a project to examine how we can involve
our service users fully in both their own care plans and in the
planning of future services. Here, we include them in all meetings
and share written records with them, heeding their wishes with regard
to confidentiality, (apart from the usual exceptions). We have an
exit questionnaire and also seek and record young people's views
as we work with them. It still sometimes seems not enough however:
can readers give me any other ideas? [Barbara, Cambridgeshire] Your replies...Dear Barbara It sounds to me that you are doing more than most to engage with your service users and to get meaningful input from them. Far too many people treat this as a box ticking exercise to demonstrate that they are following NTA guidelines; the fact that you are doing a lot to get genuine involvement and want to do more is to your credit. One of the questions I would ask is; do the service users feel involved in the meetings? Speaking from personal experience I know that it can be intimidating sitting in on professional meetings when you have no previous experience of a work environment. Too often the meeting can be dominated by senior people who may use jargon or terms that you are unfamiliar within these situations the service user can feel unable to challenge or question decisions and may feel swept along into agreeing with the drugs workers running the meeting. Some of whom (and of course I don't know if this is the case in your organisation) can be a little domineering and have an 'I've been doing this for years, I have seen it all attitude'. The same can be said for the writing of care plans. Too often I was asked very closed questions and presented options in a way that led me to agree with decisions that had already been made. A bit like a 'magician's choice' you always end up with the card they are holding. The fact that you are conducting exit questionnaires is great, but of course it is how the answers are used and the changes that are made as a result of them that makes them worthwhile, if they are just filed away they may as well not have been filled out in the first place. I'm sorry if this all sounds like doom and gloom - as I said at the start you sound like you are genuinely trying to engage and want real participation. I have been in the position of a service user feeling part of a tokenistic engagement process (although usually very well meaning). Now I am on the other side of the fence having been a drugs worker for the past six years and the thing that I always make sure I do is really listen. As they say you have one mouth and two ears - use them. Good luck with your plans, it sounds as if you are genuinely trying to make a difference. Brendan, via email
Dear Barbara I just wanted to write to say how impressed I am with your efforts to involve your service users in their treatment pathways. I have attended services very recently where the so-called 'care plan' is nothing more than going through the motions. It is great to hear that you are striving to do more. Tackling
drug dependence is an extremely personal process, which is why it
is essential that clients' views are taken into account. One suggestion if you're stuck for more ideas: just ask your clients what they want and what helps. No two people are the same and I'm sure they'll tell you what works for them, whatever their age. Roger, South Glamorgan
Dear Barbara You're going through the right routine to get your service users' input. What you must do now is make sure you incorporate regular reviews. A care plan is only useful if it is a living, breathing document and is regularly reviewed. Make space in your diary for regular feedback, as nothing will demonstrate your commitment to listening to your young people better than being proactive and responsive. Also particularly important for this age group - be as flexible and approachable as you can, leaving a contact number for out of office hours if possible. Seek their feedback on what doesn't work and what you could do better as well, however difficult this may be. It will work wonders for you in tailoring your service to their needs. I wish you well with your research - it will be worth it. Teresa, Carlisle
|
|
