Implementing a new model of key working in children's disability services: Findings from a pilot project Authors- M. Nolan, SKWP. Steering Group and S. Guerin- St Michaels House, University College Dublin.
Issued on October 4 2019
Summary
Implementing a new model of key working in children's disability services: Findings from a pilot project
- M Nolan1, SKWP. Steering Group1 and S. Guerin2
1St Michaels House, Ireland; 2University College Dublin, Ireland
Introduction: Key working is a central feature of family‐centred care, which has been discussed as a model for children's disability services. In Ireland, family‐centred care is a core component of Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (Health Service Executive, 2009, 2011). This paper reports on the implementation of a new model of key working within the children's service of a large urban‐based disability service provider.
Methods: The study has been designed to gather staff and parents/guardians views of the implementation and initiial impact of the new model. A mixed‐methods design combines surveys and interviews with staff and parents/guardians at the start, examining expectations for the model, which are repeated six months later to assess experience and impact to date.
Results: The implementation plan for the model, which combines staff training within three staff teams within children's services in advance of implementation of the model, has been developed. The model identifies three levels of key working, which are applied depending on the needs of the child and the family. The levels vary in terms of level of contact, information provision, role in planning, coordination of support, provision of emotional support and advocacy.
Implications: It is hoped that the pilot will allow for the acceptability and feasibility of the model to be examined, with the ultimate aims being to engage effectively with families to promote children's development.
Keywords Disability services, Child and family, Service development, Implementation study