Multiprofessional Communication - Making Systems Work for Children (Electronic book text)

Multiprofessional work has been notoriously difficult to achieve outside the context of tightly focused specialist teams. In this book, the authors examine a series of case studies of 'loose knit' multiprofessional work, taking place in local communities, in order to understand what works and why. Drawing on the perspectives of children, parents and fieldworkers the authors explore some of the reasons for difficulties and some of the factors underpinning success. In the successful case studies, the fieldworkers were in a position to reflect on the organisational contexts in which they were operating.Central to achieving this purpose was the setting up of structures allowing for a carefully managed series of feedback loops to ensure that the information being shared at all levels, was clear and relevant. With these communication systems in place fieldworkers were able to resolve difficulties and evolve new ways of working together to improve their joint practice. This book challenges some commonly accepted assumptions about the organisation of children's services and has important implications for all those involved in multiprofessional work with children, young people and their families. It will be of particular interest to practitioners and policy makers in Health and Social Care and Education and to tutors and students on higher education and inservice courses.