Diffusion theory and multi-disciplinary working in children’s services

Abstract

PurposeThis paper explores how innovation in children's services is adopted by staff within new multidisciplinary children's safeguarding teams. It draws on diffusion of innovations (DOI) theory to help us better understand the mechanisms by which successful implementation of multi-disciplinary working can be best achieved. Design/methodologyIt is based on interviews with 61 frontline safeguarding staff, including social workers, substance misuse workers, mental health workers and domestic abuse workers. Thematic analysis identified the enablers and barriers to implementation. FindingsDOI defines five innovation attributes as essential for rapid diffusion: relative advantage over current practice; compatibility with existing values and practices; complexity or simplicity of implementation; trialability or piloting of new ideas; and observability or seeing results swiftly. Staff identified multi-disciplinary team working and group supervision as advantageous, in line with social work values and improved their service to children and families. Motivational interviewing and new ways of case recordings were less readily accepted because of the complexity of practicing confidently and concerns about the risks of moving away from exhaustive case recording which workers felt provided professional accountability. Practical implicationsDOI is a useful reflective tool for senior managers to plan and review change programmes, and to identify any emerging barriers to successful implementation. Originality/valueThe paper provides insights into what children's services staff value about multidisciplinary working and why some aspects of innovation are adopted more readily than others, depending on perception of diffusion attributes. Paper typeResearch paper

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“…Drawing on this theory, schools could be supported to adopt aspects of a population health approach within their planning, by identifying and tapping into existing supports within the education system. DOI theory can also be used as a reflective tool to review change programs and identify emerging barriers to successful implementation [72]. For some, proven stories of success are required before implementing change.…”

What is the impact of supervision on direct practice with families?

“…Critically, even within a group-based format, it appears important that there is a leader who is helping the group with the task of turning hypotheses into actions and rehearsing conversationsin this study, it appears to be the clinician but could in theory be a systemically trained social worker or team manager. Given increased interest in multi-disciplinary working, this finding adds to a growing body of knowledge on the role workers from allied professions may play within family-centered, strengthsbased child and family social work (Bostock et al, 2018;Forrester et al, 2017).…”

My placement at the Complex Developmental Behavioural Conditions Department at Sunnyhill Health Centre

“…Collaborative team approaches are less likely to a employ innovations within respective professional fields that are not as easily communicated to the team (Bostock, Lynch, Newlands & Forrester, 2018). An interdisciplinary approach has more significant benefits for vulnerable populations such as children and seniors, where there are complex social considerations (Bostock, Lynch, Newlands & Forrester, 2018). Interdisciplinary approaches can create more significant conflict between team members (Bostock, Lynch, Newlands & Forrester, 2018;Dewees, 2005).…”

“…An interdisciplinary approach has more significant benefits for vulnerable populations such as children and seniors, where there are complex social considerations (Bostock, Lynch, Newlands & Forrester, 2018). Interdisciplinary approaches can create more significant conflict between team members (Bostock, Lynch, Newlands & Forrester, 2018;Dewees, 2005). Interdisciplinary team members need to mitigate conflict and support productive negotiation to a shared end through trust and respect (Bostock, Lynch, Newlands & Forrester, 2018;Dewees, 2005).…”

“…Interdisciplinary approaches can create more significant conflict between team members (Bostock, Lynch, Newlands & Forrester, 2018;Dewees, 2005). Interdisciplinary team members need to mitigate conflict and support productive negotiation to a shared end through trust and respect (Bostock, Lynch, Newlands & Forrester, 2018;Dewees, 2005). The efficacy of an interdisciplinary team requires members' shared understanding of ethical issues and this process takes time to integrate into meaningful shared practice (Dewees, 2005).…”