Can using a servant-leadership model of supervision mitigate against burnout and secondary trauma in the health and social care sector?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daryl Mahon
Keyword(s):  
Servant Leadership ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Secondary Trauma ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Core Characteristics

Purpose This paper aims to set out a model of servant leadership that can be infused within a supervisory setting to mitigate employee burnout and negative stressful experiences in the health and social care sector. Design/methodology/approach A brief targeted review of the literature was undertaken to assess the prevalence of burnout in the health and social care sectors. The supervision literature was also explored. The outcomes associated with servant leadership were also distilled, focusing on employee well-being. Findings Research suggests that burnout and related concepts such as secondary trauma and compassion fatigue impact these professions disproportionately. At the same time, servant leadership is suggested to mitigate some of these factors. The author presents a conceptual model of servant leadership supervision consisting of an ideographic model of servant leadership, Servant Leadership Scale-28 (SLS-28), using the most recent meta-analysis defining this construct, and previously validated measures in the extant literature to inform its design. A Servant Leadership Supervision Scale (SLSS) is also presented aligning its use to several of the core characteristics of servant leadership practice. Research limitations/implications In doing so, the author proposes that this approach will help reduce burnout of health and social care sector employees. Limitations are considered in light of the conceptual paper and no primary data. Practical implications A model of servant leadership supervision that can be infused into health and social care supervision. Originality/value This is the first model of servant leadership supervision articulated for the health and social care sector.

scholarly journals Can Infusing Servant Leadership into Supervision Mitigate Against Employee Burnout?

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daryl Mahon
Keyword(s):  
Servant Leadership ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Secondary Trauma ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Practice Research ◽  
Employee Burnout ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Conceptual Paper

Purpose: The present conceptual paper sets out to answer the question, can a model of servant leadership be infused within supervision in order to mitigate employee burnout and negative stressful experiences in the health and social care sector. Design/Approach: A brief targeted review of the literature was undertaken to assess the extent of burnout in the health and social care sectors. The supervision literature was also explored for possible gaps in effectiveness. The outcomes associated with servant leadership were distilled, focusing on employee wellbeing and how these are linked to burnout. Findings: The literature suggests that burnout and related concepts such as secondary trauma and compassion fatigue impact these professions disproportionately. At the same time, servant leadership is suggested to mitigate some of these factors. The author presents a conceptual model of servant leadership supervision consisting of an ideographic model of servant leadership, Servant Leadership Scale-28 (SLS-28), using the most recent meta-analysis defining this construct, and previously validated measures in the extant literature to inform its design. A Servant Leadership Supervision Scale (SLSS) is also presented aligning its use to several of the core characteristics of servant leadership practice. Research Implications/limitations: This conceptual model may help reduce burnout of health and social care sector employees. It is the first articulated servant leadership supervision model specifically put forward to reduce burnout in this population. Limitations are considered in light of the conceptual paper having no primary data.

Trauma-informed servant leadership in health and social care settings

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daryl Mahon
Keyword(s):  
Servant Leadership ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Trauma Informed

Purpose Practitioners, organisations and policy makers in health and social care settings are increasingly recognising the need for trauma-informed approaches in organisational settings, with morbidity and financial burdens a growing concern over the past few years. Servant leadership has a unique focus on emotional healing, service to others as the first priority, in addition to the growth, well-being and personal and professional development of key stakeholders. This paper aims to discuss Trauma Informed Servant Leadership (TISL). Design/methodology/approach A targeted review of the servant leadership and trauma-informed care literature was conducted. Relevant studies, including systematic review and meta-analysis, were sourced, with the resulting interpretation informing the conceptual model. Findings Although there are general guidelines regarding how to go about instituting trauma-informed approaches, with calls for organisational leadership to adapt the often cited six trauma-informed principles, to date there has not been a leadership approach elucidated which takes as its starting point and core feature to be trauma informed. At the same time, there is a paucity of research elucidating trauma outcomes for service users or employees in the literature when a trauma-informed approach is used. However, there is a large body of evidence indicating that servant leadership has many of the outcomes at the employee level that trauma-informed approaches are attempting to attain. Thus, the author builds on a previous conceptual paper in which a model of servant leadership and servant leadership supervision are proposed to mitigate against compassion fatigue and secondary trauma in the health and social care sector. The author extends that research to this paper by recasting servant leadership as a trauma-informed model of leadership that naturally operationalises trauma-informed principles. Research limitations/implications A lack of primary data limits the extent to which conclusions can be drawn on the effectiveness of this conceptual model. However, the model is based on robust research across the differential components used; therefore, it can act as a framework for future empirical research designs to be studies at the organisational level. Both the servant leadership and trauma-informed literatures have been extended with the addition of this model. Practical implications TISL can complement the trauma-informed approach and may also be viable as an alternative to trauma-informed approaches. This paper offers guidelines to practitioners and organisations in health and social care on how to operationalise important trauma-informed principles through leadership. Social implications This conceptual model may help reduce the burden of trauma and re-traumatisation encountered by practitioners and service users in health and social care settings, impacting on morbidity. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is a novel approach, the first of its kind.

Towards the social prescription of the arts: 
The arts in health and 
social care in Malta

2021 ◽  
Vol 00 (00) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Valerie Visanich ◽  
Toni Attard
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Policy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Community Based ◽  
The Arts ◽  
The Social ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Arts In Health

Recently, the notion of arts as therapy has been of growing interest to sociologists. The aim of this article is to evaluate community-based arts funded projects in terms of their priorities and effectiveness and discuss possibilities for enabling Arts on Prescription schemes in Malta. Thematically, this article explores discourse on the potential of the arts on promoting well-being. Methodologically, this article draws on primary data collected from focus groups, interviews and an online survey with project leaders and artists of funded arts projects targeting mental health, disability or old age. Specifically, this research evaluates all national funded community-based arts projects in Malta between 2014 to 2018 under a national scheme of the President’s Award for Creativity fund, managed by the national Arts Council Malta. Analysis of this data was used to inform the new national cultural policy on the implantation of the Arts on Prescription scheme in Malta.

scholarly journals Emotional demands, compassion and mental health in social workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-94
Author(s):  
G Kinman ◽  
L Grant
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Emotional Demands

Abstract Background Compassion, described as the act of providing care based on empathy, dignity and respect, is intrinsic to effective health and social care. Although delivering compassionate care has wide-ranging benefits for service users, more insight is needed into its effects on health and social care professionals. The emotional demands of ‘helping’ work can engender compassion fatigue that may impair well-being, whereas compassion satisfaction and feelings of compassion towards the self could be protective. Aims To examine the effects (direct and indirect) of compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue and self-compassion on mental health in a cohort of social workers. Methods We used validated scales to measure emotional demands, compassion satisfaction and fatigue, and self-compassion and the General Health Questionnaire-12 to assess mental health. We tested the main and moderating effects of emotional demands and the three facets of compassion using hierarchical regression analysis. Results The study sample comprised 306 social workers (79% female). Participants who reported higher levels of compassion satisfaction and self-compassion tended to report better mental health, whereas compassion fatigue was a significant risk factor for well-being. The models explained 44–53% of the variance in mental health symptoms. We found some evidence that compassion satisfaction and self-compassion buffer the negative effects of emotional demand on mental health, contributing 2 and 3%, respectively, to the incremental variance. Conclusions Our findings suggest that evidence-based interventions are needed to reduce compassion fatigue and enhance compassion satisfaction and self-compassion in social care work. We consider ways to accomplish this using targeted interventions.

Transnationalism and parenthood in a new country

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 294-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Merry ◽  
Nancy Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Social Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Migrant Health ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Transnational Ties ◽  
Migrant Families ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Families With Children ◽  
Health And Well Being

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight gaps in the literature regarding transnational ties, the experience of raising and caring for children in a new (high-income) country and well-being, and to propose a program of research to address these gaps. Design/methodology/approach A general review of the literature on international migration, transnationalism and parenthood was conducted. A program of research and its objectives are then described. Findings To address research gaps, the proposed program of research aims to: develop approaches and tools to examine and measure the transnational experiences of migrant families; better understand migrants’ transnational obligations, resources and movements and their impact on parenthood and the health and well-being of families; assess whether existing health and social care and services for migrant families with children consider the transnational contexts and experiences of families; and determine how health and social care and services for migrant families with children may be adapted or developed to address transnational challenges and enhance transnational resources for families. Originality/value The proposed program of research offers a new approach, transnationalism, for producing knowledge toward better understanding the health and optimizing the care of migrant families in the context of raising and caring for children in a new country. It also contributes to the agenda setting regarding the approach and priority areas for research in migrant health.

A new health and social care context in Wales

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 265-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stewart Greenwell ◽  
Daniel Antebi
Keyword(s):  
Social Services ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Frontline Workers ◽  
The People ◽  
Specialist Services ◽  
The Social ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Making A Difference

Purpose The Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 and the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 provide a direction of travel for all public services in Wales and a framework for delivering the aspirations in the legislation. Although specifically referring to social care, both pieces of legislation are as relevant to the NHS as they are to other public bodies, providing an opportunity for NHS Wales and local government, in particular, to be equal partners in making a difference to the people and communities they serve. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach A viewpoint paper. Findings In Wales the time is right to do things differently in health and social care, so the authors will reflect on why current services are struggling and propose an approach that is rooted in communities rather than in specialities. The authors suggest developing a centre of gravity in the community through a multi-agency collaboration to achieve the greatest health, social care and economic impact. Originality/value Attention needs to be directed to supporting people, communities and frontline workers to become more resilient, rather than our current focus on specialist services.

scholarly journals Elder abuse screening tools: a systematic review

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 368-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise McCarthy ◽  
Susan Campbell ◽  
Bridget Penhale
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Clinical Environment ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care

Purpose Elder abuse results in high rates of morbidity and mortality. It has longstanding physical and psychological effects and is difficult to detect. Due to fear or embarrassment, victims may make attempts to hide it rather than to disclose and professionals are often reluctant to report it as they may worry about worsening a situation. If detected early enough, serious harm can be prevented and lives saved. Screening and screening tools can assist health and social care practitioners to detect abuse. This review of screening tools was undertaken as part of an MSc in clinical research, funded by the National Institute for Health Research; the purpose of this paper is to report on the review and its findings. Design/methodology/approach This was a systematic review with eligibility inclusion and exclusion criteria decided in advance. Keywords and their synonyms were combined and then used to search health and social care databases. Data items were collected from the included studies. The preferred reporting item for systematic reviews and meta-analysis was followed for the reporting of the results. A narrative synthesis approach was applied to the analysis. Findings A total of 34 full text studies were downloaded, read and analysed. In all, 11 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Of these, three studies reported sensitivity and specificity, with the remainder reporting validity and reliability testing. In total, 12 tools of varying length and quality were found. The length and characteristics of tools affects the efficacy of their use. The clinical environment will determine choice of screening tool to be used. Screening tools should be used within an overall system of detection and management of abuse. Research limitations/implications The synthesis of results was challenging due to the lack of homogeneity between the included studies. The variations in tool characteristics and qualities added to this challenge. A further limitation was the lack of a gold standard tool in elder abuse. Originality/value This systematic review highlights a lack of robust evidence in the development and validation of screening tools to detect elder abuse. Though there is an increasing awareness and knowledge about elder abuse, its detection remains problematic and the lack of research in this area is worth emphasising. Specific tools, centred on the clinical setting in which they are used, are recommended.

scholarly journals Social care legislation as an act of integration

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 139-149
Author(s):  
Natalie Davies ◽  
Wulf Livingston ◽  
Emyr Owen ◽  
Peter Huxley
Keyword(s):  
Social Services ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Board ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
North Wales ◽  
Health And Social Care

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate health and social care integration in North Wales in a short window of time between the assent of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and its implementation in 2016. Design/methodology/approach – The findings are based on the experiences of health and social care professionals from six Local Authorities and one Regional Health Board working in a management role with strategic responsibility, gathered from an online survey (n=43), semi-structured face-to-face interviews (n=14) and supplemented with reflective interviews with regional coordinators responsible for facilitating cross-organisational working (n=2). Findings – Senior managers are devoting considerable energy to understanding the implications of the new legislation, ensuring that their organisations will be ready and able to successfully implement it. This work is perceived to be commensurate with wider agendas to transform and integrate working practices and services, influenced by a range of financial, environmental, organisational, social and policy factors. Originality/value – This research has direct implications for stakeholders in North Wales, having already been used to shape conversations about integration in the region, and furthermore builds upon existing knowledge in the academic and professional field of integration, with additional limited wider implications for policy and research.

scholarly journals Best practice for providing social care and support to people living with concurrent sight loss and dementia: professional perspectives

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Chester Evans ◽  
Jennifer Bray
Keyword(s):  
Information Needs ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care And Support ◽  
Geographical Regions ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Sight Loss ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – Approximately 100,000 people in the UK aged 75 and over have concurrent dementia and sight loss, but current understanding of their experiences, needs and preferences is limited. The purpose of this paper is to report on a research project that explored the provision of social care and support for older people with both conditions. Design/methodology/approach – The project was a collaboration between the universities of York, Worcester, Bournemouth and Cambridge, supported by the Thomas Pocklington Trust and the Housing and Dementia Research Consortium. Data for this paper were drawn from focus groups held in 2013 involving 47 professionals across the dementia, sight loss and housing sectors. Findings – Thematic analysis identified five main barriers to providing high-quality, cost-effective social care and support: time constraints; financial limitations; insufficient professional knowledge; a lack of joint working; and inconsistency of services. The requirements of dementia and sight loss often conflict, which can limit the usefulness of equipment, aids and adaptations. Support and information needs to address individual needs and preferences. Research limitations/implications – Unless professionals consider dementia and sight loss together, they are unlikely to think about the impact of both conditions and the potential of their own services to provide effective support for individuals and their informal carers. Failing to consider both conditions together can also limit the availability and accessibility of social care and support services. This paper is based on input from a small sample of self-selecting professionals across three geographical regions of England. More research is needed in this area. Practical implications – There are growing numbers of people living with concurrent dementia and sight loss, many of whom wish to remain living in their own homes. There is limited awareness of the experiences and needs of this group and limited provision of appropriate services aids/adaptations. A range of measures should be implemented in order to support independence and well-being for people living with both conditions and their family carers. These include increased awareness, improved assessment, more training and greater joint working. Social implications – People living with dementia or sight loss are at high risk of social isolation, increasingly so for those with both conditions. Services that take an inclusive approach to both conditions can provide crucial opportunities for social interaction. Extra care housing has the potential to provide a supportive, community-based environment that can help residents to maintain social contact. Originality/value – This paper adds much-needed evidence to the limited existing literature, and reflects the views of diverse professionals across housing, health and social care.

“Something to get out of bed for”: creative arts for a happily ageing population

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 190-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Cann
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Creative Arts ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Arts ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to relate the growing body of evidence about the impact of creative arts on the health and well-being of older people to the debate about active ageing, prevention and demographic change. Design/methodology/approach It draws on a range of researched examples in order to illustrate the impact of three different art forms – singing, dance and visual arts – on health and well-being. Findings The evidence exists in increasing volume and diversity that creative arts not only improve personal feelings of well-being but also key physiological measures. The arts are increasingly recognised as playing a major potential role in the delivery of health and social care interventions. Greater recognition and action are needed from policy makers, commissioners and care providers in health and social care that the arts are not a marginal and elitist avenue but a mainstream tool supporting older people to remain active, healthy and independent. Importantly, they represent a powerful source of motivation, agency and confidence. Social implications It argues that creative arts should become an integral and more prominent part of ageing policy. The evidence exists in increasing volume and diversity that creative arts not only improve personal feelings of well-being but also key physiological measures. The arts are increasingly recognised as playing a major potential role in the delivery of health and social care interventions. Greater recognition and action are needed from policy makers, commissioners and care providers in health and social care that the arts are not a marginal and elitist avenue but a mainstream tool supporting older people to remain active, healthy and independent. Importantly, they represent a powerful source of motivation, agency and confidence. Originality/value An important research challenge remains, namely to plot cause (arts intervention) and effect (reduced demand on health and care services), if the creative arts are to occupy a central place in commissioning investment at a time of acute financial stringency in the public sector.

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