Review of the research evidence surrounding risk perceptions, risk management strategies and their consequences in adult social care for different groups of service users

SPRU research team

• Caroline Glendinning
  
• Wendy Mitchell

Background

The concept of ‘risk', its relevance and effect (both potential and actual) on individuals and groups, in terms of their behaviour and outlook, has become increasingly important and much debated in late modern society. In social care the issue of ‘risk' is growing in prominence as a corollary of the increased emphasis on personalisation and choice. However, there are many different perspectives to risk, and different risk management strategies are adopted by different groups of people in different social care settings.

Aims

The aim of this scoping study was to identify and review recent research evidence on perceptions of risk and risk-related practice in the field of adult social care, particularly within and between different groups of adult service users and service providers; and how any such differences are negotiated and managed in practice. Gaps in evidence were identified.

Methods

The review covered recent (1990 onwards) empirically based research carried out in England. Perceptions and the management of risk in front-line social care practice, including services provided by the public, private, formal/voluntary and informal sectors were included, as were different forms of user-directed support. Research evidence from social policy, sociology, psychology, economics and media studies was included.

Findings

Recent research focused largely on three groups of service users: older people; people with learning disabilities; and mental health service users. Most studies were small scale, using qualitative methods.

• In relation to mental health service users, the majority of studies focused on risk and ‘danger’. Mental health service users were presented as a ‘danger’ to others, both family members and community participants. There was little research exploring mental health service users’ own views and experiences.
• In relation to older people, the majority of studies focused on the everyday risks older people encountered when returning home after a spell in hospital, or when seeking to remain in their own home despite increasing support needs. Research drew attention to the importance of locating apparent risks in the context of everyday life for both older people and their carers.
• In contrast, much of the research on people with learning disabilities viewed risk and risk taking as part of everyday life, with a positive potential for personal self-development and learning.

In 2011 we undertook a focused update of the risk review for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's programme of work on Risk, Regulation, Rights and Responsibilities.

Additional information