Working in partnership in health and social care
Working in partnership in health and social care is a vital aspect. Partnership refers to a shared jointness and power, marked by respect for one another, divisions of roles, accountability and individual input. Different terms are used to define partnership including cooperation, shared learning, teamwork, participation and multi-disciplinary working. The staffs in healthcare have the responsibility to recognize the importance of promoting autonomy within the service users and the service providers.
They are not only expected to be attentive to their own roles but also learn to relate with each other’s within the within St Andrew’s healthcare facility. This is important particularly in the view of the unrest and cynicism observed in the NHS. Therefore, it is important for those concerned about their commitment in developing a mutual relationship for the good of the service users (Soni 2014).
For this reason, there is need to explore the philosophy that facilitate the staff to work in partnership at the St Andrew’s hospital. The philosophy is needed for several reasons but the ultimate goal is to providing quality care to the service users. The philosophy ensures that there is equity, quality and efficiency in the delivery of the healthcare and social care services. The philosophy is governed by ethics- a complex activity that is concerned with the moral obligations and dilemmas. Ethics in healthcare philosophy are governed by the ethical theories.
For example, the theory of deontology is concerned with the moral duty as well as the action rightness (Petch, Cook, and Miller 2013). Therefore, this theory suggests that a healthcare staff must always do what is morally right irrespective of the associated consequences. The other theory is the utilitarianism proposed by Jeremy Bentham, which is based on the principle of utility. Although these theories do not describe exactly on how a staff should behave, it gives the healthcare staff an understanding on how to motivate each other and pull ideas especially when confronted by ethical dilemmas and in accordance to ethical principles of autonomy, non-maleficence, justice and beneficence (Paterson, Nayda & Paterson 2012).
The working in partnership in health and social care at St Andrew’s hospital should be governed by the partnership philosophies such as respect, autonomy, and empowerment, power sharing, and making informed choices. The philosophy of empowerment involves sharing power with other partners who may not have the power. This philosophy is centered in healthcare service users and providers to enable them take greater charge of themselves.
It involves the process of recognizing, enhancing and empowering other people’s ability to meet their demands and to resolve their own issues with the available resources, making them feel in control of their lives. This enriching experience is associated with satisfaction and often leads to smooth partnership relationship (Robert& Cornwell 2011).
Reference
Cameron, A., Lart, R., Bostock, L. and Coomber, C. 2013. Factors that promote and hinder joint and integrated working between health and social care services. 1st ed. [ebook] Available at: http://www.scie.org.uk/publications/briefings/files/briefing41.pdf
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