Abstract
Narrative recording in case records and individual plans within social services represents the means by which stories can be constructed with and about the people with whom services work, influencing relationship building, and outcomes. Identities and decision-making are forged in records, shaping people’s lives. Yet, limited attention is paid to narrative recording in research and practice. Indeed, recording, which increasingly veers towards ‘box-ticking,’ is viewed by practitioners as a bureaucratic burden, limiting time for the ‘real job’ of face-to-face work.
Drawing on Ricoeur’s narrative hermeneutics in exploring qualitative data from a carer support organisation, we identify the potential contribution of narrative recording. Carers often seek support when their sense of identity and quality of life are diminished by their unpaid caring role. We explore practitioners’ views about the role of the narrative record in holding memories, feeding into recognition of capable agency, clarifying possibilities for action, restoration of identity, and wellbeing. Applying a Ricoeurian lens demonstrates how attaining these benefits requires recording practice which supports recognition through relational practice, in pursuit of better outcomes for carers. Carer benefits could be enhanced by carers holding a copy of and being able to reflect on and further contribute to their own plan.
Drawing on Ricoeur’s narrative hermeneutics in exploring qualitative data from a carer support organisation, we identify the potential contribution of narrative recording. Carers often seek support when their sense of identity and quality of life are diminished by their unpaid caring role. We explore practitioners’ views about the role of the narrative record in holding memories, feeding into recognition of capable agency, clarifying possibilities for action, restoration of identity, and wellbeing. Applying a Ricoeurian lens demonstrates how attaining these benefits requires recording practice which supports recognition through relational practice, in pursuit of better outcomes for carers. Carer benefits could be enhanced by carers holding a copy of and being able to reflect on and further contribute to their own plan.
Original language | English |
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Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | British Journal of Social Work |
Early online date | 8 Sept 2019 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 8 Sept 2019 |
Keywords
- narrative recording
- identity
- outcomes
- carers
- relational practice