Quality of life as a basis for system change

Nina Maxwell

doi:10.1921/swssr.v25i1.2297

Authors

Nina Maxwell Principal Research Fellow, CASCADE: Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre, Cardiff University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3931-7729

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr.v25i1.2297

Keywords:

quality of life, system change, mental health, person centred, extra-familial harm

Abstract

his paper celebrates Peter Huxley’s contribution to placing quality of life at the centre of service planning and responses. Drawing on our research findings with 81 patients from Community Mental Health Teams, this paper argues that patient outcomes are improved when their voices are used to inform service design. Using the Manchester Short Assessment Quality of Life (MANSA), patients prioritised three of the eight domains: employment, financial stability and leisure activities. These findings were used to inform system change by addressing patient needs to increase their financial and social inclusion. This paper seeks to demonstrate the continued relevance of Peter’s work with reference to two examples: mental health needs arising from COVID-19 and the needs of criminally exploited children and young people. It concludes that Peter’s legacy provides the tools needed to ensure that services work together efficiently and effectively to address unmet needs and enhance quality of life

Author Biography

Nina Maxwell, Principal Research Fellow, CASCADE: Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre, Cardiff University

Dr Nina Maxwell is Principal Research Fellow and specialty co-lead for social care in Wales. She has over twenty years of experience in social care research with a particular interest in youth, society and risk.

References

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