Review of the research evidence surrounding risk perceptions, risk management strategies and their consequences in adult social care for different groups of service users
Researchers: Caroline Glendinning, Wendy Mitchell
Funder: Department of Health Policy Research Programme
Duration: April 2006 – September 2006
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.
Publications and presentations
2008
Perceptions of risk and risk management in adult social care: exploring the evidence base and identifying gaps
Mitchell, W., Enabling Risk in Adult Social Care and Support: A Scottish Government Conference, Airth Castle Hotel, Stirling, 22 April 2008.
Risk and adult social care: Identification, management and new policies. What does UK research evidence tell us?, 2008
Mitchell, W. and Glendinning, C., Health, Risk and Society, 10, 3, 297-315.
2007
Risk and adult social care: what does research evidence tell us?
Mitchell, W., Risk and Rationalities International Conference, Queen's College, Cambridge, 29-31 March 2007.
A Review of the Research Evidence Surrounding Risk Perceptions, Risk Management Strategies and their Consequences in Adult Social Care for Different Groups of Service Users, 2007
Mitchell, W. and Glendinning, C., Social Policy Research Unit.
Risk, risk management and adult social care: new policies, new risks, identifying gaps in the evidence base and the potential of recent government guidance
Mitchell, W. and Glendinning, C., 8th European Sociological Association Conference - Conflict, Citizenship and Civil Society, Glasgow, 3-6 September 2007.
2006
Review of the research evidence on perceptions and management of risk in adult social care
Mitchell, W., Department of Health Social Care Research Showcase, Department of Health, London, 10 November 2006.
Professional press
Community Care, 16 August 2007. Research Realities: Risk and older people
Community Care, 25 October 2007. Research Realities: Risk assessmenet: an international view
If you require further information about the project, please contact Wendy Mitchell 
