Self-assessment processes within care management: Learning from pilot projects

Abstract

• Summary: Self-assessment is one of a range of new practices within adult social care, aimed at increasing the choices available to service users in relation to both the assessment process and the way services are delivered. By analysing the results of both project documentation and interviews with managers of pilot projects set up to test out this approach, this article examines issues relating to the introduction of a new initiative within a social care setting and considers whether the introduction of self-assessment poses particular challenges for care management. • Findings: The interviews revealed a mix of general as well as setting and process specific findings. The latter included the importance of the appropriate targeting of self-assessment and the need to reach a clear consensus within the service as to what self-assessment means and how it should be incorporated into an individualized model of practice. Other findings reflected issues highlighted in the literature on the management of change. • Applications: Together the results provide useful lessons for those interested in both the specific area of study and, more generally, the implementation of new initiatives in social care.