An Exploratory Multi-Case Study of the Health and Wellbeing Needs, Relationships and Experiences of Health and Social Care Service Users and the People who Support them at Home

Introduction: International policies and legislation set a precedence of person-centred sustainable integrated Health and Social Care (HSC) that meets the health and wellbeing needs of service users through improved experiences. However, current research focuses on service models, with fewer studies investigating experiences and needs.

Methods: This qualitative multi-case [n = 7] study was co-designed with key stakeholders and aimed to explore experiences and needs of people who access and provide HSC at home. Data were collected in a regional area of Scotland (UK) via single [n = 10] or dyad [n = 4] semi-structured interviews with service users [n = 6], informal carers [n = 5] and HSC staff [n = 7] and synthesised using Interpretive Thematic Analysis.

Findings: Interpersonal connections and supportive relationships were instrumental in helping all participant groups feel able to cope with their changing HSC needs and roles. They promoted reassurance, information sharing and reduced anxiety; when they were lacking, it negatively impacted upon experiences of HSC.

Discussion: Promoting inter-personal connections that encourage supportive relationships between people who access and provide HSC and their communities, could promote person-centred Relationship-based care and improve HSC experiences.

Conclusions: This study identifies indicators for improved HSC, advocating co-produced community-driven services to meet the self-defined needs of those who access and provide care.