This guide will help you answer 1.7 Discuss sources of support to deal with issues which are outside of own expertise and authority.
As a lead practitioner in adult care, you will often come across complex situations that require specialised knowledge, skills, or authority you may not possess. Understanding how to identify and access appropriate sources of support is important for delivering high-quality care. This discussion will help you recognise these sources and understand how to use them effectively.
Why You Might Need Support
Complexity of Cases
Adult care often involves intricate cases that combine medical, psychological, and social issues. No single practitioner can be an expert in all these domains.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Certain decisions and actions may require legal authority or raise ethical questions. Acting without proper guidance can have serious repercussions.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding vulnerable adults is a key priority. Some safeguarding issues might need the involvement of specialised agencies or law enforcement.
Sources of Support
Internal Resources
Supervisors and Managers
Supervisors and managers play a critical role. They often have more experience and a greater understanding of organisational policies. Discussing issues with them can offer quick and practical advice.
Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs)
MDTs bring together different specialists, such as nurses, social workers, and occupational therapists. Their combined expertise can offer a holistic approach to complex issues.
Colleagues
Peers can be a valuable resource. They might have encountered similar issues and can provide insight or share their own experiences.
External Resources
Specialists
Specialists, such as psychiatrists, gerontologists, or legal advisors, can offer expert opinions. Referrals to these professionals should be considered when specialised knowledge is required.
Local Authorities
Local authorities have dedicated teams for handling complex cases. They can provide resources and guidance, particularly for safeguarding and welfare issues.
Charities and Non-Profit Organisations
Charities often provide specialised services, such as mental health support, advocacy, or advice on specific conditions. They can be a valuable source of both information and direct support.
Training and Development
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Engaging in CPD activities can help you expand your knowledge and skills. This may reduce the number of instances where you need external support.
Workshops and Seminars
Attending workshops and seminars can provide in-depth knowledge on particular topics. These events also offer opportunities for networking with other professionals.
Best Practices for Seeking Support
Clear Communication
When seeking support, provide a clear and concise description of the issue. Include relevant details and explain why you believe the issue is outside your expertise or authority.
Documentation
Keep detailed records of all actions taken, including advice received and decisions made. This will be crucial for accountability and for future reference.
Confidentiality
Respect confidentiality at all times. Ensure that any information shared when seeking support complies with data protection regulations.
Follow-Up
Once you have sought advice or referred a case, follow up to ensure that the issue is being addressed adequately. This shows commitment to resolving the issue and provides an opportunity to learn from the experience.
Case Study Examples
Scenario 1: Complex Medical Needs
A resident develops sudden, acute medical symptoms that you do not recognise. Seek immediate advice from the resident’s GP or an emergency medical team. Your responsibility is to stabilise the resident while awaiting specialised medical support.
Scenario 2: Safeguarding Concerns
A care worker reports suspected financial abuse of a resident. This is beyond your expertise and authority to handle alone. Contact the local safeguarding team and follow their advice, while documenting all your observations and actions.
Scenario 3: Legal Issues
A family disputes a resident’s care plan and raises legal concerns. This requires specialist legal advice. Discuss the issue with your manager and consider involving the organisation’s legal team.
Conclusion
Understanding how to access and utilise different sources of support is important for addressing issues beyond your expertise and authority. By using internal resources, seeking specialist help, engaging in CPD, and adhering to best practices, you can ensure that you provide the highest standard of care while maintaining professional integrity. Always communicate clearly, document your actions, and respect confidentiality to navigate complex situations effectively.
Example answers for unit 1.7 Discuss sources of support to deal with issues which are outside of own expertise and authority
Example 1: Seeking Legal Advice
In my role as a lead practitioner, I sometimes encounter situations where legal issues arise, such as disagreements over care plans or advanced directives. When faced with these scenarios, I recognise that my expertise is limited. Therefore, I seek advice from our organisation’s legal team. I first discuss the case with my manager, who helps me outline the legal aspects that need attention. We document the issue clearly, summarise our concern, and then contact the legal advisors. This way, I ensure that our actions are compliant with the law and protect both the service users and the organisation.
Example 2: Handling Complex Medical Needs
Recently, a resident displayed symptoms that I couldn’t identify, which made the situation beyond my medical expertise. I immediately contacted the resident’s GP and provided a detailed account of the symptoms. While waiting for the GP’s instructions, I took necessary steps to keep the resident comfortable and stable. Once the GP arrived and took over, I carefully documented all actions and outcomes. This experience featured the importance of promptly seeking specialised medical support when needed, to ensure the resident’s well-being.
Example 3: Addressing Psychological Issues
On one occasion, I encountered a resident showing signs of severe depression, which I did not have the qualifications to fully assess. Recognising this was outside my expertise, I arranged for a consultation with a clinical psychologist. I discussed the resident’s behaviour and symptoms with the psychologist, who then conducted an in-depth assessment. I also informed the multidisciplinary team (MDT) so that we could integrate the psychologist’s findings into the resident’s care plan. This collaborative approach ensured that the resident received the specialised psychological support they needed.
Example 4: Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
A colleague reported potential financial abuse concerning one of our residents. This matter was beyond my authority to investigate independently. I immediately contacted the local safeguarding team and provided them with all the documented evidence and observations related to the case. I followed their guidance, monitored the situation closely, and kept detailed records for accountability. By involving the safeguarding team, we ensured that the issue was handled by experts who could take appropriate legal and protective measures.
Example 5: Utilizing Charitable Services
We had a resident with dementia whose family needed additional support that our facility couldn’t fully provide. I researched local charities specialising in dementia care and found one that offered counselling and social activities for families. I coordinated with the charity to set up a meeting between the resident’s family and the charity’s advisors. The family received valuable advice and support services, which helped improve their understanding and coping mechanisms. This example shows the importance of external resources in enhancing overall care.
Example 6: Professional Development and Training
Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential for staying updated with best practices and expanding my expertise. I regularly attend workshops and seminars related to adult care. For instance, I recently attended a seminar on managing behavioural issues in adults with dementia. The knowledge I gained has been invaluable for addressing behavioural problems without needing to seek support as frequently. This ongoing education helps me handle more varied situations independently, thereby increasing the quality of care provided.
