Development of narrative-based practices for increased dignity and participation in elderly care

Narrativity and dignity in elderly care

Intensifying the need for practical knowledge about how a person-centered approach can be integrated and deepened is the rise of standardization s in health and social care for older persons. Research, theory, and national guidelines identify unrealized potential and importance of "narratively organised" everyday life as central to enacting human values ​​such as dignity and participation.

The overall purpose is to contribute in-depth knowledge on how narrativity in everyday life and care can be integrated into working methods and organizational preparedness for the participation and dignity of older persons when they need care.

Collaborative and process-oriented strategies and internationally recognised research guidelines (MRC/NIHR) for the development of complex health care interventions, will use qualitative and process-oriented methods triangulating data from older people, staff and management.

The project contributes to new knowledge about narrativity in relation to person-centeredness, meaning, dignity and how narrative practice can be integrated into ordinary care. Furthermore, the project contributes to increased understanding of how practice leadership and social learning can support such integration. The focus will be on developing working methods to bring this new knowledge into actual practice.