Implementing good-quality health and social care requires the empowerment of staff members within organizations delivering care. A recent qualitative study titled "Implementing a video-based intervention to empower staff members in an autism care organization" offers compelling insights into how Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) can empower staff through positive video feedback. This intervention promotes reflection on practice and boosts staff confidence.
Key Findings from the Study
The study identified five broad themes that emerged from the data:
- Initial Skepticism: Staff initially misunderstood VIG, thinking it would highlight negative practices rather than positive ones.
- Peer Advocacy: Positive feedback from staff who had experienced VIG encouraged others to participate.
- Implementation Challenges: Daily work demands and securing managerial support were significant hurdles.
- Organizational Culture: Ideas for future practice arising from VIG were hard to implement in a culture unreceptive to creative ideas.
- Emotional Responses: Individual emotional reactions to VIG implementation were significant but not fully explained by the Normalization Process Theory (NPT) used in the study.
Practical Steps for Practitioners
If you are a practitioner looking to improve your skills or empower your staff, consider these practical steps based on the study's findings:
- Embrace Positive Feedback: Focus on positive interactions to boost staff confidence and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
- Encourage Peer Advocacy: Use enthusiastic feedback from staff who have experienced VIG to encourage others to participate.
- Address Implementation Challenges: Work on securing managerial support and allocate time for staff to engage with VIG without compromising their daily responsibilities.
- Foster an Open Culture: Create an environment that is receptive to creative ideas and new practices arising from VIG.
- Recognize Emotional Responses: Pay attention to individual emotional reactions and provide support as needed.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to explore the emotional responses of staff and how interventions like VIG can be better integrated into organizational cultures. Understanding these aspects can lead to more effective implementation and sustained positive outcomes.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Implementing a video-based intervention to empower staff members in an autism care organization: a qualitative study
