WSP has worked with Relational Research for a number of years to apply the underpinning framework for ‘relational health’ within the organizations and systems in which it works. In addition, through our own research project, we are identifying and developing further relational thinking resources.
- For a comment on the Health Foundation’s document 'The puzzle of changing relationships' please access our thought piece here.
- WSP and The Relational Thinking Network: WSP is an active member of the International Relational Thinking Network. This movement of commercial, not for profit and public sector organisations and interested individuals provides a critical mass for sharing relational thinking as it is applied in different cultures. Membership of the network currently spans seven countries with prospects for participation from several other regions. The inaugural Relational Thinking International Conference - Academic Symposium, to which WSP contributed, took place in September 2015 in Cambridge, UK, with annual conferences following.
- At the second Relational Thinking conference (September 2016) WSP presented an overview - 'Thinking about Relationships in Health' - which summarised the relational value thinking and journey. The presentation can be viewed here.
- Building a system-wide approach to community relationships with the findings of a scoping review in health and social care. Summary: Through an initial academic literature review this paper outlines the relational behaviours, processes and practices that support a healthy relational environment within an older people’s care community. Five attributes – integrity, empathy, respect, fairness and trust - are identified as paramount. A method of assessing for these in an older people’s care setting is outlined that enables health and social care services to consider this valuable relational resource in their thinking and planning. (Available here for download)
- An extra care community’s perceived priorities for ‘whole system’ relationships: a Q-methodological study. Health and social care settings worldwide need to sustainably improve the quality of relationships across communities or ‘whole systems’. The research carried out for this paper informs the development of a relational framework based on stakeholder perspectives. It is grounded in an action research project with practitioners, and draws on a previous literature review, to present the underpinning elements of quality relationships as statements, organised under the headings of integrity, respect, fairness, compassion and trust.(available for download here).
Resources
The following resources, produced by Relationships Foundation (the UK charitable base for relational thinking, gives background and underpinning information on the topic of relational health):
- The Relational Lens (Cambridge University Press - 2016) - This practical book highlights the importance of relationship-building between individuals, groups, and organisations in diverse contexts.
- The Relational Manager (Schluter & Lee. 2009) - sets out a relationships approach to policy making and management to inspire leaders in all walks of life.
- The ‘R’ Factor (Schluter & Lee 1993) – a powerful critique of 1990’s western culture that argues for the creation of relational markets and democracies as the way to build a truly stable global order.
- The ‘R’ Option (Schluter & Lee 2003) – a lifestyle book exploring relationships as key to successful living.