preview

There Are Limitations To The Model That Arnstein Developed

Decent Essays
Open Document
There are limitations to the model that Arnstein developed as it was not originally meant for health and social care and therefore cannot give a true picture of participation for service users. It also fails to realise the power exchange and places a winner and loser rather than a balance. The model also fails to see that all service users may not want to participate doesn’t factor in quality of participation example. Not all service users may be interested in participating but could be empowered if they do participate. Empowering individuals in health and social care is included in policies, guidance and research from the government. Aujoulat stated that empowerment was seen as an alternative to compliance’ (2007, p29) Arnstein’s theory…show more content…
Even if a service user has gained empowerment, then their care needs still need to be met by professionals and if care is limited or restricted then service users must accept other options provided by professionals even if they are not content with them. Service user involvement in conjunction with empowerment can be observed in providing greater control and balancing professional power. Empowerment is believed to distribute power and making it equal rather than the ways it is shown in Arsntein’s ladder of participation where power fluctuates side to side. however Not all service users wish to be empowered or participate, they would be happy to trust professionals to make all the decisions and stick with the ‘doctor knows best’ culture. They would let all decisions be made in their best interest and therefore create self-determination. Glasby and Dickinson stated that ‘Achieving a synergy between empowerment and participation does not happen by will alone’ (2008, p34). A partnership between professionals and service users is needed and they must work together to achieve best outcome possibly, thus balancing power between them. Shared decision making takes the service users beliefs and preferences into consideration when making the decisions regarding their care, although professionals may have the overall power to decide what is the right course of action. They do
Get Access
Related
Get Access