Fragmented time and domiciliary care quality

Atkinson, Carol ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3795-7442 and Crozier, Sarah ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7677-9231 (2020) Fragmented time and domiciliary care quality. Employee Relations, 42 (1). pp. 35-51. ISSN 0142-5455

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Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the marketization of domiciliary care, its consequences for employment practice, specifically fragmented time, and the implications for care quality. Design/methodology/approach – Focus groups and face-to-face or telephone interviews were conducted with care commissioners, service providers and care workers across Wales. There were 113 participants in total. Findings – These demonstrate fragmented time’s negative consequences for service providers, care workers and, ultimately, care quality. Research limitations/implications – No care recipients were interviewed and care quality was explored through the perceptions of other stakeholders. Social implications – For policy makers, tensions are evidenced between aspirations for high-quality care and commissioning practice that mitigates against it. Current care commissioning practices need urgent review. Originality/value – The research extends the definition of fragmented time and integrates with a model of care quality to demonstrate its negative consequences. Links between employment practice and care quality have only previously been hinted at.