MAPPING AND OVERCOMING THE BARRIERS: AN EXPLORATORY CASE STUDY OF COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION AMONG CARERS IN DOMICILIARY CARE

This study investigates communication and collaboration challenges within domiciliary care teams, focusing on a family-run domiciliary care organisation. As the demand for domiciliary care increases and carers often work in isolation, effective communication becomes essential for ensuring the continuity, quality, and safety of care. The primary aim of this paper is to identify barriers to communication among carers, evaluate the effectiveness of existing communication tools and practices, and develop a conceptual framework to improve coordination in geographically dispersed care teams. A qualitative methodology was employed, consisting of eight semi-structured interviews with carers. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts via NVivo revealed recurring issues, which guided the creation of causal loop diagrams to better understand the underlying dynamics of communication breakdowns. Project management measures and metrics, including risk registers and stakeholder analysis, were used to support the analysis process. The findings highlight significant barriers, including inconsistent handovers, language and cultural differences, limited interpersonal interaction, and underutilisation of digital tools. These challenges align with broader theoretical frameworks of relational coordination and communication models, reinforcing the need for structured interventions. The study concludes that standardising documentation, implementing targeted training, and fostering proactive team-building strategies are essential for overcoming these barriers. The outcomes contribute to the development of a practical conceptual framework aimed at improving team collaboration, reducing misunderstandings, and enhancing the overall quality of care in domiciliary settings.