Joining it up: multi-professional information sharing

Abstract

This chapter introduces four theoretical approaches to the challenge of multi-professional information sharing in public service delivery. Two of the four approaches are then described in more detail as lenses through which to explore what happens in the practice of integrated children’s services. The two approaches explored in detail are the systems approach and the approach that underpins much of this book: Etienne Wenger’s ‘communities of practice’. The focus of the chapter is on the professionals delivering the services and not primarily on the children, young people or their families who are in receipt of these services. This approach however is in no way antagonistic to the idea that it is the interests of the children and young people that must always come first when redesigning organizations, policies, procedures and guidance for practice in children’s services.