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Postmodern-oriented practices and patient-focused research: possibilities and hazards

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 January 2013

Rolf Sundet
Rolf Sundet*
Affiliation:
University College of Buskerud, Norway
*
Address for correspondence: rolf.sundet@hibu.no
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Abstract

In this article two streams of thought within family therapy, one representing a traditional research focus and the other postmodern oriented practices are brought together. A qualitative study is described that used standardised measures to monitor therapeutic practice and provide feedback on process and outcome to therapists. The opportunities and pitfalls concerning this approach are discussed and illustrated. The use of measures as conversational tools increases and expands opportunities for collaboration between children, parents and their therapists. However, in organisations these measures risk becoming tools of competition instead of conversation, which is helped when managers take responsibility for implementing and supporting a culture of feedback.

Keywords

postmodernpracticespatient-focused researchconversationalfeedback
Type
Articles
Information
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy , Volume 33 , Issue 4 , December 2012 , pp. 299 - 308
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2013

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