ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that in several ways our research is partial, particularly in respect of the views of clients. It discusses for instance, in future user-oriented studies that efforts should be made to secure an access route to clients, including those in receipt of a minimal service, which is less dependent on the social workers’ mediation. The chapter suggests that future research should pay more attention to the complexity of the user-helper exchange; there are often several clients within a family receiving help from several professional workers and it is sensible to distinguish the views of each participant. In order to develop a therapeutically-oriented social work service, three matters require the attention of policy-makers. The case of elderly people with mental health problems is necessarily a joint responsibility between health and personal social services, involving the primary health care team, hospital psychiatric service, and social services staff.
