Distance travelled: towards a PIE services assessment and specification tool

4: Observable expressions of the key PIE elements

The PIEs assessment and specification approach explored here requires proposing a limited number of relatively clear, generalizable items for the main axes of the star, with in addition perhaps one or two more which may be specific to a particular client group or setting. Each of these items must then lend itself to being cited as evidence, where possible, in details of observable practice. The detailed evidence can then be treated as ‘markers’ or progress on any one dimension or axis in the framework.

In the case of PIEs, this is made easier by earlier work which had identified and specified five or six key elements. TIn the 'standard framework', PIEs are seen as services with: 

  • A psychological model
  • Attention to the Built Environment for its ‘Social Spaces’
  • Staff training and support
  • A focus on managing relationships
  • Evidence-generating practice
  • Reflective practice

But for now, we must begin to unpack these primary headings a little more, to look for observable markers that may then fall upon a scale.    At this point, however, some of the options and dilemmas and become clearer.

 

NB: This section of the progress report, with a detailed assessment of the suitability of the key terms of the 'standard framework" for this new purpose, has proved by far the most difficult to write. It is highly likely that it will need repeated revision. One possibility is that it may be better dealt with in a less linear form, via Powerpoint slides or a video.: and we are actively exploring this option currently.