The Janus-face of the standardization of work- a co-operative study of home care

Working conditions in home care are brought to our attention on a recurring basis. The assistant nurses´ work situation is often described as time-pressured.

In our current research project on home care, the consequences of standardization of work have been interpreted in a reference group on the basis of preliminary research results. The reference group is composed of assistant nurses, administrative staff, managers, politicians and care recipients.

The suggested project originates from those discussions which revealed an ambivalence on the part of care recipients as well as assistant nurses.

The standardization of work restricts the assistant nurses´ job autonomy, but prevents at the same time boundless work where unspecified tasks are performed.

From the perspective of the care recipients the standardization of work can be perceived as a prerequisite for receiving granted care. However, home care is also expected to adjust to the needs of the care recipient.

The study aims to understand and explain the assistant nurses and care recipients view on how standardization of work impacts work practices.

Furthermore, the study adresses the strategies that assistant nurses use to deal with the duality of standardization of work.

Our contribution in a co-productive research process would be to develop work management in home care so that the needs of assistant nurses an care recipients can be met.

The research questions are; How do assistant nurses and care recipients perceive that standardization of work impacts work practices?

Which strategies do assistant nurses use to deal with the ambivalence that is inherent in the current standardization of work and how can this be explained?

What alternative forms of management in home care in Borås could meet the need for good and sustainable working conditions for assisant nurses and the need for good and fair care for care recipients?The research methods of the project are interviews, observations and diary studies.