Critical Incident Technique Research Articles

Application of mathematical models on efficiency evaluation and intervention of medical institutions in China.

BACKGROUND: The efficiency of medical services directly impacts the economic burden of healthcare, making it crucial to analyze the input-output efficiency of various types of medical institutions. However, while hospitals had been extensively analyzed for their efficiency, other types of medical institutions had received limited attention in this regard. METHODS: In this study, we employed data envelopment analysis (DEA) methods based on time series and internal benchmarks to autonomously assess the efficiency of 18 distinct categories of healthcare facilities in China over the past decade. The verification was conducted through the utilization of the critical incident technique (CIT). Additionally, we utilized the Delphi process (AHP) method to evaluate suppliers of medical consumables, implemented a multi-population genetic algorithm for managing these consumethod and analytic hierarchymables efficiently, and applied stakeholder theory to manage medical personnel efficiency. RESULTS: Our findings indicated that medical institutions capable of providing clinical services exhibited higher levels of efficiency compared to those unable to do so. Multiple indicators suggested redundancy within these institutions. Notably, comprehensive benefit evaluation revealed that clinical laboratory had performed poorly over the past decade. We selected an inefficient medical institution for intervention in reagent management and the work efficiency of medical staff. After implementing the Delphi method and multi-population genetic algorithm for consumable replenishment, the reagent cost was reduced by 40%, 39% and 31% respectively in each of the three experimental groups, compared to the control group. By applying stakeholder theory and process reengineering methods, we were able to shorten quality control management time for medical staff in the experimental group by 41min per day, reduce clinical service time by 25min per day, and extend rest time by 70min per day, while the quality indicators were all meeting the targets. CONCLUSION: By employing various mathematical models as described above, we were able to reduce costs associated with medical consumables and enhance medical personnel work efficiency without compromising quality objectives.

Team behaviour in interprofessional collaboration during trauma alerts: A critical incident study from the perspective of radiographers.

Challenges in mutual awareness in interprofessional collaboration (IPC) along with relational and cultural barriers among professionals disrupt flow and delay decision-making in trauma care. Thus, this study explores team behaviours within IPC in trauma teams during trauma alerts from the perspective of radiographers. A qualitative approach was used with a critical incident technique (CIT) design applying interviews with radiographers within three hospitals in Sweden from May 2022 to May 2023. CIT analysis was conducted with an abductive approach, applying an IPC core competency framework. The results present collaborative requirements in trauma care from radiographers' perspective narrating a distribution of team behaviours within trauma team collaboration and fundamental skills in IPC. Behaviours within interprofessional values and ethics were the most reported incidents related to valuing radiographers' contributions to IPC in acute trauma care. Exploring behaviour through critical incidents associated with core competencies of IPC highlights the importance of interprofessional values as a foundation for successful IPC in the trauma team. The results show deficiencies in inclusive behaviour, influenced by the hierarchical environment of IPC. Power imbalances in this setting are traced to differences in perceived value and shared understanding among team members, possibly rooted in professional identity and culture. A dedicated leader is argued, as the recognition of radiographers' scope of practice in trauma imaging, emphasising the significance of shared decision-making. The findings highlight organisational and relational coordination challenges for optimising competencies in IPC. IPC's success requires reinforcing values and ethics by empowering members' contributions and shared decision-making. This involves clarifying and recognising responsibilities, particularly for radiographers, ensuring their role in trauma imaging is respected and integrated into decision-making.

What can be done to ease the transition to becoming a new paediatric registrar?

BackgroundThe transition period of becoming a new paediatric registrar has limited study. Consequently, the learning needs of such trainees are unclear including educational interventions that may improve the process. This qualitative study examined the negative and positive experiences of transitioning paediatric trainees to identify learning needs and subsequently derive educational interventions that are perceived to ease transition.MethodsThis was a qualitative study of semi-structured interviews with Wales deanery paediatric speciality trainees 3 and 4 (ST3 and ST4) undergoing transition to registrar. Participants were asked to recall one positive and one negative experience during transition using the critical incident technique (CIT). Transcribed responses were coded and thematically analysed and categorised into higher and lower order themes.ResultsSix paediatric trainees were interviewed for the study. A total of eighteen codes relating to learning needs were identified and dichotomised into two higher order themes; clinical skills, and leadership and management skills, with further exploration into lower order themes. Clinical skills included child protection procedures, difficult communication with relatives, emergencies, childhood death, difficult procedures, tertiary level neonatal care, managing family anxiety and expectations, dealing with uncertainty and running clinics. Leadership and management skills involved clinical decision making by new registrars, leading ward rounds, managing workload, leading a team and supervising junior colleagues. For educational interventions, sixty-seven initial codes were recorded and combined to form thirty-two lower order themes under six higher order themes. This outlined six educational interventions perceived to ease the transition to the registrar grade including; acting up whilst a senior house officer, seniors providing feedback, seniors providing support, staff providing support, trainee familiarisation with the new registrar placement and trainees maximising SHO learning opportunities.ConclusionsThis study provided a grounding upon which further research can be based, by identifying learning needs within the themes of clinical skills and leadership and management skills, as well as providing further descriptions of perceived beneficial educational interventions that ease transition to paediatric registrar. Furthermore, this study proposes evidence-based recommendations involving five key stakeholders to improve the experience of transition for future trainees. These stakeholders include; trainees, seniors, educators, nursing staff and rota coordinators.

Strategies at the platform-train interface: in the pursuit of psychological comfort?

ABSTRACT Platform-train interface (PTI) is a shared space with several interactions between travellers. These interactions lead to congestion, delays, safety concerns at PTI and resulting in a negative experience for users. Understanding individual behaviour is crucial to improving pedestrian flow at stations and users’ experience, to fine supporting public transport use. This study aims to understand how individuals experience and behaviour at PTI. Specifically, we investigate psychological comfort and its link with approach/avoidance strategies (AAS) used by travellers at PTI. Based on the critical incidents technique, 22 interviews were conducted. Participants were asked to describe multiple trips according to their valence (positive v. negative). Seventy-seven critical incidents representing 125 route sections involving a station were collected, coded and analysed through multiple correspondence analysis (MCA), to determine reasons of incidents’ valence. The descriptive analysis of the 125 sections aims at identifying AAS used by individuals at PTI. Results suggest that reasons of the valence of the trip (e.g., security or density) could be related to the different psychological comfort’s dimensions. AAS reported seem to be aimed at increasing psychological comfort. Finally, we observed that while crowds usually link to avoidance strategies, in specific cases of uncertainty travellers also reported approaching a crowd.

Incidentes críticos envolvendo graduandos de Enfermagem durante a Pandemia de COVID-19

Introduction: The academic environment is considered stressful for students. Knowing the changes in teaching-learning activities and their impacts has become essential to redirect new ways of interacting and facing such adverse situations. Thus, one of the ways to evaluate a situation experienced is by drawing parallels between the behaviors and feelings generated, through the critical incident technique (TIC). Objective: To identify critical incidents (situation, behaviors and feelings) related to academic activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Descriptive study based on the critical incident technique. The students were recruited via e-mail to inform the characterization items; they were asked to remember an academic situation and report it, listing the behaviors experienced and the feelings that originated. Results: Among the 24 situations, most portrayed the accumulation of tasks, difficulty in dealing with a new way of teaching, difficulties in adapting teachers and students to the strategies used regarding the overlapping of academic and domestic activities. Regarding the behaviors, lack of dialogue, difficulties in adapting activities and acts of understanding were mentioned. As for feelings, the positive ones were gratitude, understanding, feeling of support, learning, happiness; as for the negative ones, anxiety, sadness, anguish and physical fatigue stand out. Conclusion: This study identified critical incidents of nursing students during the pandemic. The data indicate that students experienced great stress during the period, but the impacts on professional training require further studies. Descriptors: Nursing; Teaching; Behavior; Pandemics; Adaptation, Psychological

Allied health work readiness capabilities: a qualitative comparison of graduates, supervisors, and managers’ perspectives

ABSTRACT Researchers have highlighted gaps in the work readiness (WR) of allied health (AH) graduates and the capabilities required to successfully work in an interprofessional collaborative practice healthcare environment. In the studies conducted, the focus has generally been on one AH discipline or on one participant group across disciplines, such as new graduates. We explored WR capability of new AH graduates across three participant groups (managers, supervisors, and graduates) and across several AH disciplines in the health sector. Focus groups using Critical Incident Technique (CIT) were conducted with 47 participants (14 new graduates, 13 supervisors, and 20 managers) from four public health organisations across Eastern Australia. CIT identified examples where new AH graduates had/did not have necessary WR capabilities to manage situations in the collaborative practice environment. Using thematic analysis, we found four main themes related to WR expectations of AH graduates (work skills and knowledge, working with others, personal attributes, and organisational knowledge), with several sub-themes. Some aspects of identified themes/sub-themes were unique to the AH interprofessional work context. Understanding of AH graduates’ WR from multiple perspectives could support development of programs to enable graduate success in interprofessional working environments.

Impact of Occupational Socialization on South Korean Physical Education Teachers’ Interpretation and Delivery of the Hanaro Teaching Model

Purpose: To determine the impact of occupational socialization on eight South Korean teachers’ interpretation and delivery of the Hanaro Teaching (HT) model. Method: Data were collected through formal interviews, film of teachers employing HT, document analysis, reflective journaling, and the critical incident technique. They were analyzed using analytic induction and constant comparison. Findings: The teachers interpreted and delivered the HT model in four different ways. These were the full and full+ versions of the model, watered down, and taking a cafeteria approach. The organizational socialization phase was key in shaping how the teachers delivered the model. The teachers’ acculturation and professional socialization were mainly supplemental. Conclusions: The fact that seven of the teachers employed HT without any formal training suggests that the model was fairly easy to learn. Specific training in undergraduate physical education teacher education, however, could lead to more teachers employing the full and full+ versions of the model.

On a healing journey together and apart: A Swedish critical incident technique study on family involvement from a patient perspective in relation to elective open-heart surgery.

As family members affect patient outcomes following open-heart surgery, the objective was to provide updated knowledge on family involvement in to guide future interventions facilitating family involvement. The aim was to explore and describe the experiences and actions of important situations of family involvement asexpressed by patients who underwent elective open-heart surgery in Sweden. The critical incident technique (CIT) was used, which is a qualitative research method suitable for clinical problems when a phenomenon is known but the experiences and consequences of it are not. Considerations for patient integrity were made during the recruitment phase by ensuring that voluntary informed consent was obtained in two steps. Individual interviews were conducted with 35 patients who underwent open-heart surgery in Sweden in 2023. Important situations were analysed according to the CIT method. Two main areas emerged: Patients described important situations of family involvement as experiences of mutual dependency while also being independent individuals. These experiences led to balancing healing and risk-taking activities as a family. The positive consequences of family involvement described by patients included improved recovery through practical help at home and emotional support. As complements to preserving the existing positive aspects of family involvement, social support screening, the establishment of individualised visitation policies and the provision of professional and peer support earlier can improve patient recovery following open-heart surgery.

Tanzanian midwives’ clinical practices and experiences in caring for women with antepartum hemorrhage: a critical incident technique study

BackgroundAntepartum hemorrhage (APH) is an obstetric emergency that complicates pregnancy worldwide and continues to lead to hemorrhagic conditions in parts of Tanzania. Midwifery education received by midwives consists theoretical knowledge on the subject but with no or minimal practical skills in the laboratory, which may reduce their practical capacity as graduated midwives. This study therefore aimed to explore midwives’ clinical actions and experiences regarding the care of women with APH in Mwanza region.MethodQualitative, inductive approach with critical incident technique was used. Data were analysed using the critical incident technique, and a question guide consisting of eleven open-ended questions was used to collect data from 44 out of 60 midwives who graduated not less than one year. A total of 522 critical incidents, with 199 actions and 323 experiences, were identified and categorized into five main areas. Ethical approval was obtained.ResultsMidwives’ clinical actions and experiences in caring for women with APH are affected by the knowledge and skills obtained during training at school. They have insufficient theoretical knowledge and practical skills, leading to inadequate identification of the problem and the implementation of care. A need for additional preventive care is described and structural issues, such as co-operation, referral to other instances, access to equipment and relevant treatments need to be improved.ConclusionThe actions taken to provide care for women with APH were related to their ability to identify problems, implement care and carry out structural initiatives. However, the midwives’ experience was influenced by an attempt to understand the seriousness of the situation and the existence of an organizational challenge. The results can provide knowledge and tools to improve midwives’ education and clinical practice and in the long run, prevent complications, improves health and minimize suffering in women with APH.

Defining performance and competency requirements for army responders to domestic flood response operations

Purpose The a priori identification and development of army personnel competencies are necessary to enable effective and efficient responses to rapidly changing climate conditions. Accordingly, this study aims to identify the performance requirements of a military flood responder and the competencies (knowledge, skills and abilities) required to perform it. Design/methodology/approach Using an abductive approach, the authors conducted both secondary and primary research to generate a validated framework of performance criteria and competencies for army personnel responding to floods. This literature review integrated both the peer-reviewed academic literature and public sector grey literature. Using the critical incident technique, the authors then conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who had previously been tasked with flood response operations. Participants were asked about the tasks required while conducting flood response operations. Interview transcripts were then content analysed to identify themes regarding those tasks, and the competencies needed to perform those tasks were then extracted and contrasted with the literature review findings. Inter-rater reliability for the analysis was established via iterative discussion between the two co-authors. Findings The primary data reinforced and expanded the list of performance expectations that the authors deductively identified from the integrated literature review, adding granularity to each. It also identified competencies (including both hard and soft skills) and highlighted previously neglected contextual antecedents of military flood response effectiveness. Research limitations/implications though knowledge saturation was achieved from the 15 interviews conducted, further research with larger samples could more deeply ground the evidence discovered in this study. Nevertheless, the competencies identified in this paper could serve as a starting guide to staffing and/or training interventions targeted at improving these competencies for personnel responding to flood scenarios. Practical implications The theoretical findings also have immediate practical relevance to training for flood response operations. In particular, the subtle challenges in competency crossover from military operations to flood response operations may facilitate not only more efficient, targeted training (that could improve the effectiveness of army personnel involved in humanitarian roles), but could be applied to the selection of army personnel as well. This study may also help provincial/municipal operators and emergency planners by better communicating the strengths and limitations of army personnel in addressing civilian military cooperation for humanitarian operations. Thus, the findings of this research study represent an important first step in prompting attention to the strategic human resource planning studies required to make all responders more efficient and effective in their respective division of labour within the humanitarian domain. Social implications Peering a little beyond these research findings, human-induced climate change is expected to continue increasing the frequency of such events (IPCC, 2021), and a timely, national force is likely to be increasingly required for Canadians impacted by major disasters stemming from natural hazards when local resources become overwhelmed. Yet, there is some concern from the CAF that increasing responsiveness to disaster operations will affect their military readiness (Leuprecht and Kasurak, 2020). One can indeed envision a paradox whereby the CAF is both a “force of last resort” while increasingly becoming a “first choice for domestic disaster and emergency assistance”. The practical implications from this research also suggest that military personnel, while fully capable of successfully conducting flood response operations, may become overburdened and less able to adopt yet greater capacity and training for other additional humanitarian work. Nevertheless, the competencies highlighted by participants can help inform the next flood response operation in Canada. Originality/value Most literature in the field of emergency response focuses on cooperation between civilian and military resources and other strategic-level themes. The findings address critical granularity missing at the operational and tactical levels of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief research. The authors also draw implications beyond the military context, including for local/regional governmental players (operators and emergency planners) as well as for volunteers in flood response roles.

Challenges in teacher-student communication during family medicine residency: A qualitative study.

Deficiencies in communication among healthcare professionals, recognized by medical educators and healthcare institutions, can negatively impact medical education and clinical practice. Analyzing teacher-resident communication difficulties shed light on this issue and propose practical strategies for its mitigation. To identify common communication challenges between teacher and residents during Family Medicine residency and to analyze their impact on interactions with peers, the work team, and patients. Qualitative study, the critical incident technique was used to collect information of interest. Seventy teachers, and fifty third-year residents from the Mexican Republic described critical incidents related to their communication experiences during Family Medicine residency. 192 critical incidents were collected (several participants reported more than one incident), comprising 127 reports from teachers, and 65 from residents. Four themes were identified: 1) asymmetric communication, 2) assertive communication, 3) organizational communication, and 4) effective communication. The main challenges identified were abuse of power in communication, lack of communication skills, and the absence of institutional communication channels. These issues significantly impacted learning, work environment, interpersonal relationships, and medical care. This study highlights communication issues within Family Medicine residency in Mexico. The issues detected hindered learning and effective collaboration and negatively impacted the work environment, interpersonal relationships, and the quality of medical care. These findings underscore the urgent need to reorient the medical specialty curriculum towards an approach that includes communication skills.

Wearable discontinuance: Pathways in the volitional information systems discontinuance process

This paper examines the role of contextual factors and negative critical incidents as drivers of wearable discontinuance. We adopt a process perspective to understand wearable discontinuance by collecting data from long-time wearable users who have permanently discontinued their use and have no intention of reusing them. We adopt a multistage research design and collect data through the critical incident technique. Inductive data analysis reveals that both critical incidents and contextual factors impact wearable discontinuance, and the former is tethered to the purpose of wearable use. The study proposes pathways in the volitional information systems discontinuance process model and offers theoretical and practical contributions.

Postoperative Recovery in the Youngest: Beyond Technology.

Measuring and interpreting vital signs in pediatric patients recovering from anaesthesia, particularly those up to 36 months old, is challenging. Nurses' decision-making regarding the level of monitoring must balance patient safety with individualized care. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of critical care nurses and registered nurse anesthetists regarding their experiences and actions when making decisions about vital sign monitoring for children in post-anesthesia care units (PACUs). A qualitative study utilizing the critical incident technique was conducted. Interviews were performed with a purposeful sample of 17 critical care nurses and registered nurse anaesthetists from two hospitals. Nurses reported that the rationale for decisions concerning the need for vital sign monitoring in children was both adequate and inadequate. Actions were taken to adjust the monitoring of vital signs, optimizing conditions for assessment and ensuring the child's safe recovery. The complexity of accurately monitoring children makes it challenging for nurses in the PACU to adhere to guidelines. Evidence-based care and safety are compromised when technology has limitations and is not adapted for paediatric use, leading to a greater reliance on experience and clinical assessment. This reliance on experience is crucial for reliable assessment but also entails accepting greater risks.

“Why wouldn't we want to do this?” The challenge for oncology hospital nurses to engage in serious illness conversation and advance care planning

BackgroundThe viability of advance care planning (ACP) in cultures where discussing future desires is taboo is unclear, it is essential to examine the challenges faced by Chinese nurses lacking legal protection for ACP. AimsTo comprehend Chinese oncology nurses' perceptions of serious illness conversation and ACP, and identify barriers to engagement. MethodsA qualitative descriptive exploratory study involving semi-structured interviews with 13 experienced oncology nurses, analyzed using thematic analysis and critical incident technique, following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. FindingsFour themes emerged: Inadequate Competence Causes Patient Harm, Cultural Influences to Patient Autonomy, Psychological Tolerance Neglects Best Interests, and Systemic and Legal Uncertainties Impact Patient Rights. ConclusionPolicy changes supporting nurses in ACP implementation, a 'whole-system strategic approach' involving legislative changes, organizational support, and public awareness are crucial for optimizing ACP and meeting diverse patient needs.

Teachers Embodying Acceptance for Marginalised Students in the English Language Arts Classroom

ABSTRACT The role of educators in mitigating the negative experiences faced by marginalised students has garnered increasing attention. This study highlights the key attributes of teachers who create a supportive environment for these learners, particularly in English Language Arts classrooms. Through an integration of Positioning Theory, Critical Discourse Analysis, and the Critical Incident Technique, the research underscores how educators can exemplify acceptance and inclusivity through purposeful discourse practices. Preliminary findings from four different upper-secondary English classrooms in the South-central United States suggest that these supportive behaviours and spoken interactions have significant implications for the well-being and academic success of marginalised students.

Information Management in Hospital Unit Daily Operations: A Descriptive Study With Nurses and Physicians.

Operations management of a hospital unit is a shared activity involving nursing and medical professionals, characterized by suddenly changing situations, constant interruptions, and ad hoc decision-making. Previous studies have explored the informational needs affecting decision-making, but only limited information has been collected regarding factors affecting information management related to the daily operations of hospital units. The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of nursing and medical professionals of information management in the daily operations of hospital units. This qualitative study consists of interviews following the critical incidence technique. Twenty-six nurses and eight physicians working in operational leadership roles in hospital units were interviewed, and the data were subjected to thematic analysis. The data analysis showed that strengths of current systems were organizational operational procedures, general instruments supporting information management, and a digital operations dashboard, whereas opportunities for improvement included the information architecture, quality of information, and technology use. The study findings highlight that despite several decades of efforts to provide solutions to support information management in hospital daily operations, further measures need to be taken in developing and implementing information systems with user-centered strategies and systematic approaches to better support healthcare professionals.

Characterizing Excellence: Lessons From Awarded Military-Technological Leaders

As technological superiority becomes increasingly vital for military effectiveness, a distinct category of technological leaders has emerged within militaries. This qualitative study explores excellence in this domain by interviewing 11 recipients of the prestigious Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Technological Award. In-depth interviews grounded in the critical incident technique revealed four integral facets of military tech leadership excellence: Technical mastery built through expertise and continuous learning, mission dedication demonstrated through overcoming obstacles, interpersonal skills in understanding needs and translating across domains, and adaptability in integrating innovation. Notable findings show that technologists adhere to canonical military leadership values such as mission dedication, although they apply them distinctly for technological purposes. Compared with traditional military leadership, tech leaders have specialized skills in bridging operational necessities and technological solutions. This study proposes a framework that encapsulates the attributes, motivations, and behaviors that underpin excellence in military technological leadership. These findings have implications for selection, training, and development of future leaders in military technology.

Unleashing entrepreneurial potential: venture creation and self-directed experiential learning on social media amongst secondary school-aged business owners

PurposeThis research paper aims to explore how secondary school-aged business owners utilise social media to engage in informal learning. The authors make use of the concept of a self-directed experiential learning cycle to empirically explore adolescents’ entrepreneurial learning processes without formal guidance or curriculum.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a one-on-one interview approach with a critical incident technique in interviewing to examine the experiences of 10 Grade 9–11 business owners who run social media-based businesses on Instagram.FindingsThe results demonstrate that student business owners were able to capitalise on social media for venture creation and informal learning. They effectively engaged in experiential learning cycles with active help-seeking and mentorship in response to challenges in their business journey. A variety of resources within social media, their social circle and the internet were employed by students, highlighting the role the self-directed element plays in their experiential learning process.Practical implicationsThe research urges institutions to recognise the potential of informal learning on social media and offer more support to strengthen students’ learning.Originality/valueThis research represents the first exploratory study on the potential of school-age teens’ self-initiated informal entrepreneurial learning while testifying the theory of the self-directed experiential learning cycle in the context of social media businesses. The study offers novel insights into the fields of students’ informal learning, entrepreneurial learning and social media learning.

Racial discrimination against Asian American employees: impact of employee coping strategies on employee competence and work quality of life

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the effects of workplace racial discrimination among Asian American (AA) employees in the restaurant industry and examines what kinds of employee coping responses can mitigate its detrimental effects on their work behaviors.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses an exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach, starting with a qualitative study using the critical incident technique followed by a quantitative between-subjects experiment to examine the impact of employee coping responses to racial discrimination on employee competence and work quality of life (WQOL).FindingsThe study reveals that customer-perpetrated racial discrimination is the most common form of racial discrimination that AA employees face in the restaurant industry. In addition, confrontation is the most effective coping strategy to increase employee’s self-competence. Also, the severity of discrimination moderates the effect of coping strategies on employee’s self-competence. Employees’ self-competence mediates the relationship between their response strategy against discrimination and their WQOL.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study suggest that confrontation is an effective coping strategy for targeted employees, compared to support-seeking or avoidance. Confrontation was perceived as competent, compared to other coping strategies, and in turn, enhanced WQOL.Originality/valueThis study expands the scope of racial discrimination research in the hospitality literature for the growing diversified hospitality workforce. In addition, this study provides practical insights into competent ways of coping with racial discrimination.

The meaning of social cohesion in preventive family support: a practitioners’ perspective

ABSTRACT Promoting social cohesion through early childhood services has become a priority on the political agenda. Despite joint academic and political attention, a consensus on what social cohesion is, is lacking. While child and family social work is framed as ideal to foster social cohesion, there is little knowledge on what this may mean. The aim of the current study is to analyse the meaning making of child and family social work practitioners regarding social cohesion in Flanders (Belgium). An explorative multiple case study was performed in child and family social work in three neighbourhoods in Flanders. The Critical Incident Technique was used with practitioners (N = 28) to understand how they conceptualise social cohesion and viewed their role in promoting this community-oriented outcome of early childhood services. The results suggest that practitioners focus on the inter-individual and relational components of social cohesion rather than on the socio-political components, which contrasts with the politicising function that child and family social work is supposed to fulfil.