Multi-agency Management Research Articles

Multi-agency counter-terrorism in Britain and Norway: Intelligence agencies and the administration of welfare

This article explores the emergence of new counter-terrorism programmes in the Britain and Norway through which intelligence and security agencies administer welfare. Support and resources are covertly allocated to persons identified as potential threats, through multi-agency structures led by intelligence and security agencies. Unlike Countering Violent Extremism programmes, this multi-agency management is not led by the local municipality; nor are its participants asked to consent to participation. These new programmes are covert. To conceptualize the significance of intelligence agencies entering the space of welfare administration, Mitchell Dean’s work ‘Liberal Government and Authoritarianism’ is used to underline the traditional separation of agencies within liberal governmentality. Governing through freedom entails the ostensible separation of policing, education and care agencies – reflecting the categorization of the population into groups requiring varying levels of coercion to self-govern. To avoid governing too much, each category of population is allocated a specific agency. Traditionally, intelligence and security agencies have been positioned at the highest tier of repression. By entering the space of welfare administration (and thus social policy), intelligence and security agencies have disturbed the sectoral separation integral to liberal governmentality, leaving care and repression in an ever more ambiguous relationship.

Pollution-Induced Food Safety Problem in China: Trends and Policies.

Based on systematic literature study and policy document analysis, this paper investigates the environmental pollution-induced food safety problem in China, including the impact of environmental pollution on food safety and the policy response of Chinese government since 1970's. The results show that, to different degrees, food safety of China is affected by large but inefficient chemical fertilizer and pesticides residue (although the consumption began to decline after around 2015), cropland heavy metal pollution (especially cadmium), water pollution, and high ozone concentration. The evolution of pollution-induced food safety policies of China can be divided into four stages, i.e., preparation stage (1974–1994), construction stage (1995–2005), elaboration stage (2006–2013), and intensification stage (2014–). Through the four stages, the increasingly stringent policy system has been featured by “from supply-safety balance to safety first,” “from multi-agency management to integrated management,” and “from ex post supervision to ex ante risk control.” To further prevent pollution and control food quality, more collaborations between the agricultural and environmental agencies and more specific policies should be anticipated.

Reforming the future of workplace road safety using systems-thinking workplace road safety surveillance

Given the enormous burden of road traffic injury, governments around the world have allocated significant resources in an effort to improve the safety of road users. However, limited attention has been given to high-risk driver populations; particularly work-related drivers. The level of complexity involved in the multi-agency management of road safety means that new ways of thinking about workplace road safety are required to ensure the safety of work-related drivers. This paper argues that optimizing workplace road safety intervention is contingent on a surveillance system that allows the capture of data across all levels of the transportation system. The proposed system thinking framework is focused on identifying and assigning safety performance indicators to key actors across the transportation system, rather than focusing solely on the behaviours of the individual-driver. It is argued that a system thinking workplace road safety surveillance system has the capacity to facilitate the review and revision of current risk controls and allow the design of targeted safety interventions to improve the safety of people who drive a vehicle for work. The framework is ambitious; however, it is essential to create a platform that facilitates the sharing of responsibility for workplace road safety across the transportation system and provide the evidence to ensure that interventions are appropriately targeted and evaluated. The power of this type of data capture has the potential to reframe the planning and management of road safety to reduce death and injury in the workplace.

The first UK report of a rare Cryptosporidium hominis genetic variant isolated during a complex Scottish swimming pool outbreak.

Cryptosporidium species are responsible for causing the majority of parasite-related gastrointestinal infections in the UK. This report describes an outbreak of 12 laboratory-confirmed cryptosporidiosis cases identified as part of a Scottish swimming pool investigation, with 9 primary and 3 secondary cases occurring over an 8-week period. Molecular speciation was successful for 11/12 cases, which revealed 10 Cryptosporidium hominis cases and 1 Cryptosporidium parvum case. Of the 10 C. hominis cases, further typing identified 7 as being an unusual sub-type, IbA6G3, which is the first description in the UK of this rare variant. The remaining three C. hominis cases were identified as the common IbA10G2 subtype. Following implementation of control measures on two occasions, no further cases were reported. This report highlights the importance of molecular typing to identify and characterize outbreaks, and emphasizes the need to adhere to swimming pool guidance. It also raises awareness of the potential for outbreaks to involve multiple species/sub-types, and emphasizes the importance of strong public health leadership to ensure effective multi-agency investigations and management of outbreaks.

Templates for handling multi-agency collaboration activities and priorities in mining injury incidents: a Delphi study

PurposeThe purpose of this study was from a Swedish perspective to map experts' opinions on theoretical statements of essential collaboration activities for management of mining injury incidents.Design/methodology/approachA Delphi technique was performed, asking opinions from experts in iterative rounds to generate understanding and form consensus on group opinion around multi-agency management. The experts were personnel from emergency medical service, rescue service and mine industry, all with operative command positions.FindingsThree iterative rounds were performed. The first round was conducted as a workshop to collect opinions about the most important multi-agency collaboration activities to optimize victim's outcome from an injury incident in an underground mine. This resulted in 63 statements and additional three were added during the second round. The statements were divided into one trajectory and seventh time phases and comprised, e.g. early alarm routines, support of early life-saving interventions, relevant resources and equipment for the assignment and command and control center and functions with predefined action plans for response. It also comprised shared and communicated decisions about each agency's responsibility and safety. All statements reached consensus among the experts in Round 3.Research limitations/implicationsThe experts included in this study seem to be adequate but there could be other experts and different statements that other researchers might consider.Practical implicationsThese statements could be used to evaluate collaboration in major incidents exercises. The statements can also be quality indicators for reporting results from multi-agency management.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the research field of collaboration and joint practices between and among personnel involved in rescue operations.

Multi-agency management of a World Heritage Site: Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, China

Involving a variety of stakeholders, heritage tourism management requires a collaborative multi-actor approach. Due to the current grid management system, shared management among multiple agencies is not rare in heritage sites in China; however limited research has addressed this situation. A multi-agency management model is thus proposed to highlight the roles of a coordination agency and a collaboration mechanism. Taking Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area as an example, this paper compares the management status and assesses management collaboration between its two main management bodies. Semi-structured interviews with management staff are used as the primary research method. It is revealed that shared management has resulted in the inefficient use of human and financial resources, and inconsistency in the application of management measures and standards due to the lack of an efficient coordination agency and collaboration mechanism. Suggestions are made to facilitate collaboration and enhance management efficiency in this multi-agency management context.

Team member’s perceptions on a sex offender reentry court’s failure to launch: a pilot study

ABSTRACTConvicted sex offenders released from prison compared to non-sex offenders face a unique reentry environment that is a challenging undertaking for the criminal justice and community agencies that manage them. In order to coordinate multi-agency sex offender management, some states have turned to the courts to bring together these agencies with disparate missions and responsibilities. But, not all efforts at coordination are successful. This pilot study, using qualitative retrospective interviews with stakeholders, examined a cancelled sex offender reentry court, Title 33, to uncover why this innovation failed. The thematic analysis results showed that Title 33 was unable to successfully implement many best practices, which ultimately contributed to its failure.

Institutional challenges of adopting ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change

In view of past environmental degradation and anticipated climate change impacts, we assessed the potential for ecosystem-based adaptation in the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia. In a workshop with staff from three Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) who had jurisdiction over three sub-basins, as well as technical experts, nine adaptation options were identified that ranged from environmental flows, restoring river channel habitat, reoperating infrastructure and controlling invasive species. A Catchment Adaptation Framework was developed and used to assess and compare these adaptation options with each of the CMAs, drawing on interviews with their key stakeholders, to identify the risks, benefits and costs. We found that ecosystem-based adaptation can augment catchment management programs and requires investment in a suite of different but complementary measures to lower risk. Our research found institutional challenges in implementing this approach, including the complexities of multi-agency management, constricting legal requirements, narrow funding arrangements, under-developed institutional capacity, difficulties of implementing catchment-scale programs on private property and the need to adhere to community expectations. These institutional issues are ubiquitous internationally and point to the wider issues of providing sufficient management capacity to support adaptation. The Catchment Adaptation Framework presented here enables river basin managers to systematically assess the adaptation options to better inform their decision-making.

Governance in adult safeguarding in Scotland since the implementation of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to report the findings from research into the governance of adult protection in Scotland, with particular focus on the outcomes of provision for multi-agency leadership and management of adult safeguarding in the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007. Comparisons will be drawn between these findings and the evidence on the governance of adult safeguarding in England. Design/methodology/approach – The study comprised a thematic analysis of Adult Protection Committee (APC) biennial reports on implementation of the 2007 Act to the Scottish Government, associated documentation, and key informant interviews with professionals involved in adult protection leadership and practice. Findings – A rich and complex pattern of arrangements, activities, experiences and challenges were identified across a number of dimensions, including management structures of APCs, development of policies and procedures, multi-agency working, training, performance assessment and quality management, engagement of service users and carers and operation of the 2007 Act. Research limitations/implications – Service users and carers were not directly involved in the documentary review or key informant interviews. There remains a need to investigate the impacts on practice and service user experience of different forms of governance of adult protection arrangements. Practical implications – The paper identifies outcomes and challenges in respect of multi-agency approaches to governance taken by APCs in Scotland. Originality/value – The paper offers the first formal evaluation of governance of adult protection systems in Scotland and includes comparative analysis with research findings on the governance of adult safeguarding in England.

Integrated multi-agency framework: sustainable water management

Equitable allocation of groundwater resources is a growing challenge due to increasing demand for water and the competing triple bottom line values placed on its use. Sustainable management of water resources comes with compromises and trade-offs of the other subsystems such as the environment and economic and social dimensions and almost ignores stakeholders' objectives and benefits. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the hypothesis that ‘through a multi-agency approach and management, a comprehensive multi-agency framework (MAF) can promote optimal, sustainable and equitable development and use of water resources for present and future generations'. The framework has been successfully demonstrated in a case study at the Gnangara mound groundwater system in Western Australia and showed what can be achieved with supporting tools such as a decision support system (DSS) to facilitate and support the MAF during trade-off analysis. Without a MAF, the potential for more conflict between agencies' objectives and actions increases. A MAF and DSS allow thorough understanding of the triple bottom line impacts, ease the selection of preferred options and result in better public involvement and investment.

Preventing emergency department admissions for older people

Older people are among the most vulnerable members of the community, so when this population attends a hospital emergency department (ED) with comorbidities and polypharmacy they require complex care planning. Every year it is estimated that 28–33% of over 65-year-olds and 32–42% of over 75-year-olds will fall, and associated mortality and morbidity threatens functional independence and quality of life (Royal College of Physicians (RCP), 2011). As the older population increases, it is imperative that ED discharge strategies be strengthened to prevent exponential default to hospital admission and to ensure the care needs of the elderly are planned well. The need to provide effective and compassionate care for older people was highlighted in the Transforming Emergency Care document (Department of Health (DH), 2004) which acknowledged that older people are more likely to have more complex medical and social needs such as dementia or isolation, and are more likely than younger people to be admitted to hospital from ED. Among other recommendations, the Health Service Ombudsman’s report (HSO, 2011) called for a strengthened falls care pathway to be established. The National Audit of Falls and Bone Health (RCP, 2011) established a two-fold focus: to prevent admission and to reduce length of stay when admitted. By linking acute and urgent care services to secondary prevention in this way, early intervention to restore independence may be fostered in a proactive approach. The NHS Practice Guide (DH, 2010a) set out eight mechanisms to improve the emergency care response to long-term management for older people, addressing areas including long-term conditions management, rapid access to intermediate care, falls services and stroke assessment units. A particularly important factor in preventing unnecessary admission involves thorough assessment and formulation of a robust ED discharge support plan in conjunction with the patient and carers. The Joint Statement on the Emergency Care of Older People (College of Emergency Medicine, 2011) highlights the need for EDs to be appropriately supported in the management of older people through multidimensional assessment and multiagency management of older patients. To do so requires intensive collaboration to strengthen primary and acute care interfaces. One helpful way is by working together to establish the root cause of a patient’s delay in ED. This will make it possible to identify clinical obstacles to discharge and formulate immediate actions to address the medical, social and operational reasons why specific patients were unnecessarily admitted. In another positive move, trusts are facilitating crossboundary working, whereby specialist physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers and nurses are situated in the ED using, for example, the Emergency Admission Risk Likelihood Index (EARLI) (Lyon et al, 2007) as an instrument to determine the default to hospital admission calculation of an individual. In this way, it may be possible to create better patient outcomes, reduce readmissions, reduce long-term care, foster patient satisfaction and reduce costs associated with long hospital stay. Deficiencies in injury and trauma rehabilitation services contribute to an extended hospital length of stay, which impacts on available beds. The DH (2010b) is currently addressing this issue to enable a workable solution to assure services beyond the in-hospital trauma trajectory. Specifically, Domain 3 of the Framework includes improving recovery from injuries, trauma and fragility fractures, and, helping ill or injured older people to recover their independence. The Royal College of Nursing Emergency Care Association has also developed best treatment standards for older people who present to EDs. The Silver Book contains standards for initial assessment of patients aged 65 and over, screening tools and recommendations on safe discharge, appropriate referral and the clinical environments in which older people should be treated. The contribution of nurses is significant in supporting safe ED discharge for the vulnerable older population. However, it is imperative that falls prevention assessment commences as a routine screening of older people while in the ED/admissions unit. Clinicians must continue to ensure that older people receive the compassionate care they require. BJCN

Understanding Child Neglect. Current Perspectives in Dentistry

The aim of this paper is to update the reader on the subject of dental neglect in children. Recent national guidelines produced by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry have raised the profile of this condition by providing specific, evidence-based recommendations for recognition and response to dental neglect. Dental neglect may be a sign of general neglect or may be considered maltreatment in itself. The specific dental and non-dental features are described and actions secondary to a diagnosis of dental neglect are discussed. Three types of intervention are described: preventive dental team management, preventive multi-agency management, and referral to child protection services. With increasing awareness of this condition and through access to the expertise of other specialist agencies in this field, the primary care practitioner can play a key role in safeguarding the welfare of children.

Norovirus outbreak in a cruise ship sailing around the British Isles: Investigation and multi-agency management of an international outbreak

Managing an outbreak of gastroenteritis (GI) on board a cruise ship while minimising disruption to passengers' on board and shore visit activities is difficult. For this reason it is important to understand the complex patterns of transmission in a closed community. We describe the epidemiological investigation of an outbreak of norovirus during an international cruise. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using information from lists routinely maintained by the travel company, including the passenger manifest, and organised coach tour lists. Information on air-conditioning (AC) systems was used to assess the possible sources of exposures. Of the 1194 passengers 191 (16%) and 5 crew (<1%) became ill with GI symptoms. The attack rate was higher amongst passengers whose cabin was on the main deck (RR 3.41, 95% CI 1.47-7.94) that houses both passengers' cabins and leisure facilities including shops. Passengers who went on one of the organised coach tours where there were symptomatic passengers were at an increased risk of infection (RR 2.14, CI 1.51-3.03). Analysis of the 56 AC sections on the ship and did not detect an association with infection. Patterns of transmission of norovirus on a cruise ship are complex. Our study suggests infections are more likely among those passengers staying in areas of the ship that are highly transited or used for communal activities and more difficult to clean. Emphasis on the importance of early reporting of symptoms can help minimise transmission. Internationally agreed guidelines on the management of outbreaks on cruise ships are needed.

Clinical wastes in the community: local authority management of discarded drug litter

Despite comprehensive multi-agency management of complex social, criminal and health issues surrounding illicit drug use, substance abuse continues to escalate. Previously limited to deprived inner city areas, most communities now record rising numbers of intravenous drug users (IDUs) with increases of drug litter carelessly discarded in the environment, particularly in parks, gardens and public toilets. Bloodborne virus transmission with Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the primary hazard. Needlestick injuries continue to occur, often involving children. Seroconversion and life-threatening infection is uncommon, although post-exposure prophylaxis and extensive follow-up is necessary and this may precipitate prolonged and debilitating stress for the victim and family group. Local authorities must maintain strategies to ensure the prompt and safe retrieval of drug litter. To evaluate the effectiveness of these services, an audit was undertaken to review information on the websites of each county, borough and district council and unitary authority throughout England (n 1⁄4 439), Northern Ireland (n 1⁄4 29), Scotland (n 1⁄4 37) and Wales (n 1⁄4 21). These 526 sites were accessed using search strategies described pre-

The estimation of ecosystem services' value in the region of Misi Rural Development Project: Results from a contingent valuation survey

Stated and revealed methods are widely used in the estimation of non-use benefits of ecosystem services and public goods. This paper presents an application of survey based on contingent valuation method for valuation of the non-use benefits of improvement in ecosystem services through Misi Rural Development Project (MRDP), which is integrated with environmental considerations, in Bursa–Turkey. MRDP objects to improve various non-use benefits such as forest and river ecosystems, which residents do not directly purchase in any markets for goods and services. The estimated value of MRDP was per head annually 67.94 USD. Generalizing this value to the households living around the Misi yields 2,306,474 USD/Year. The present value willingness to pay for 20 years is 19,636,313.00 and 461,294.80 USD using discount rates of 10% and 5%. Although this analysis supports the ensuring sustainability of ecosystem service in Misi settlement, multi-agency management systems have caused some issues in rural settlements based on natural resources' productivity in Turkey. Therefore, rural development projects, integrated with environmental considerations like MRDP will be a good chance to provide the sustainability of ecosystem services especially in developing countries.

Issues in multidisciplinary teamwork for children with disabilities.

This paper presents a review of key issues surrounding multidisciplinary work in relation to the care of children with disabilities and their families. The discussion is based on experience of working in a child development team and research visits to teams around Britain at the beginning of the 1990s. An outstanding feature of child disability services is their organizational diversity. The research found that district interagency planning groups were a rarity, as were multiagency management groups for teams. Thus it was rare for teams to have clear lines of external accountability. Similarly leadership and management structures within the teams had a profound influence on their effectiveness. Issues are highlighted for identifying good practice and for further development of services.

Multi-Agency Information Management for Human Services

Abstract One of the most difficult tasks facing policymakers is to sort out what is useful information and what is not. This article describes an information management system designed by a consortium of public and private human service agencies in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. It outlines the steps that were involved in designing and setting up the system, demonstrating that numerous public and private agencies can cooperate sufficiently to create a comprehensive, flexible source for information that decision makers need. Although the system is still not fully operative, we believe it offers substantial advantages over other information collection and reporting systems.