What does an outcomes-based pe rspective bring to an understanding of care and caring?

Abstract

It has been argued that a relational perspective is vital for an understanding of care and caring. This is difficult to contest since care and caring exist in and through relationships. Yet, the direction of public policy in the UK, and elsewhere, has been to emphasise outcomes-based policymaking. This approach draws upon evidence of the effectiveness of policy, service delivery and/or practice-based interventions drawn from evaluations of their impact on outcomes for individuals. This article critically explores the potential contribution, as well as limitations, of an outcomes-based perspective.