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.
