Communication and relationships have become an increasing focus of attention in debates about the future of health and social care. People working in care services are being encouraged to improve communication processes, to develop more participatory relationships with service users, and to work more closely in partnership with other professionals.

This Reader provides a comprehensive collection of literature that aims to enable those involved in care services, as workers, carers or service users, to reflect on their everyday interactions and to situate them in wider contexts. Including new material from the frontline of research and practice, as well as some classic readings, this wide-ranging volume emphasizes the need to see interpersonal communication as embedded in relationships, and to take account of issues of power and diversity, as well as the emotional dimension of care work. Covering health and social care, the book is concerned with caring, professional and inter-professional communication and relationships.

"Communication, Relationships and Care" will be an essential resource for students of social work, nursing, health and social policy, and for all involved in health and social care services, whether as professionals, carers or service users.

Sheila Barrett, Carol Komaromy, Martin Robb, Anita Rogers

Introduction 1. Communication, Relationships and Care: the Changing Context 2. Themes and Issues in Communication and Relationships 3. Developing Good Practice 4.Communication and Relationships in Care Organisations.