July 2009

Thinking outside the information paradigm

In this month’s column I want to discuss information which doesn’t fit our current information paradigm. I want to make a case for being more inclusive and accepting of information which doesn’t fit our current paradigm since – I will argue – that makes our information more comprehensive, diverse and hence robust.

There are three broad types of information which don’t fit our current information paradigm: emerging, radical and not understood information. These three are quite different, though often conflated.

Emerging information relates to information which is currently not on the ‘radar screen’ in that it is still in the early stages of development. Examples of emerging information would be routine use of service user and general public mental health screening tool information.

Radical information applies to information which is outside the current information paradigm and hence not seen as information. Examples of this kind of information would be routine use of service user views on their clinicians, routine use of clinician views of management and benchmarked views of clinician performance.

Not understood information applies to information which is presently not understood and hence there is an attempt to fit it into existing information paradigms as a way of understanding it. This applies particularly to much cultural information, service user information and NGO’s which are servicing distinct service user groups.

What is the current paradigm?

It is hard to provide an exact definition of the current information paradigm, since it is in transition, but some of its characteristics are clear. It tends to be nationally driven; it tends to be managerially driven; it tends not to be clinician or service user driven. I say this with no criticism but as representative comments on the information paradigm which we currently have.

Why does it matter if we don’t think outside the information paradigm? There are four main reasons why we should try hard to engage with information not currently included in our information paradigm. They are:-

1. Paradigms change
2. The need to accommodate other information perspectives
3. The importance of diversity
4. Reification of current information
   1. We know that science changes and the paradigms underpinning science change, so it should come as no surprise to find that information paradigms change too. Indeed we have witnessed profound information paradigm changes in the past few decades. Thirty years ago the information collected in mental health was very clinical and diagnostic with little (if any) information on service user experiences or outcomes. We should therefore expect that the current information paradigm will change too. It probably already has, without us noticing too much. Information currently not included in the paradigm, out on the periphery, may –in time – come to be seen as central and of high importance.
   2. There is always a need to accommodate other perspectives if we want a robust information paradigm. This is because other information challenges us to improve and develop what we already collect, analyse and report on.
   3. Diversity of sources and diversity of voices in a liberal society should always be seen as a strength. Information originating in only one source or representing one perspective is necessarily weaker than one which strives to accommodate other view points.
   4. There is always a danger of reifying our current information paradigm and adopting an ‘enemy at the gates’ approach to information which appears to lie outside our usual paradigm.

How can we learn to be more inclusive toward information?

First of all we can strive to listen (and read) information approaches which lie outside the current paradigm. Particularly to those voices and perspectives which have an evidential base.

Secondly, we can attempt to engage with new information constructively rather than dismissively.

Finally, we can provide opportunities, forums, symposia and publications where lesser known voices and perspectives have an opportunity to be heard or read.

The next great step forward in information may be nearer than we think or imagine.

Page last updated: 7 July 2009