Supporting informal caregiving: a SWOT analysis of participatory methodologies in an Italian policy case study

This article aims to provide methodological insights into participatory approaches used in the domain of healthcare and social policies to support informal carers of older adults with Long-Term Care (LTC) needs. Participatory approaches can play a crucial role in triggering Social Innovation processes in this field, particularly in countries belonging to the Mediterranean LTC model, characterized by a strong reliance on informal care. Drawing on a study conducted in the Italian context, this paper examines participatory methods through a SWOT analysis of a multi-stakeholder research process. The main strengths and weaknesses of participatory approaches are discussed through practical examples, providing an overview of their key features. The analysis highlights how stakeholder engagement can enhance the relevance and legitimacy of research outputs and foster mutual empowerment processes. At the same time, it reveals challenges related to the continuous adaptation of research designs and the negotiation of diverse interests and perspectives.