Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are lifelong developmental disorders that are characterised by abnormalities in reciprocal social interaction and communication and stereotyped…
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are lifelong developmental disorders that are characterised by abnormalities in reciprocal social interaction and communication and stereotyped behaviours and repetitive interests (ICD‐10: World Health Organization, 1992). Although many people with ASD function without support in the community, outcome studies suggest that rates of employment and independent living are poor. Services often need to provide support in the areas of housing, social, occupational, leisure and emotional function. Additionally, ASDs can be associated with high rates of co‐morbid mental health difficulties including depression, anxiety and obsessive‐compulsive disorders. This paper aims to describe the current situation regarding clinical services and what is required from these services to address co‐morbid mental health needs in adults with an ASD.
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Jane Chilvers, Cathy Thomas and Alex Stanbury
Mindfulness is the practice of focusing attention effectively/purposefully, in a non‐judgemental manner, on current circumstances (Kabat‐Zinn, 2009; Crane, 2009). It has been…
Abstract
Mindfulness is the practice of focusing attention effectively/purposefully, in a non‐judgemental manner, on current circumstances (Kabat‐Zinn, 2009; Crane, 2009). It has been increasingly used as a tool for managing a range of difficulties associated with personal suffering, including stress and chronic pain, as well as some aspects of mental disorder. In this study the practice of mindfulness was introduced to a medium secure ward for female patients with learning disabilities in the form of twice‐weekly, 30‐minute group sessions. Proxy measures of institutional aggression namely the number of observations (Obs), physical interventions (PI), and seclusions (Sec) were recorded at baseline (during the month prior to the introduction of the mindfulness sessions and at two months and six months following the introduction of the sessions). Friedman's Analysis of Variance and post‐hoc analyses using Wilcoxon's Signed Ranks showed a significant reduction at six months. The potential influence of basic mindfulness practice sessions in reducing aggression is discussed.
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Danielle Mayes, Sarah Victoria Ramsden, Louise Braham, Zoe Whitaker and Mark Norburn
The purpose of this paper is to explore service users’ experience of community meetings (CMs) within a high secure setting.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore service users’ experience of community meetings (CMs) within a high secure setting.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative design was employed in which focus groups were used to capture service users’ experience of CMs. In all, 12 focus groups comprising a total of 27 participants were carried out using a semi-structured interview schedule. Data were analysed using thematic and saliency analysis, identifying themes which were pertinent to the research aims.
Findings
Positive experiences reported by service users included a safe space to explore ward issues and develop skills, with some viewing the meeting as a therapeutic forum in which to facilitate personal growth.
Research limitations/implications
There were a wide range of patient presentations and views. Furthermore, only 20 per cent of the patient population were included within this study.
Practical implications
A number of recommendations have been identified that can have positive implications for patients (quality of life and recovery), staff (resolving conflicts and problem-solving) and the overall therapeutic milieu of the ward.
Originality/value
There are no reviews looking at CMs within the last decade. This paper brings the understanding up to date to allow the development of this potentially positive tool.
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Sarah Parker, Tony Ward and Amelia Baldwin
This research aimed to explore individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) experiences of the therapeutic relationship.
Abstract
Purpose
This research aimed to explore individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) experiences of the therapeutic relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
Six individuals with ID were recruited who were currently having 1:1 therapy. Semi-structured interviews focused on their experiences of the therapeutic relationship.
Findings
Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, six personal experiential themes were identified. These were labelled as a person-centred experience, the importance of adaptions, “I feel like I know you”, a secure base is offered, change does occur and an overlap of subjective experience. The results indicate that participants’ accounts of their experiences indicated that the relationship was important to them. This research also demonstrated that the benefits and value of involving individuals with ID in qualitative research.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, exploring the therapeutic relationship from the perspective of individuals with ID has not been previously explored in the literature. This research highlights considerations for therapists working with this population to help them facilitate positive therapeutic outcomes.
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Yaw A. Debrah and Ian G. Smith
Presents over sixty abstracts summarising the 1999 Employment Research Unit annual conference held at the University of Cardiff. Explores the multiple impacts of globalization on…
Abstract
Presents over sixty abstracts summarising the 1999 Employment Research Unit annual conference held at the University of Cardiff. Explores the multiple impacts of globalization on work and employment in contemporary organizations. Covers the human resource management implications of organizational responses to globalization. Examines the theoretical, methodological, empirical and comparative issues pertaining to competitiveness and the management of human resources, the impact of organisational strategies and international production on the workplace, the organization of labour markets, human resource development, cultural change in organisations, trade union responses, and trans‐national corporations. Cites many case studies showing how globalization has brought a lot of opportunities together with much change both to the employee and the employer. Considers the threats to existing cultures, structures and systems.
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Win Tadd, Alex Hillman, Sian Calnan, Mike Calnan, Tony Bayer and Simon Read
This paper reports on an ethnographic study to explore the experience of dignity in the acute care of older people in four acute NHS trusts. It explores the prevalent view that…
Abstract
This paper reports on an ethnographic study to explore the experience of dignity in the acute care of older people in four acute NHS trusts. It explores the prevalent view that acute care is not the right place for older people and the failure to acknowledge that the largest group of users are the very old, the frail and the dependent, which results in environments that are not friendly to older people generally, and are especially hostile to those with cognitive impairments. Added to this, a culture that is risk averse and defensive, where care is undervalued and where professional accountability and discretion are replaced by standardised checklists, pathways and audits, cultivates the attitude that if an aspect of care can't be measured it doesn't matter. Overall, getting the job done appears to matter more than how the job is done, so that the focus is primarily on the task rather than seeing the person. It describes how the failure of acute trusts to respond to the needs of the majority of their users ‐ older people ‐ results in the failure to provide dignified care and the impact of this on both the quality of care and patient outcomes.
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Rachel Ashworth, Tom Entwistle, Julian Gould‐Williams and Michael Marinetto
This monograph contains abstracts from the 2005 Employment Research Unit Annual Conference Cardiff Business School,Cardiff University, 6‐7th September 2005
Abstract
This monograph contains abstracts from the 2005 Employment Research Unit Annual Conference Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, 6‐7th September 2005