Renee McCulloch, Katherine Martin and Clare Robertson
Sensorineural hearing loss is a common sequel of bacterial meningitis in childhood and hearing assessment post‐meningitis is therefore essential. An audit performed of practice in…
Abstract
Sensorineural hearing loss is a common sequel of bacterial meningitis in childhood and hearing assessment post‐meningitis is therefore essential. An audit performed of practice in a tertiary centre paediatric unit over 24 months in 1994‐1995 showed an 89 per cent referral and 81 per cent attendance rate for audiological assessment following bacterial meningitis. A repeat retrospective audit was performed over 12 months in 1998‐1999 following the introduction of guidelines and measures to improve education of medical staff and communication between professionals. This achieved a 100 per cent referral and attendance rate in a series of 27 children surviving bacterial meningitis in 1998‐1999, demonstrating the success of the process of the complete audit cycle in improving clinical practice.
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Sheena Johnson, Cary Cooper, Sue Cartwright, Ian Donald, Paul Taylor and Clare Millet
To compare the experience of occupational stress across a large and diverse set of occupations. Three stress related variables (psychological well‐being, physical health and job…
Abstract
Purpose
To compare the experience of occupational stress across a large and diverse set of occupations. Three stress related variables (psychological well‐being, physical health and job satisfaction) are discussed and comparisons are made between 26 different occupations on each of these measures. The relationship between physical and psychological stress and job satisfaction at an occupational level is also explored.Design/methodology/approach – The measurement tool used is a short stress evaluation tool which provides information on a number of work related stressors and stress outcomes. Out of the full ASSET database 26 occupations were selected for inclusion in this paper.Findings – Six occupations are reporting worse than average scores on each of the factors – physical health, psychological well‐being and job satisfaction (ambulance workers, teachers, social services, customer services – call centres, prison officers and police). Differences across and within occupational groups, for example, teaching and policing, are detailed. The high emotional labour associated with the high stress jobs is discussed as a potential causal factor.Research limitations/implications – This is not an exhaustive list of occupations and only concerns employees working within the UK.Originality/value – There is little information available that shows the relative values of stress across different occupations, which would enable the direct comparison of stress levels. This paper reports the rank order of 26 different occupations on stress and job satisfaction levels.
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This paper will discuss the potential impact of a range of cognitive impairments when working with sex offenders who present with them. It will begin by outlining the nature of…
Abstract
This paper will discuss the potential impact of a range of cognitive impairments when working with sex offenders who present with them. It will begin by outlining the nature of cognitive impairment and the research examining the extent of such difficulties in sex offenders. It will then explore the impact of such impairments when engaging a sex offender in treatment, including the role that cognitive impairment might play in the function of their offence. Finally, some methods by which to manage and compensate for cognitive impairments will be presented. While the focus of this paper is on sex offenders, the issues presented in this paper are not exclusive to this group and may be applied to offenders in general.
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Breda Cullen and Jonathan J. Evans
This paper aims to summarise key models of the neuropsychology of memory function, illustrating how they can be used to inform the assessment and formulation of memory disorders…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to summarise key models of the neuropsychology of memory function, illustrating how they can be used to inform the assessment and formulation of memory disorders in clinical practice.
Design/methodology/approach
Models of short term and working memory, long-term memory and prospective memory are described. Commonly used tools and methods to assess these functions in adults are summarised.
Findings
It is argued that a clearer understanding of models of memory function adds value to the process of cognitive assessment, guiding the selection of appropriate tests and aiding diagnosis, formulation and rehabilitation planning.
Originality/value
This paper is intended to serve as a resource for professionals who encounter memory disorders in their clinical practice.
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Rachel King, Clare Carolan and Steve Robertson
The purpose of this study is to explore the sustainability of innovations introduced during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in remote and rural primary care…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the sustainability of innovations introduced during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in remote and rural primary care advanced clinical practice.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology includes an exploratory qualitative study of eight key stakeholders from Scottish remote and rural primary care advanced practice (three policymakers and five advanced practitioners). Data were collected using semi-structured interviews during 2022 and analysed thematically.
Findings
Advanced practice in remote and rural primary care is characterised by a shortage of doctors, close-knit communities and a broad scope of practice. Covid-19 catalysed changes in the delivery of healthcare. Innovations which participants wanted to sustain include hybrid working, triage, online training and development, and increased inter-professional support networks.
Practical implications
Findings provide valuable insights into how best to support remote and rural advanced practice which may have implications for retaining healthcare professionals. They also identified useful innovations which could benefit from further investment.
Originality/value
Given current healthcare workforce pressures, identifying and sustaining innovations which will support and retain staff are imperative. Hybrid consultations and online access to training, development and support should be sustained to support the remote and rural advanced practice workforce. Further research should explore the sustainability of innovations introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic in other care contexts.
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Clare Sarah Allely and Toni Wood
The purpose of this paper is to add to the relatively limited existing literature exploring the experience of individuals with autism spectrum disorder in the prison environment…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to add to the relatively limited existing literature exploring the experience of individuals with autism spectrum disorder in the prison environment. Prisoners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) need to be identified in order that they are given the necessary and appropriate support and safeguards. It is increasingly recognised that, for individuals with ASD, prison can be more challenging. This can be due to ASD traits which can make problems occur in everyday life. Some of these ASD traits include: obsessions, compulsions and difficulties in communicating with others. There is increasing recognition that adults with ASD who are in prison are more vulnerable to bullying, social isolation, sexual victimisation and exploitation confrontations with other prisoners. Given this, more research is warranted in this area highlighting the specific needs and challenges of individuals with ASD in the prison.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is a case study of Mr C.T., a British Citizen, who is currently serving a life sentence (discretionary). Mr C.T. has spent more than 10 years in prison. At the time of completing the questionnaire for the present study, Mr C.T. was 51 years of age. He pled guilty to charges of lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour; making an indecent photograph contrary to s52(1)(a) of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982; and possession of indecent photographs contrary to s52(A)(1) of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. Mr C.T. was convicted of Lewd, Indecent and Libidinous Practices and Behaviour and 2 x Civic Government (Scotland) Act, Section 52 (1) (a) and was sentenced to Life Imprisonment with a punishment part of 6 years.
Findings
The case study discussed in this paper clearly raises a number of issues and concerns that urgently need attention in our criminal justice systems.
Originality/value
There is relatively little research exploring the experiences and challenges faced by individuals with ASD. This paper will add to the existing body of research in this limited field.
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This paper responds to a range of theory and industry reporting, to provide an informed narrative which explores the current state of accessibility at UK festivals for people who…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper responds to a range of theory and industry reporting, to provide an informed narrative which explores the current state of accessibility at UK festivals for people who are Deaf or disabled and the potential implications of developments in ICT for enhancing design, marketing, operations and performances across all phases of festival delivery, in order to improve inclusivity and accessibility. To this end, the paper addresses the following question: What do representatives of the UK live music industry perceive as barriers to accessibility and exemplars of current best practice for music festival attendees who are Deaf or disabled? What do representatives of the UK live music industry consider as the role of ICT to increase accessibility for music festival attendees who are Deaf or disabled?
Design/methodology/approach
Primary research focused on supply-side considerations with a sample group of 10 UK live music industry professionals. The scope of the research was limited geographically to England and by artform to open-air music festivals, venues which host some music festival provision and a Sector Support Organisation. Open questions elucidated qualitative information around; awareness of accessibility and inclusivity initiatives; potential for co-creation; non-digital improvements; current technological influences; and potential digital futures for accessible “live” experiences. A conceptual framework was constructed and semi-structured face-to-face interviews were carried out with six respondents, and four respondents completed a structured, self-administered e-mail questionnaire.
Findings
Findings include: ICT can facilitate enhanced dialogue with existing and potential audience members who are Deaf or disabled to both; reduce existing social exclusion (Duffy et al., 2019) and improve the visitor experience for all attendees. All respondents agreed that physical enhancements are important and some mentioned communications and customer care. Respondents reported increasingly ambitious usages of ICT at music festivals, which may support suggestions of a virtual experience trend (Robertson et al., 2015). Online ticketing systems have potential to grant equal functionality to people who are Deaf or disabled, as recommended by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (2015). Respondents broadly welcomed the potential for positive impacts of ICT on increasingly accessible live experiences at music festivals which retained a sense of authenticity and “liveness”. Challenges around “as live” ICT-derived experiences were identified including risks of creating second-class experiences for Deaf and disabled attendees.
Research limitations/implications
The limitations of this case study include the small sample size and limited scope.
Practical implications
Promoters should: consider further developing the co-creation of accessibility initiatives, utilising ICT to both deliver improvements and engage with potential audience members who are Deaf or disabled. Seek to pro-actively recruit staff members who are Deaf or disabled and significantly increase their programming of performers who are Deaf or disabled. Consider reviewing their ticketing processes for music festivals, to identify accessibility challenges for audience members and implement appropriate ICT-based solutions. Consider maximising accessibility benefits for audience members who are Deaf or disabled from existing ICT provision on site and explore additional bespoke ICT solutions at music festivals.
Social implications
Adopting the best practices described across the festival sector may improve inclusivity for disabled people at music festivals and other events. Event management educators should consider reviewing provision to ensure that best practice is embedded around accessibility for audience members who are Deaf or disabled. Additional public funding should be provided to drive ICT-derived improvements to accessibility for audience members who are Deaf or disabled at smaller-scale music festivals. Further research should be considered around inclusive approaches to digital experiences within a music festival environment for audience members who are Deaf or disabled and tensions between accessibility and notions of “liveness”.
Originality/value
The “snapshot” of digital aspects of accessibility at UK festivals within this research is of particular value due to paucity of other research in this area, and it's narrative from varied industry professionals. The paper makes recommendations to promoters, academics and public funders, to attempt to advance inclusion (or at least to mitigate current exclusion) and identify directions for future research into accessible digital experiences at music festivals for people who are Deaf or disabled.
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Allely and Dubin (2018) and Allely et al. (2019) have emphasised that there are a range of innate vulnerabilities in many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are…
Abstract
Purpose
Allely and Dubin (2018) and Allely et al. (2019) have emphasised that there are a range of innate vulnerabilities in many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are charged with the viewing of indecent images of children (IIOC). Currently, the association between ASD and the viewing of IIOC is poorly recognised and understood both by the general public and clinical and legal professionals.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a detailed case study exploring the contributory role of ASD symptomology in the viewing of IIOC. In this case study, the experience of the criminal justice system is also explored.
Findings
It is hoped that this case study will provide insight into and understanding of how ASD can in some cases be the context for vulnerability to the viewing of IIOC and raise awareness of the need to consider this at all stages of the criminal justice system, including while making sentencing decisions. This case study paper will also more effectively inform the development of appropriate preventative strategies and timely interventions.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first detailed case study which explores the contributory role of ASD symptomology in the viewing of IIOC in the academic peer-reviewed literature.
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Clare Aitken, Mohammed Alom, Ann‐Emily Brew, Steve Davis, William Forrester, James Hickey, Cheryl Lines, Sonia Martinez‐Roura, Sonia Martinez‐Roura, Clare O’Brien, Fiona Robertson, Jane Rowlands, Sandra Santana‐Feio and Susanne Staal
The paper describes the development of an electronic document delivery service for the professional association of doctors, the BMA. Workflow, including integration with searching…
Abstract
The paper describes the development of an electronic document delivery service for the professional association of doctors, the BMA. Workflow, including integration with searching services is described. Scanning hardware choices are reviewed; as are staff development needs. Copyright issues were also a major issue. Today, 60 per cent of document delivery is electronic.
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IN The verdict of you all, Rupert Croft‐Cooke has some uncomplimentary things to say about novel readers as a class, which is at least an unusual look at his public by a…
Abstract
IN The verdict of you all, Rupert Croft‐Cooke has some uncomplimentary things to say about novel readers as a class, which is at least an unusual look at his public by a practitioner whose income for many years was provided by those he denigrates.