Ruairi Page, Fiona Hynes and James Reed
The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of videoconferencing to deliver a post-graduate education programme in forensic mental services by video-conference across three…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of videoconferencing to deliver a post-graduate education programme in forensic mental services by video-conference across three sites in a large urban centre and develop a forensic community of practice.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper describes the setting up of the programme, equipment used, the challenges and evaluation of a teaching programme delivered using technology-enhanced education.
Findings
This forward thinking mechanism of delivery of education has propelled multi-disciplinary and multi-site discussion with the formation of a community of practice.
Research limitations/implications
Additional skills are demanded of clinicians including familiarisation with the equipment and an awareness of the restrictions in communication using videoconferencing.
Practical implications
The use of technology has facilitated delivery of a learning programme within our services. Practical benefits are readily evident with increased accessibility, cost and travel savings.
Social implications
The greatest benefit has been the development of a virtual community allowing peer support, an extended peer review and network development.
Originality/value
The paper describes use of technology to support delivery of a post-graduate forensic mental health training programme.
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Ruairi Page, Matthew Tovey and Fiona Hynes
Training in the prison settings is a mandatory part of higher training in forensic psychiatry. Violence in prisons is a recognised issue, which can impact on trainee safety and…
Abstract
Purpose
Training in the prison settings is a mandatory part of higher training in forensic psychiatry. Violence in prisons is a recognised issue, which can impact on trainee safety and overall training experience. The Royal College of Psychiatrists have produced guidelines regarding the safety of the environment in inpatient mental health settings, but there is currently no such guidance regarding the prison setting. The purpose of this paper is to report on a survey of UK-based ST4-6 trainees in forensic psychiatry regarding their training experience in prisons, focusing on supervision and safety.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors constructed an electronic survey which comprised of 18 items. This was sent to each UK training programme director in forensic psychiatry, who were asked to distribute the survey to trainees in their region.
Findings
There were 36 unique responses, out of an approximate total of 100 trainees. The questions fell into two broad categories: trainee safety and trainee supervision. The main themes that arose were that the majority of trainees (59 per cent) reported that they had not received a formal induction at their prison and had not received training in using the Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork framework (58 per cent) and serious incident review protocol (83 per cent). The vast majority (76 per cent) reported not being allocated a personal safety alarm, and 27 per cent reported having received a direct threat from a patient in prison. Responses with regards to consultant supervision were varied. The majority indicated that they received weekly supervision (62 per cent).
Originality/value
The findings indicate that there are a number of areas where both safety and supervision within the prison environment may be improved. This is concerning given the standards outlined by Promoting Excellence (General Medical Council), which highlights the importance of a safe and supported learning environment, and suggests the need for further analysis locally of training opportunities within prisons.
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Fiona Hynes, Nicholas Taylor and Fionnbar Lenihan
This article seeks to explore the role of the mental health professional when involved with assessment and management of individuals with a history of online sexual activity. This…
Abstract
This article seeks to explore the role of the mental health professional when involved with assessment and management of individuals with a history of online sexual activity. This is a relatively new area for many professionals, who are often unaware of the novel and expanding theoretical base for work in this area. A review is provided of the aetiological theories relating to online sexual activity.
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Kaybinder Gill, Sabina Kauser, Kalsum Khattack and Fiona Hynes
The purpose of this paper is to outline the role of a new healthcare professional, the physician associate (PA), within the developing National Health Service (NHS), particularly…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to outline the role of a new healthcare professional, the physician associate (PA), within the developing National Health Service (NHS), particularly within the specialty of psychiatry.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors reviewed the available literature from the UK and the USA on the history and development of PAs, particularly within the UK. The paper focuses on PA training and the role of the PA, specialities in which PAs are employed in the UK and an insight into the role of PAs within psychiatry. This paper also drew upon research and viewpoints of the effectiveness and benefits of employing a PA, along with current misconceptions and limitations of the role.
Findings
The initial influx of PAs into the NHS at a time of medical staffing crisis was found to be effective and successful in improving service provision and helping provide continuity of care for patients. Where PAs have been employed they have helped to relieve some of the strain by being a consistent member of the medical team and performing many of the duties of junior doctors. However they are still unable to prescribe and order radiological investigations, but this will come in time as the PA profession push for statutory registration.
Originality/value
This paper is one of the first in the UK that gives an overview of the key roles of the PA within the liaison, forensic and community subspecialties of psychiatry.
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The purpose of this paper is to address and understand recruitment difficulties into psychiatry; however, to date there is no published research with respect to forensic…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to address and understand recruitment difficulties into psychiatry; however, to date there is no published research with respect to forensic psychiatry. Forensic psychiatry has always been considered to be a popular specialty amongst junior doctors and therefore the recent trend in local unfilled core training (CT) (junior doctor) posts and national reduced competition ratios for higher specialist training has triggered concern. The impact vacant CT posts within the Forensic Service may have on the future workforce must be considered. Further understanding of this trend is required.
Design/methodology/approach
A short statement-style survey addressing attitudes and opinions with respect to the field of forensic psychiatry was devised and distributed to all West Midlands core psychiatry trainees who attended post-graduate teaching (November 2014).
Findings
Response rate was 64 per cent. In total, 52 per cent of participants expressed an interest in the specialty, but only 13 per cent wished to pursue a career in forensic psychiatry. In total, 68 per cent of responses deemed forensic psychiatry to be a demanding speciality, with over 50 per cent perceiving forensic patients as difficult to work with. There were high rates of uncertain responses with respect to specialty work life. In total, 78 per cent of responses considered experience of the specialty to be useful.
Research limitations/implications
The method chosen to distribute the survey maximised response rate, but may have introduced a Hawthorne effect, as well as response bias, with the visual presence of the researcher. Participants were limited to those who attended teaching on the specified day. This could potentially skew results with an absence of opinions of non-attenders. It may be that characteristics and therefore attitudes and opinions of these two groups are different. A further limitation of the study is that opinions explored are limited to statements included within the survey.
Practical implications
The current views may represent stigma, negative media portrayal and misinformed opinions. Action must be taken to increase understanding, interest and experience. Increased exposure to the specialty needs to occur. This could occur as early as high school, using case-study exercises and career sessions. Teaching sessions, summer school placements and elective opportunities should be made available for medical students. At post-graduate level, taster days as well as earlier access to rotations may be a way forward.
Originality/value
Although entry into Forensic Higher Training remains comparatively competitive, the potential impact of vacant junior doctor (CT) posts within the speciality is concerning. This is likely to negatively influence recruitment into higher training, which may ultimately lead to decreased numbers of qualified forensic psychiatrists. Specialised care for such a risky and challenging patient group could thus be significantly compromised in the near future. Hence, it is vital to understand the current trend in order to act pre-emptively and address the underlying problems. To date no such research has been conducted.
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Laura Farrugia, Gavin Oxburgh and Fiona Gabbert
Effective forensic interviewing is crucial, particularly if the interview is the only source of evidence. Whilst there are a number of interview models that advocate for…
Abstract
Purpose
Effective forensic interviewing is crucial, particularly if the interview is the only source of evidence. Whilst there are a number of interview models that advocate for reflective practice, the evaluation of interviews rarely gets the time or attention it deserves. This is concerning, given that interviewer skills drop significantly after six months, and there are limited opportunities for refresher training. This study aims to explore how law enforcement officers reflect upon and evaluate their interviews and seek their insight into what they believe an effective evaluation tool would constitute.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 32 officers from three police forces in England and Wales and six international security organisations completed a qualitative questionnaire that explored their views on how interview evaluation is conducted and the impact on the interview, and how technology could assist in this important stage in terms of usability, efficacy and capability of a new evaluation tool.
Findings
Thematic analysis was used, resulting in three overall themes being identified from the data. These focused on current evaluation methods, barriers to conducting evaluations and technological solutions.
Originality/value
The findings are discussed in relation to interviewing and the development of tools to assist in evaluations. Implications for practice include the need for much more effort to be put into (re)introducing the evaluation stage into training to ensure that officers are allowed to reflect upon and evaluate their interview performance.
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Gianluca Pescaroli, Kristen Guida, Jeremy Reynolds, Roger S. Pulwarty, Igor Linkov and David E. Alexander
This paper applies the theory of cascading, interconnected and compound risk to the practice of preparing for, managing, and responding to threats and hazards. Our goal is to…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper applies the theory of cascading, interconnected and compound risk to the practice of preparing for, managing, and responding to threats and hazards. Our goal is to propose a consistent approach for managing major risk in urban systems by bringing together emergency management, organisational resilience, and climate change adaptation.
Design/methodology/approach
We develop a theory-building process using an example from the work of the Greater London Authority in the United Kingdom. First, we explore how emergency management approaches systemic risk, including examples from of exercises, contingency plans and responses to complex incidents. Secondly, we analyse how systemic risk is integrated into strategies and practices of climate change adaptation. Thirdly, we consider organisational resilience as a cross cutting element between the approaches.
Findings
London has long been a champion of resilience strategies for dealing with systemic risk. However, this paper highlights a potential for integrating better the understanding of common points of failure in society and organisations, especially where they relate to interconnected domains and where they are driven by climate change.
Originality/value
The paper suggests shifting toward the concept of operational continuity to address systemic risk and gaps between Emergency Management, Organizational Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation.
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Fiona Jane Francis, Azman Hassan, Syamsul Herman Mohd Afandi and Alias Radam
This study aims to incorporate visitors’ preferences for sustainable development into the policy framework of Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Sabah, Malaysia.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to incorporate visitors’ preferences for sustainable development into the policy framework of Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Sabah, Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
A stated preference technique known as choice experiment (CE) method is used in this study. Four management attributes, namely, information provision (IP), protection level (PL), guided tour (GT) and entrance fee (FEE), were identified as the most relevant aspects of the RDC in Sabah. Two econometrics models which are conditional logit and random parameter logit were estimated to achieve the purpose of the study.
Findings
This study finds that visitors support the proposed development of RDC. The alteration of protection level (i.e. improvement of “PL” attribute) is the most concerning matter among visitors. Since the random parameter logit model revealed that PL is specified as random, the individual heterogeneity exists for PL.
Practical implications
The current issues in ecotourism were studied and integrated into the methodology. A unique and comprehensive policy structure was developed, and enables to respond with any contemporary issues linked to protected areas (PA) without neglecting the natural and cultural endowments.
Originality/value
This study presents an in-depth understanding of visitors’ preferences in the ecotourism industry and used CE as a mechanism tool to explore visitors’ preferences. This study incorporates the conceptualisation of visitors’ preferences and sustainable tourism development into the PA framework structure.
目的
这项研究的目标是将游客的偏好纳入马来西亚沙巴的热带雨林探索中心(RDC)的政策框架中以促进可持续性发展。
设计/方法/方法
种陈述偏好的技术称为选择实验(CE)的方法被采用在本文。,其中四个管理属性; 包括资讯供应(IP) 、 保护水平(PL) 、导游陪同的旅游(GT) 和入门收费(FEE), 视为沙巴RDC最相关的方面。,另外两项計量經濟模型有条件Logit和随机参数Logit模型也被用以估计来达到研究目的。
结果
这项研究发掘游客是支持RDC的拟开发。,保护级别的改造(即“ PL”属性的改进)也是访客中最关注的事。,由于随机参数Logit模型被指定为随机, 因此PL是存在个别异质性。
实际含义
此项研究研证了生态旅游中的当前问题, 并且将其综合到方法论中。,研发了独特而全面的政策结构, 以便能应对任何与受保护区域相关的当前问题, 同时非忽视自然和文化禀赋。
独创性/价值
这项研究使用了CE作为一种机制来探索游客的偏好, 及深入了解生态旅游业中游客的偏好。,此项研结合游客偏好和可持续旅游业发展的概念并纳入了PA框架结构。
Objetivo
Este estudio tiene como objetivo incorporar las preferencias de los visitantes por el desarrollo sostenible en el marco de políticas de Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Sabah, Malasia.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
En este estudio se utiliza una técnica de preferencia declarada que se conoce como método del experimento de elección (CE). Cuatro atributos de gestión, a saber, suministro de información (PI), protección nivel (PL), visita guiada (GT) y tarifa de entrada (FEE) fueron identificados como los aspectos más relevantes de la RDC en Sabah. Dos modelos econométricos que son logit condicional y logit de parámetro aleatorio fueron estimado para lograr el propósito del estudio.
Resultados
Este estudio encuentra que los visitantes apoyan el desarrollo propuesto de RDC. La alteración de El nivel de protección (es decir, la mejora del atributo "PL") es el asunto más preocupante entre los visitantes. Ya que El modelo logit de parámetros aleatorios reveló que PL se especifica como aleatorio, la heterogeneidad individual existe para PL.
Implicaciones practicas
Los temas actuales en ecoturismo fueron estudiados e integrados en la metodología. Se desarrolló una estructura de política única y completa que permite responder con los temas contemporáneos vinculados a las áreas protegidas (AP) sin descuidar los aspectos naturales y culturales dotaciones.
Originalidad/valor
Este estudio presenta una comprensión profunda de las preferencias de los visitantes en el industria del ecoturismo y utilizó CE como una herramienta de mecanismo para explorar las preferencias de los visitantes. Este estudio incorpora la conceptualización de las preferencias de los visitantes y el desarrollo del turismo sostenible en el Estructura del Marco PA.
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Antóin Lawlor, Javier Torres, Brendan O'Flynn, John Wallace and Fiona Regan
DEPLOY is a successful technology demonstration project showing how state of the art technology can be implemented to achieve, continuous, real‐time monitoring of a river…
Abstract
Purpose
DEPLOY is a successful technology demonstration project showing how state of the art technology can be implemented to achieve, continuous, real‐time monitoring of a river catchment.
Design/methodology/approach
The DEPLOY system is a wide area network of monitoring stations delivering data in near real‐time. The demonstration sites chosen are based in the River Lee, which flows through Ireland's second largest city, Cork. The sites include monitoring stations in five zones considered typical of significant river systems and demonstrate the versatility of the technology available. Data were collected from stations at pre‐programmed intervals and transmitted to the DEPLOY servers either by short range ISM band radio or directly via the GSM GPRS network. The data were then processed and made available in a controlled manner at www.deploy.ie Findings – The project demonstrates the capability of multi‐sensor systems to remotely monitor temporal and spatial variations in water quality, through the identification of short‐term events. A system like DEPLOY could be used as a decision support tool by regulatory bodies in managing our aquatic environment with the potential to cut overall monitoring costs and provide better coverage representing long‐term trends in fluctuations of pollutant concentrations.
Originality/value
The demonstration of a truly heterogeneous water quality monitoring networked system was one of the first of its kind in Ireland. Based on the collected data DEPLOY can provide recommendations for water quality monitoring systems from various perspectives, technical, operational and strategic.
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Isaac Akomea-Frimpong, Jacinta Rejoice Ama Delali Dzagli, Kenneth Eluerkeh, Franklina Boakyewaa Bonsu, Sabastina Opoku-Brafi, Samuel Gyimah, Nana Ama Sika Asuming, David Wireko Atibila and Augustine Senanu Kukah
Recent United Nations Climate Change Conferences recognise extreme climate change of heatwaves, floods and droughts as threatening risks to the resilience and success of…
Abstract
Purpose
Recent United Nations Climate Change Conferences recognise extreme climate change of heatwaves, floods and droughts as threatening risks to the resilience and success of public–private partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects. Such conferences together with available project reports and empirical studies recommend project managers and practitioners to adopt smart technologies and develop robust measures to tackle climate risk exposure. Comparatively, artificial intelligence (AI) risk management tools are better to mitigate climate risk, but it has been inadequately explored in the PPP sector. Thus, this study aims to explore the tools and roles of AI in climate risk management of PPP infrastructure projects.
Design/methodology/approach
Systematically, this study compiles and analyses 36 peer-reviewed journal articles sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and PubMed.
Findings
The results demonstrate deep learning, building information modelling, robotic automations, remote sensors and fuzzy logic as major key AI-based risk models (tools) for PPP infrastructures. The roles of AI in climate risk management of PPPs include risk detection, analysis, controls and prediction.
Research limitations/implications
For researchers, the findings provide relevant guide for further investigations into AI and climate risks within the PPP research domain.
Practical implications
This article highlights the AI tools in mitigating climate crisis in PPP infrastructure management.
Originality/value
This article provides strong arguments for the utilisation of AI in understanding and managing numerous challenges related to climate change in PPP infrastructure projects.