Heather Tolland and Heather Laithwaite
The purpose of this paper is to explore patient and staff views of a new intervention “Talking Groups” within a medium secure setting.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore patient and staff views of a new intervention “Talking Groups” within a medium secure setting.
Design/methodology/approach
Seven patients and eight members of staff who had attended Talking Groups in the medium secure wards participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
The analysis revealed four key themes related to the aims, content and perceived benefits of Talking Groups: information; relationship building; engagement and patient involvement in developing activities/interventions.
Practical implications
If Talking Groups are extended to other wards in the medium secure unit, information sessions should continue as part of the groups, as these were valued by patients and provided useful information about transition, human rights and medication.
Originality/value
The findings suggest that Talking Groups have benefits for patients and staff within this medium secure setting. Findings from this evaluation can be used to inform the development of Talking Groups across different wards in this unit.
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Adrian Ierna, Heather Tolland, Abi McGinley and Laura Mathieson
People with intellectual disabilities are at a significantly higher risk than the general population for experiencing a wide range of adverse and potentially traumatic events…
Abstract
Purpose
People with intellectual disabilities are at a significantly higher risk than the general population for experiencing a wide range of adverse and potentially traumatic events. This paper aims to explore the incidence of experiences of lifetime trauma across this population in one Forensic Intellectual Disability Service. Risk management recommendations and psychological risk formulations were also examined for their consideration of traumatic experiences.
Design/methodology/approach
Risk assessment reports (n = 39) were reviewed for evidence of traumatic experiences and the consideration of trauma in patient risk formulations and risk management treatment recommendations.
Findings
Trauma was rated as present or partially present in 84.6% (n = 33) of risk assessment reports reviewed. None of the patients had received a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis. Recommendations regarding trauma were identified in 39.4% (n = 13) of the risk assessment reports where trauma was rated either “present” or “partially present”.
Practical implications
Findings suggest a need for diagnostic tools to be used to measure trauma symptoms and potential cases of PTSD to best support needs of patients. Trauma-focused interventions should also be considered. Further investigation is needed to clarify the disparity between the consideration of trauma in formulations and treatment recommendations.
Originality/value
This study highlights the different traumatic experiences that forensic patients across three settings have been exposed to during their lifetimes.
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Heather Tolland and Emma Drysdale
The purpose of this paper was to explore the well-being and experiences of working from home (WFH) for psychology staff across a range of specialties working within one health…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper was to explore the well-being and experiences of working from home (WFH) for psychology staff across a range of specialties working within one health board in Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 161 clinical psychology professionals took part in an online survey that explored experiences of WFH during the COVID-19 pandemic and assessed well-being during this period.
Findings
A number of challenges with WFH were identified, including challenges with carrying out clinical work (e.g. communication difficulties, risk assessment) and fewer opportunities for collaborative working and technical/equipment issues. During the WFH period, 46% experienced fatigue, 45% felt stressed and anxious and 30% felt lonely and isolated, compared to normal. Physical health complaints were also common with 37% experiencing aches/pains in back compared to normal and 40% experiencing headaches or migraines.
Practical implications
Remote therapy should be directed to those with less complex needs or who require straightforward assessments. There should be increased access to occupational health assessments and provision of ergonomic furniture when WFH, and all staff should be supported to access well-being resources available within the health board. Further evaluation should be carried out to support evidence-based practice of remote clinical work.
Originality/value
Few studies have explored the experiences of WFH and/or remotely from the perspectives of clinical psychologists in a Scottish health board. It is expected that this way of working will continue, albeit to a smaller extent; therefore, WFH policy will be informed by the findings.
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Lynn Blair, Andrea Bugbee and John Meiklejohn
In the context of the risks inherent in global warming, public libraries can partner with each other, community-based environmental groups and/or other institutions to enhance…
Abstract
In the context of the risks inherent in global warming, public libraries can partner with each other, community-based environmental groups and/or other institutions to enhance community resilience and sustainability. This chapter presents a case study of an ongoing experiment to address this opportunityand challenge. In April 2021, six Western MA libraries formed a collaborative in conjunction with a local citizens’ group, Voices for Climate [V4C], to expand public education opportunities relating to understanding, mitigating, and adapting to climate change. In its initial year, this effort yielded 13 separate programs serving more than 110 patrons, all within the 7 days of Climate Preparedness Week, a state-wide program held annually. Subsequently, this Pioneer Valley Library Collaborative [PVLC] has grown to 10 library partners and continues its close alliance with V4C. In describing the programs offered in the first year, the challenges met, limitations encountered, and lessons learned, the chapter provides one model for how libraries can jointly choose to become hubs of climate conversation and education as a means to promote their communities’ quality of life, sustainability, and resilience.