Search results

1 – 10 of 32
Per page
102050
Citations:
Loading...
Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 22 June 2021

Jade Scott, Stephen Weatherhead and Jill Manthorpe

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), as part of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (DoLS, 2007), was established to provide a legal framework for decision-making in respect of…

519

Abstract

Purpose

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), as part of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (DoLS, 2007), was established to provide a legal framework for decision-making in respect of adults who lack capacity to make decisions in relation to their care and residence in England and Wales. The purpose of this study was to explore the DoLS decision-making process from the perspectives of health and social care practitioners when working with individuals with an acquired brain injury (ABI).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 12 health and social care practitioners were interviewed in 2019–2020 about their experiences of using and making or supporting decisions in the DoLS framework with ABI survivors. Data were analysed, and a tentative explanation of variations in DoLS decision-making was developed.

Findings

Three distinct approaches emerged capturing different decision-making styles (risk-averse, risk-balancing and risk-simplifying) which appeared to influence the outcome of DoLS assessments. A range of mediating factors seemed to account for the variability in these styles. The wider contextual challenges that impact upon practitioners’ overall experiences and use of DoLS processes in their ABI practice were noted.

Research limitations/implications

The findings highlight a need for changes in practice and policy in relation to how DoLS or similar processes are used in decision-making practice with ABI survivors and may be relevant to the implementation of the Liberty Protection Safeguards that are replacing the DoLS system.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore accounts of DoLS decision-making practices in ABI service.

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 15 September 2020

Jade Scott, Stephen Weatherhead, Gavin Daker-White, Jill Manthorpe and Marsha Mawson

The Mental Capacity Act (MCA, 2005) provided a new legal framework for decision-making practice in England and Wales. This study aims to explore qualitative research on…

1715

Abstract

Purpose

The Mental Capacity Act (MCA, 2005) provided a new legal framework for decision-making practice in England and Wales. This study aims to explore qualitative research on practitioners’ knowledge and experiences of the MCA in health and social care settings to inform practice and policy.

Design/methodology/approach

Four electronic databases and Google Scholar were searched in November 2019 for peer-reviewed, qualitative, English language studies exploring practitioners’ experiences and knowledge of the MCA in health and social care settings. Nine studies were included and appraised for methodological quality. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis.

Findings

Data revealed both positive aspects and challenges of applying the MCA in practice within five main themes, namely, travelling the “grey line”, the empowering nature of the MCA, doing the assessment justice, behaviours and emotional impact and knowledge gaps and confidence.

Practical implications

The fundamental principles of the MCA appear to be adhered to and embedded in practice. However, practitioners find mental capacity work remains challenging in its uncertainties. While calling for more training, they may also benefit from further MCA skills development and support to increase confidence and reduce apprehension.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic review to synthesise qualitative literature on practitioners’ experiences and knowledge of the MCA. Findings offer insight into practice experiences of the MCA and provide a basis for the development of training and supervisory support.

Details

The Journal of Adult Protection, vol. 22 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1466-8203

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 29 July 2021

Erika Cantrell, Stephen Weatherhead and Hayley Higson

This study aimed to explore the interaction between the benefits system and the work of clinical psychologists. The perceived impact of the benefits system on the practice of…

169

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the interaction between the benefits system and the work of clinical psychologists. The perceived impact of the benefits system on the practice of clinical psychologists and their perspectives on the role of Clinical Psychology this context were explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Fifteen clinical psychologists who worked in a variety of National Health Service (NHS) settings across England were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns in the data.

Findings

Issues relating to the benefits system were seen to increase the demand for psychological support but created barriers to engagement. Participants faced dilemmas regarding how best to practice in this context and felt uncertain of their role. Participants wanted further support and guidance to understand their role and how they could effectively support clients affected by the benefits system. Most participants interacted with the benefits system on an individual-level but believed that clinical psychologists should influence higher-level change, with adequate support and professional leadership.

Originality/value

There is a paucity in research exploring the practice of mental health professionals in relation to socioeconomic influences on mental health. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study exploring the association between the work of clinical psychologists and the benefits system.

Details

Mental Health Review Journal, vol. 26 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-9322

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 11 May 2012

Stephen Weatherhead, Gavin Newby and Paul Skirrow

The sequelae of acquired brain injury can lead to a complex array of risks. This research explores professionals' perspectives on those risks, focussing on how psycho‐social risks…

225

Abstract

Purpose

The sequelae of acquired brain injury can lead to a complex array of risks. This research explores professionals' perspectives on those risks, focussing on how psycho‐social risks are assessed and managed.

Design/methodology/approach

A self completion questionnaire was designed, and distributed to a range of professionals working in brain injury services.

Findings

A total of 177 participants completed an anonymous questionnaire. Principal components analysis produced three factors, which were given the labels “User‐friendliness”, “Person‐centeredness” and “Coherence”. Inconsistencies were identified in approaches to risk assessment and management. Participants also reported particular beneficial approaches, such as multi‐disciplinary discussions, and using assessments to guide rehabilitation.

Research limitations/implications

The convenience sampling approach limits the generalisablity of the findings. However, the study was adequately powered, reliable, and valid.

Practical implications

The findings of this research, existing literature, and clinical experience are drawn together in a proposed model for managing risk. This model, which incorporates the three factors identified through statistical analysis could guide effective risk management, documentation and associated procedures. The model presents a framework for service design and provision, as well as providing a focus for future research.

Social implications

It is likely that more active engagement in risk assessment on the part of professionals, services, and those who access services, will be engendered if the process is able to become more user‐friendly, person‐centred, and coherent, across and within service provision.

Originality/value

Despite legislative calls for regular training and effective communication in relation to risk, this is not the routine experience of professionals working in brain injury services. The findings of the present research offer a new, structured process, for overcoming the challenge for embedding legislation and research findings into practice.

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 2 December 2014

Suzanne Heffernan, Sandra Neil and Stephen Weatherhead

The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which inpatient mental health services attend to the religious needs of service-users. Literature is presented to argue that…

451

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which inpatient mental health services attend to the religious needs of service-users. Literature is presented to argue that whilst the importance of religion is highlighted in consumer accounts, research and policy; inpatient services continue to neglect religion and service-users consistently report insufficient attention to religious needs during hospitalisation.

Design/methodology/approach

This review adopts a narrative approach to the literature, drawing upon published journal articles, book chapters and policy documentation.

Findings

Literature into the topic area is reviewed and discussed within three themes. First, the extent to which religious needs are currently met is explored. Second, potential reasons for neglect of religion are considered. Finally, examples of religiously informed group programmes, individual psychotherapy and the use of traditional healers are detailed.

Practical implications

Findings of the review point towards the requirement for inpatient services to more adequately meet religious needs in terms of available facilities. The need for spiritual assessment and collaboration with hospital chaplains is also highlighted, along with the call for increased staff training.

Originality/value

It is expected that this review will be of interest to a range of stakeholders including professionals, policy makers and service users. It highlights the void in clinical attention to religious needs and offers practical suggestions for meeting this need.

Details

Mental Health Review Journal, vol. 19 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-9322

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 6 May 2014

Irram Walji, Ian Fletcher and Stephen Weatherhead

– The purpose of this paper is to present an exploration of the experiences of clinical psychologists involved in implementing the Mental Capacity Act (MCA).

891

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an exploration of the experiences of clinical psychologists involved in implementing the Mental Capacity Act (MCA).

Design/methodology/approach

Seven clinical psychologists were interviewed and transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Six themes were identified: competence and confidence; understanding and uncertainty; colleagues, collaboration, conflicts, and challenges; working within the law: processes and penalties; the psychological way: specialist skills and difficult decision-making; and power, principles, and protecting the person. The themes highlighted how the specialist skills and professional values of clinical psychologists enhanced their ability to maintain person-centred approaches and uphold the empowering principles underlying the MCA. Data analysis indicated a shared narrative among clinical psychologists involved in implementing the MCA, despite differences in client groups and contexts.

Practical implications

This research highlighted the importance of finding solutions to current problems with the implementation of the MCA, such as training gaps and misunderstanding of the Act in relation to some of its complexities (e.g. deprivation of liberty safeguards and best interests decisions). These areas have the potential to significantly impact on a person's wellbeing. There is an ongoing need for training, multidisciplinary working, and strong effective supervision with ongoing reflexivity, if the Act is to be implemented in the holistic person-centred manner that are the foundations on which it was developed.

Originality/value

This research identifies the important role clinical psychologists have to play in this process. Their specialist skills can encourage a person-centred approach to the implementation of the MCA.

Details

Social Care and Neurodisability, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-0919

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 9 December 2014

Sarah Parry and Stephen Weatherhead

Due to the emergence of rich personal narratives within recent research, the purpose of this paper is to review and to explore the experience of transition from care and consider…

1262

Abstract

Purpose

Due to the emergence of rich personal narratives within recent research, the purpose of this paper is to review and to explore the experience of transition from care and consider how these accounts can inform care services.

Design/methodology/approach

This meta-synthesis follows from several quantitative and mixed method reviews examining how young people experience aging out of the care system.

Findings

Three themes emerged from an inductive analysis: navigation and resilience – an interrelated process; the psychological impact of survival; and complex relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of a meta-synthesis should not be over generalised and are at least partially influenced by the author's epistemological assumptions (Dixon-Woods et al., 2006). However, a synthesis of this topic has the potential to provide greater insight into how transition can be experienced through the reconceptualising of the personal experiences across the studies reviewed (Erwin et al., 2011).

Practical implications

This synthesis discusses the themes; their relationship to existing research and policies, and suggestions for further exploration. The experience of transition is considered critically in terms of its often traumatic nature for the young person aging out of care but also the ways in which the experience itself can build essential resiliencies.

Social implications

Reflections for clinical practice are discussed with importance placed upon systemic working, accommodating likely challenges and considering appropriate therapeutic approaches for the client group and their systems.

Originality/value

No review thus far has qualitatively examined the narratives told by the young people emerging from care and how these narratives have been interpreted by the researchers who sought them (Hyde and Kammerer, 2009).

Details

Journal of Children's Services, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-6660

Keywords

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 11 May 2012

Declan Mc Nicholl

185

Abstract

Details

Social Care and Neurodisability, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-0919

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 6 May 2014

Declan Mc Nicholl

71

Abstract

Details

Social Care and Neurodisability, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-0919

Available. Content available
Book part
Publication date: 24 November 2014

Abstract

Details

The Physicality of Leadership: Gesture, Entanglement, Taboo, Possibilities
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78441-289-0

1 – 10 of 32
Per page
102050