bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in anxiety and depression levels among geriatric patients during the first six weeks of admission
Authors: Rose Kathryn S. , Tagger Harvinder S. , Frankenburg Catherine
Published: January 2023

The study looked at anxiety and depression levels during the six weeks following admission to a medical rehabilitation ward and also at levels of physical ability. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (Zigmond & Snaith, 1983) was verbally administered to 48 patients on four occasions over a six-week period. Barthel Index Scores (Mahoney & Barthel, 1965) were obtained for all patients at admission and at the end of their contribution to the study. Results showed significant improvements in the level of physical ability from admission to the end. There were no overall group changes in anxiety and depression levels. However, there was a significant decrease in anxiety scores for patients with a high anxiety level at admission (N= 10). The study also compared anxiety and depression levels between patients who completed all four assessments and those who were discharged within six weeks of admission. No significant differences were found. The study concludes that ‘possible’ or ‘probable’ levels of anxiety on admission may indicate a reaction to the new environment rather than a clinical disorder.
Trainee clinical psychologists’ attitude towards adults over the age of 65 and their interest to work with older adults – pre-teaching, post-teaching and post-placement
Authors: Brodie Charlotte
Published: January 2023

Care of the elderly will represent a significant proportion of the future practices of current trainee clinical psychologists and yet a reluctance to work with older people has been reported within the profession. Previous research has found that the two most powerful predictors of motivation to work with older adults were attitude toward psychotherapy for older adults and past professional experience in the field (Shmotkin, Nitza & Lomranz, 1992). Clinical psychology trainees’ attitudes towards older adults and intention to work in the area were measured prior to and after their main teaching block on older adults and then six months later, either after an older adult placement or non-older adult placement. For those trainees who had at least a ‘neutral’ experience on an older adult placement, attitudes were significantly more positive post-placement compared to baseline and to the end of the teaching block. In addition, these trainees were more interested, or possibly interested, in working with older adults at the end of placement than at baseline. The stability of attitudes in the non-older adult placement group supported the hypothesis that favourable experience on an older adult placement is important in positively influencing trainees’ attitudes towards this age group. The findings of this study were discussed in relation to previous research.
Accessing views of client and carer satisfaction within a memory clinic service
Authors: Molyneux Victoria , Punshon Clare , Nowlan Jane
Published: January 2023

Previous literature exploring satisfaction with services for individuals with dementia has mainly focused upon the opinions of carers (Drebing et al., 2004), staff members (Harper, 2000) or GPs (Gardner et al., 2004). This is a result of the stereotyped belief that individuals with dementia are unable to provide useful information about their experiences (Kane et al., 2003). Van Hout et al. (2001) have attempted to address this issue through the use of the Dementia Care Satisfaction Questionnaire. The current study used an adapted version of this survey to access the opinions of 20 client/carer dyads. The discrepancies between the opinions of clients and their corresponding carer were explored. The results suggested that on most aspects, clients and carers expressed similar opinions. Client and carer opinions were more varied concerning the need for additional support. The findings of the current study were discussed in relation to previous research.
Long lives and learning: The impact of education on the psychological well-being of people in the third and fourth ages
Authors: Petford Bobbie
Published: January 2023

This article reviews contemporary debate about the influence of ‘lifelong learning’ on quality of life for older people. It explores the positive impact of education on the psychological well-being of older people in the third age who are attending courses, and on those in the fourth age in terms of learning opportunities in residential care, and the training of care workers.

‘Old age: the crown of life, our play’s last act!’Cicero.

‘In youth we learn; in age we understand.’Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach.

‘Old age ain’t no place for sissies.’Bette Davis.
Promoting attitude change: Staff training programme on continence care
Authors: James Ian A. , Carlsson-Mitchell Petra , Ellingford Jenny , Mackenzie Lorna
Published: January 2023

This paper presents findings of a survey (N=92) conducted during a continence training programme for staff working in care homes. The survey was conducted as part of an experiential exercise within a workshop designed to promote attitude change. It required staff to indicate whether or not they employed any ritualistic habits when using public toilets (e.g. hovering over the toilet seat without making contact). It was envisaged that asking staff to reflect on their own toileting habits would make them more empathic about residents’ potential anxieties concerning the use of toilets in care settings. Feedback from the training suggested that the survey was an effective vehicle for initiating attitude change. The paper also presents data on the perceived value of the training programme from a sub-set of the participants (N=41).
Staff’s experiences of fearful situations when caring for people with dementia: Will this interfere with the delivery of person-centred care?
Authors: Ruttledge Sylvia , James Ian A.
Published: January 2023

Staff working in older adult care settings are dealing with people with highly complex clinical presentations. Unfortunately, despite this level of complexity, the staff employed in this area are often poorly trained and ill-prepared emotionally to deal with the challenging situations that are frequent occurrences. The idea for the present research emerged from a series of workshops conducted by the Newcastle Challenging Behaviour Service (NCBS) on ‘Delivering person-centred care’. A common comment from the participants during the training was that it was often difficult to be ‘empathic’ towards a resident when you were fearful of him/her. This was the impetus for this research programme which attempts to examine staffs’ fears, and their impact, in relation to working practices. The current article presents the qualitative data from a 10-item survey, which is serving as a pilot to a larger study to be conducted in Antrim/Ballymena area within the Northern Health & Social Service Board, Northern Ireland (Scott et al., in preparation).
A cost-benefit analysis of a CBT for Carers of People with Dementia group
Authors: Allen Chris
Published: January 2023

Twenty-two of the most stressed (defined by hitting caseness and having high levels of contact with services) carers of people with dementia attended and completed one of three CBT for Carers groups (run over 12 weeks). They were assessed pre- and post-group on a range of clinical outcome measures, which indicated that after the group they were less stressed, felt more competent, their general health improved, their participation in activities increased, and their levels of anxiety and depression decreased. A cost-benefit analysis performed by public health indicated that this also translated into savings for the healthcare system, with acute care contacts reducing from 281 to 36 over the same time period, representing a saving of £11,855, and mental health contacts from 119 to 18, suggesting a potential saving of £35,451. Community care contacts increased by one. Total savings were £47,000 for a project costing £15,000.

CBT for Carers of People with Dementia groups offer the opportunity of improving carers’ physical and mental health, and producing savings for the healthcare system.
The Newcastle Challenging Behaviour Checklist: Feedback about its use in the treatment of agitation
Authors: Smith Karin , Hadaway F. Lesley , Reichelt Katharina , James Ian A.
Published: January 2023

This paper outlines the piloting of a tool, the Newcastle Challenging Behaviour Checklist (CBC; James, Mackenzie & Hope, 2010), designed to be used at Step 3 of the Faculty of the Psychology of Older People (FPOP)’s stepped-care model (Brechin et al., 2013). The CBC provides a protocol-led methodology for identifying causes and treatment strategies for Behaviours that Challenge (BC), and does not require input from a specialist BC team. This paper presents feedback from care home staff asked to use the CBC for the treatment of a person with dementia displaying a number of problematic behaviours, including agitation and aggression. Outcome on the effectiveness of the intervention derived from the checklist is also reported. This article builds on a previous paper, which obtained positive opinions of the CBC as an assessment tool (Rippon et al., 2014).
A mixed methods evaluation of staff adherence to client non-attendance (DNA) policy
Authors: Glover Jennifer , Ashley Andrew
Published: January 2023

This document reports the results of an audit carried out within an Older Adult Community Mental Health Team into the rates of client non-attendance (DNA) and the adherence of staff to the DNA policy. Using a mixed methods approach, the results revealed that the reported DNA rates were significantly lower than the national average. It appeared staff were assessing risk appropriately and implementing action plans, but these were not being adequately documented in the written clinical records. There also appeared to be a lack of clarity regarding the appropriate procedures following patient non-attendance. In view of the results, a number of recommendations have been made.
The use of cognitive analytical informed therapy in the context of Parkinson’s disease: A clinical case study
Authors: Laganis Christy , Woodward Yvonne
Published: January 2023

This individual case study outlines cognitive analytical therapy (CAT) informed work with a man with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, carried out by the first author (CL) while on an older adult clinical psychology doctorate placement. Brief background and description of the work is presented, and consideration is given to the use of CAT in this context, given the lack of established research evidence. It is hoped that this will promote discussion and debate regarding how best to support clients with complex comorbid presentations.
Communication in Huntington’s disease: What do we know?
Authors: Zarotti Nicolò
Published: January 2023

In a society characterised by a progressive improvement in life expectancy and a consequent increase in population ageing, working with older people often means having to deal with chronic health conditions, which present challenges from both a medical and psychological perspective. Although often overlooked in place of more physical indices, among the many factors affecting psychological adjustment to chronic conditions a major role is played by interpersonal communication (Stanton, Revenson, & Tennen, 2007).
Navigating the diagnosis of Parkinsonism: A survey of peoples’ experiences
Authors: Langham Heather , Baikie Elizabeth
Published: January 2023

Both receiving and providing a diagnosis of Parkinsonism can be challenging, but it is also an opportunity to enhance patients’ future health-related quality of life. This article reports on a service evaluation exploring peoples’ experience of receiving a diagnosis of Parkinsonism and whether national recommendations were met. Surveys were completed by 32 clients diagnosed 0–16 years ago. Their responses suggested that clinicians’ interpersonal style and the support offered was well received, whilst the need for prompt information provision was highlighted. The option of an Appointment Navigator would have been welcomed by over half of respondents; this identifies an area for consideration in health services.
Neuropsychological assessment of myotonic dystrophy type 1: A case study
Authors: Hampson Natalie
Published: January 2023

The current case study describes JC, a 63 year old woman with adult onset myotonic dystrophy (MD1). JC was referred to Neuropsychology for assessment following a lack of engagement with physical therapy. Assessment findings, history and behavioural observations suggest a diagnosis of dementia. The debate regarding the extent to which MD1 may be linked to cognitive decline is discussed.
Improving communication skills in dementia care: Utilising the British Psychological Society’s stepped-care model for treatment of behaviour that challenges
Authors: James Ian A. , Marshall Joanna , Thwaites Susannah
Published: January 2023

In 2013 the British Psychological Society produced a stepped-care model for the psychosocial treatment of behaviour that challenges (BPS; Brechin et al., 2013). This paper describes how two neighbouring mental health trusts in the North East of England have used the stepped-care approach in inpatient and care home settings, placing specific emphasis on the use of evidence-based communication skills. In this article we introduce two complementary teaching programmes, CAIT and PAC™, which provide practical skills for de-escalating problematic situations and improving the wellbeing of people with dementia.
Nature of behaviours that challenge in residents living in aged care homes: Implications for psychosocial interventions and service development
Authors: James Ian A. , Watson Roger , Whitaker Chris J. , Stokes Graham , Hart Cathryn , Moniz-Cook Esme
Published: January 2023

Background/Aims: Competing theories exist regarding the causes and nature of behaviours that challenge (BC). The present study attempted to provide better insight into these behaviours and determine whether there were any underlying relationships for people living in care homes with and without dementia.

Methods: Cross sectional data for 2185 residents living in 63 UK care homes using the Challenging Behaviour Scale were collected. The incidence (i.e. presence/absence) of 25 commonly reported behaviours that challenge staff were determined using dichotomous scoring. Cluster analysis and Mokken scaling were used to examine underlying relationships. Mokken is a method of analysing data to determine whether there is a ‘latent’ structure within a data set.

Results: The prevalence of reported BC was 87.5 per cent. Cluster analysis revealed three main clusters: apathy, agitation with internal focus, agitation with active external focus. For seven of the 25 items a hierarchical model emerged, where behaviours at the bottom of the hierarchy tended to occur in the presence of those higher up. Behaviours at the bottom of the hierarchy (dangerous behaviour) were less frequently observed than the items at the top (lack of self-care, verbal aggression).

Conclusion: Some common BC may occur in groups and themed clusters. This study has shown that a hierarchical structure of BC in residents may be present. The findings testify to the complexity in the aetiology and treatment of BC and hence the need for focused high intensity bio-psychosocial interventions to be targeted towards those with high levels of ‘unmet need’. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
A service evaluation of the psychosocial needs of patients on a virtual ward
Authors: Venters Sophie , Lord Natasha
Published: January 2023

The psychosocial needs of patients with long-term conditions (LTCs) may remain unmet despite their impact upon healthcare resource use. The current service evaluation aimed to identify the psychosocial needs of patients with LTCs on a virtual ward, assess staff confidence in identifying needs, and develop a care pathway to meet these needs. Data was collected during interviews with ward staff. Part one assessed staff (N=4) confidence of identifying psychosocial needs whilst part two identified the biopsychosocial needs of patients (N=104), as reported by staff members. Generally, the primary reason preventing discharge was the patient’s LTC, although psychosocial needs, such as anxiety and loneliness, were often reported as secondary reasons which prevented discharge. Ward staff felt confident identifying these needs but value support and training. The results assisted the development of a stepped-care pathway to address psychosocial needs, involving signposting to other services where appropriate.
The experience of stigma for older people with a diagnosis of HIV in the UK: A meta-synthesis
Authors: Roberts-Collins Cara , Butler Catherine
Published: January 2023

The number of older people with a diagnosis of HIV has grown significantly in recent years. People living with HIV experience high levels of HIV-related stigma and discrimination, however, how ageing and HIV related stigma intersect has only recently been examined. This review aimed to synthesise the stigma literature for older people with a diagnosis of HIV in the UK. Electronic databases were searched for published papers, resulting in five relevant studies. Meta-synthesis of the papers identified three main themes: (1) The HIV community; (2) Ageing with HIV; and (3) The future. These themes are explored, implications for clinicians working with older people and those with HIV are discussed, and key gaps in the literature identified for future research.
Awards
Authors: Reichelt Katharina , Appleton Claire , Fossey Jane , Stone Candy , Murphy Gemma
Published: January 2023

The national FPOP committee received an excellent range of very worthy nominations in our three categories. Judging was therefore very difficult, but in the end the committee settled on three winners.
Applying implementation science in a clinical setting: A reflective discussion
Authors: Philip Smith , Whitnall Leigh
Published: January 2023

This paper provides a description of our experience in applying implementation science to service development. We describe the process of assessing the needs of a specialist care setting in the implementation of psychological interventions in dementia, specifically but not exclusively, the Newcastle Clinical Model (NCM; James, 1999) for distressed behaviours. The assessment highlighted the specialist settings present stage of implementation with a number of barriers addressed to progress implementation of the model. Furthermore, specific recommendations were suggested that would enable the maintenance of systemic changes to support the NCM in the settings routine practice. The paper reflects on the overall process ofapplying implementation science as a clinical framework with potential recommendations for services highlighted.
The ANGELA Project: Improving diagnosis and post-diagnostic support for younger people with dementia and their families/ supporters
Authors: Stamou Vasileios , La Fontaine Jenny , Oyebode Jan , Jones Bridget , Gage Heather , O:Malley Mary , Parkes Jacqueline , Carter Janet
Published: January 2023

Objectives:Younger people with dementia face significant challenges in gaining access to age- and needs-appropriate support. In this paper, we tell the story so far, of the ANGELA Research Project, which seeks to develop guidance to improve the ‘dementia journey’ for younger people with dementia and their families/supporters.

Design:Our story is one ofa research group aiming to conduct clinically relevant research to achieve positive changes for younger people with dementia. Our research journey will last 3 years and is now almost one year in. In this article, we aim to convey some of the decisions we have made to date, and what lies ahead for a successful implementation.

Methods:So far, we have been forming as a research group and turning our initial ideas into plans that will work in the real world. Our methods for ensuring all elements of the project work well have involved internal and external aspects and processes. These have included involvement with and feedback from experts-by-experience and an advisory panel.

Results:To date we have generated a protocol for all the key elements and have launched the Improving Support and Service Use Survey; a national survey gathering evidence from younger people with dementia and their supporters. In this article, we present how we aim to move forward to bring positive real-life changes to the lives of those affected by young onset dementia.

Conclusions:There is a cautiously happy ending to this first phase, as we are now collecting data. However, the judgement of whether the Angela Project is a success overall will depend on whether it makes a difference at its conclusion to younger people with dementia and their supporters.
Reolication study: Exploring the efficacy of relaxation groups for older adults on an acute inpatient psychiatric ward
Authors: Sarah Illsley , Charlotte Hibberd , Susanne Meisel , Steve Boddington
Published: January 2023

This is a replication study of a previous service evaluation of a relaxation group, conducted on an acute inpatient ward for older people experiencing a range of mental health difficulties. Attendees rated levels of relaxation before and after each relaxation group session usinga10-pointLikert scale. Analysis ofdata collected over a period ofa year found a small but significant positive effect for those who attended the relaxation group, supporting the findings of the original service evaluation. These findings provide evidence for the effectiveness of such groups and may offer a cost and time effective method for reducing anxiety on inpatient wards.
Behavioural variant Frontotemporal dementia: The person’s experience and diagnostic
Authors: Guss Reinhard , Egremont Morgan-Wallis , Norris Chris , Roby Megan
Published: January 2023

Research on behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) tends to quantify symptoms in restrictive categories, yet few have acknowledged the individual’s experience of symptoms and what impact these may have on their everyday life. Two people with a diagnosis of bvFTD were interviewed to explore how their personal experience compares to the international consensus criteria for the diagnosis of bvFTD and to gain some understanding of what they found therapeutic and beneficial in living well with this condition. The semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and restructured according to the individuals’ symptom manifestation and the categories of the diagnostic criteria. The key themes emerging from the two interviews were that behaviours were less extreme than examples given in the literature and the impression the diagnostic criteria suggests. Instead, it was clear that these individuals had insight into how they behave, how this affects others and why people may behave differently around them since the onset of bvFTD. In addition, for them the deterioration of memory in bvFTD had more of an impact in everyday life than the criteria and the literature suggests. Psychosocial interventions were credited as both therapeutic and beneficial for living well with the disorder. Finally, an understanding of dementia was important for there to be good communication with family members and people generally. While there were similarities between the two participants, there were also distinct differences in how their symptoms were expressed behaviourally.
Behaviours that challenge: Setting-specific interventions
Authors: Maisey Paula , Howarth Alan
Published: January 2023

At the February 2019, Division of Clinical Psychology (DCP) funded programme consultation meeting, a workshop followed a 15-minute presentation on ‘Setting-specific Interventions’. Adaptations that practitioners might need to consider, when working with a person who displays ‘Behaviours that Challenge’ in different settings were discussed. There was strong consensus that settings need to be described in detail to allow improved consideration of how we adapt our ways of working across these settings. Five dimensions emerged from the discussion: functions of the settings; availability of time; depth of analyses; formulation and care planning; knowledge of caregivers about both dementia and the person with dementia. This paper aims to bring together some of the ideas that were discussed during the workshop.
Reflections on the utility of the narrative ‘Tree of Life’ intervention in older adult services
Authors: Kwapong Benjamin
Published: January 2023

As a proponent of the narrative Tree of Life, it is encouraging to see it being discussed within the context of work with older adults (e.g. Elias & Field, 2018; Sinden, Field & Elias, 2018). This article aims to continue raising its profile as a tool for clinical work. Specifically it outlines the principles of narrative therapy and its relation to the Tree of Life before reflecting on its utility in clinical work with older adults.
On becoming a nomad: Setting-up and adapting an art therapy group on an acute assessment and treatment unit for people with dementia
Authors: Micus Yuko
Published: January 2023

This paper explores challenges and opportunities that emerged whilst setting up and adapting an art therapy group on an acute assessment and treatment unit for people with dementia. On becoming a nomad, refers to the importance of Rogerian psychology as I experience my journey as a therapist towards flexibility, adaptability and playfulness through an art-based intervention.
‘Making space’: Exploring staff attitudes and experiences of working with LGBT+ older adults
Authors: Tinlin Rowan & , Cabrera Ray
Published: January 2023

Compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers, older adults (OA) identifying as LGBT+ experience increased levels of emotional distress and associated mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and panic. Additionally, due to generational effects such as historical legal and medical discrimination, LGBT+ OAs face additional barriers to accessing mental health services. The OA pathway within Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation trust (CNTW) works clinically with LGBT+ OAs within the community, care and inpatient settings. The trust delivers LGBT+ awareness and ally training, however, the experiences and attitudes of clinical staff have not been previously explored. Therefore the current evaluation used qualitative methodology and thematic analysis to examine staff confidence and experiences working with this population. Following analysis five themes with multiple subordinate themes were identified; (1) staff emotions and thoughts; (2) compassionate attitudes; (3) awareness of LGBT+ history; (4) adaptations to practice; (5) support for staff. The themes informed a model of ‘best practice working with LGBT+ OAs’ and service recommendations for training, resources and signposting, and LGBT+ specific supervision.
'The world had changed!’ A short reflection:An Assistant Psychologists’ experiences during Covid-19
Authors: Bedding Megan
Published: January 2023

Covid-19 has resulted in changes to service delivery within the NHS and impacted on the roles of health and social care workers. This article presents my reflective account from being an Assistant Psychologist working in an Psychological Services for Older People team through the year of the 2020/2021 Covid-19 pandemic. I used Gibbs’ model of reflection (1988) to structure my experiences.
A conceptual history of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and its assessment – Part 1: Historical background
Authors: Reichelt Katharina , Birkett-Swan Louise , Clatworthy Leah
Published: January 2023

Senility often becomes a disease only as a result of the sudden cessation of the ordinary attractions of life. (rid="b1-120005"Bleuler, 1924)
Covid times as an experiential exercise in aging?
Authors: Charlesworth Georgina
Published: January 2023

I find it really hard being on my own and just not seeing anyone. I really miss going out, seeing my friends. It’s just really hard.
Review of the CAIT online training programme for dementia and the introduction of a new tool for assessing training in communication
Authors: James Ian Andrew , Safrova Michaela , Kamal Omar
Published: January 2023

Communication and interaction training (CAIT) is a person-centred training programme developed during an intensive three year period of teaching, coaching and supervision of staff from a group of over thirty care homes in the North East of England. As part of CAIT, staff are helped to acquire greater ‘dementia care literacy’ which involves them developing the ability to articulate their existing skills in the delivery of effective care. The programme recognises that staff are already experts in the area, owing to their daily experiences of managing stress and distress. As such, the training builds on existing skills, although aiding and refining where necessary. CAIT is concerned with understanding the micro-skills of providing good dementia care and managing behaviours that challenge. The original programme was delivered using manuals (trainer and trainee booklets), but an online version was produced in 2021 and is now being rolled out nationally. This paper examines the use of the online version of CAIT delivered to ten staff working in ‘general’ hospitals in the Birmingham area. The article also describes the development, and use, of a new questionnaire based on a Northern Irish competency scale.

The findings showed that CAIT was rated very highly in terms of relevance and overall quality. The training was judged to have been delivered very well. The new questionnaire was found to be promising as a measure of the quality of carer training. The scores of CAIT using the questionnaire revealed the programme to be comprehensible and understandable across a range of knowledge-based and skill-based questions.
‘I’m not a failure for asking for help’: A mixed method service evaluation of Strategies for Relatives (START) programme
Authors: Dalziel Erin , Olvanhill James , Straughan Sarah , Ross Eliza
Published: January 2023

The STrAtegies for RelaTives (START) programme was developed by Livingstone et al. (2014) to address the gap in NHS interventions available for carers of People Living With Dementia (PLWD) in the United Kingdom. Previous research by Conway and Straughan (2017) suggested that the programme was clinically effective in improving quality of life and carer stress for family members caring for those with dementia, within local NHS mental health services. The current study offers a mixed method evaluation of the START programme in the North East of England, including t-tests of pre- and post-outcome data (N= 24) and qualitative semi-structured interviews with carers of People Living With Dementia (n= 6). Outcome measures demonstrated statistically significant improvements in carer quality of life and wellbeing, as well as a significant reduction in carer strain, post intervention. Therefore, the findings offer further support as to the benefits of the START programme identified by previous research. During semi-structured interviews, carers described profound emotional changes captured in themes of reducing guilt, realising their caring abilities, and feeling more able to reach out for support. These benefits had not been captured during previous research by Conway and Straughan (2017). The results of this study provide further evidence of the benefits of the START programme within local NHS services in improving carer wellbeing.
Religious and spiritual inclusion
Authors: Poz Rebecca , Ramos J. Pedro , Ledger Sarah St.
Published: January 2023

‘Religion or belief’ is one of the legal protected characteristics, under The Equality Act 2010. In our experience, however, there is less visible effort to understand the diversity of religious beliefs in our communities and the relationships with mental health, both at a personal level and at a societal level, than there is for other protected characteristics. This article summarises the relevant literature on older people and religious and spiritual identity and outlines the beginnings of a project aimed at supporting religious and spiritual inclusion within an NHS older people’s community mental health team, and forging new bi-directional relationships between our CMHTs and faith communities.
Adapting cognitive stimulation therapy for Bangladeshi people living with dementia: A pilot group
Authors: Khan Ellen
Published: January 2023

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST; Spector et al., 2013) is recommended in the NICE guidelines for people living with mild-moderate dementia (NICE, 2018). One challenge of delivering this is in adapting it for different cultural groups and non-English speakers. This has proven challenging in the Mental Health Care of Older People in Tower Hamlets where, according to the most recent census in 2011, Bangladeshi people make up 32 per cent of the population. This article summarises a joint piece of work between the Tower Hamlets Mental Health Care of Older People and Alzheimer’s Society in 2019 in which the CST materials and group were adapted to be piloted for a Bengali people living with dementia. Outcomes of the group, feedback and reflections are discussed for consideration for the future.
Service evaluation of a dementia training and support package into care homes
Authors: Reading Lucy , Appleyard Sara
Published: January 2023

Around half a million people are in residential care in the UK, with estimates suggesting 80 per cent have dementia. Behaviours that challenge which commonly occur in people with dementia are difficult for care home staff, many of whom have no direct career paths and limited training opportunities, to understand and manage. We designed a dementia training package which involved four modules and took two and a half hours to deliver. This training package was trialled into six care homes in Kingston-Upon-Hull who had been regular referrers into secondary mental health care. In total, 123 care home staff attended the training and feedback was very positive with 100 per cent of participants agreeing that the training was useful for their development, they learnt new knowledge and could apply their learning. We additionally collected qualitative data from care home staff on the content of the training. There was a 54 per cent reduction in total referrals to the local community mental health team in the 12-months post-training compared to the 12-months preceding. We discuss challenges to implementing the training during the Covid-19 pandemic as well as consider potential future developments.
Family support during inpatient psychiatric admissions for people with dementia
Authors: Dunning Rebecca , Wolverson Emma
Published: January 2023

Both the events preceding an admission and an inpatient admission itself are often emotionally challenging times for the families of people with dementia. Supporting families has been recognised in both existing literature and guidance as a role for inpatient wards, although there is little evidence base for family interventions. Although our work has always included offering support to families, this has been adapted during the ongoing pandemic; with the aim of providing consistency for our families. Feedback obtained from families highlighted the importance of good communication and feeling supported within an open and honest relationship with the ward, allowing relatives to continue to feel involved in the care of their loved one. This has highlighted the need for further research in this neglected area of dementia care and the need for clearer guidance, which we feel should be a central part of routine inpatient care.
Introducing the Newcastle Functional Formulation (NEWc FM) and its use on an inpatient unit
Authors: Caiazza Roberta , Thompson Daniel , James Ian Andrew
Published: January 2023

Over the Covid-19 pandemic the number of patients with dementia admitted to our functional units increased, owing to difficulties occurring in the organic/dementia units. For example, there was a reduction in the number of placements (i.e. beds) on the organic units due to the need to quarantine patients, and also because of difficulties discharging patients due to lockdown restrictions in local care homes. Rightly or wrongly, the admissions of patients with dementia were prioritised during this period because they were displaying more challenging presentations, making their current placements in community settings less viable. Hence, the influx of patients with severe dementia into the functional units required a redesigning of the assessment, formulation and care-planning procedures. To this end, a new model was developed called the Newcastle functional model; an adaptation of the well-known Newcastle model for people living with dementia (James & Birtles, 2021). The current article describes both the use of the new model over an 18 month period, and a survey regarding its use on Akenside functional inpatient unit.
Creating a psychologically informed group: ‘Listening and joining in and offering little stories’
Authors: Mills Patrick , Dickenson Jennifer , Todd Caroline
Published: January 2023

This article outlines the creation and delivery of a six-session psychologically informed group, ‘The Talking Group’, on an older adult inpatient mental health ward. We summarise the content of the sessions and explore the feedback received from people who attended the group. Thematic analysis identified themes from 175 responses which were collected from 93 participants between September 2018 – June 2020. Our findings demonstrated that although the overall feedback was positive and attendees continued to attend the group, there were also areas the group could be improved. We have summarised the improvement suggestions into ‘recommendation’ tables throughout the article, which we hope will provide some guidance for clinicians planning to develop groups in a similar context.
Ageing well with dementia: Past legacies and future promise
Authors: Moniz-Cook Esme
Published: January 2023

This paper draws on over three decades of applied dementia care research; and, since 1999, the international work of INTERDEM (early, timely and quality psychosocial INTERventions in DEMentiahttps://interdem.org).

Key early work in development of the evidence-base for psychosocial intervention in dementia is followed by a summary of work in Hull, focusing on understanding and managing reported behavioural and mood change in people with dementia. The importance of context in delivering psychosocial interventions is discussed. Assessment approaches for psychosocial diagnostics within care homes and families are outlined. In family settings these have been useful in making decisions about levels of case management, when ongoing care coordination with access to skilled dementia support is a scarce resource.

The debate at the FPOP annual conference 2022, can be symbolised by five ‘I’s: that is, Individualised interventions; Interdisciplinary work; Intersectional approaches to diversity; Intergenerational advances; and human Interaction. The power of our own professional collaborative Interactions with each other can, I suggest, encourage an abundance of:

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thoughtful research;

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rigorous evaluation of our work; and

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dissemination in high quality peer reviewed multidisciplinary journals.

This has good potential to inform future policies and practices and build on the legacy of past decades. Key psychologists who have inspired and /or encouraged my learnings and writing about applied dementia care research are acknowledged.
The big discussion – dementia, death and dying
Authors: Wood Catherine
Published: January 2023

The topic of death and dying is rarely discussed within normal society, but discussions with people living with dementia almost never happen. This leaves family members and carers having to make decisions on behalf of those they care for without understanding the wishes of the person with dementia. If these discussions could happen early enough then the level of burden would decrease and the person dying with dementia would be more likely to have a dignified death.

Death cafes are a unique way of holding conversations about death and dying. This style of approach encourages informal group discussions rather than individual discussions between a patient and a heath professional. My study considers whether this approach will improve the ability to have these conversations with people living with dementia.
Working psychologically with an older person from a traveller community background
Authors: Mitchell Joanna , Allen Chris
Published: January 2023

People with a traveller community background have poorer health outcomes compared with the general population, face barriers gaining access to mental health services, and can hold beliefs that hinder getting help. This paper presents a case which leads to suggestions for adapting cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and recommendations for working psychologically with older people from the traveller community.
PENINGKATAN PENGETAHUAN PETUGAS AHLI TEKNOLOGI LABORATORIUM MEDIS (ATLM) DAN PERAWAT DI LABORATORIUM DIAGNOS DENPASAR TERKAIT MANAJEMEN LABORATORIUM ISO 9001:2015
Authors: Cahyani Anak Agung Ayu Eka , Wahyudi Hendro , Sri Sanjiwani Anak Agung , Sintari Silvia Ni Nyoman , Candra Dharma I Dewa Gede
Published: January 2023

Manajemen laboratorium merupakan usaha untuk mengelola laboratorium. Salah satu sistem manajemen  mutu  untuk menjamin  mutu  pengelolaannya  yaitu menerapkan  standar  ISO 9001:2015. Laboratorium Klinik Diagnos Denpasar merupakan salah satu laboratorium tingkat madya terletak di pusat Kota Denpasar. Laboratorium Klinik Diagnos Denpasar baru dibuka sejak 10 Januari 2020 dan sedang menuju sertifikasi standar ISO 9001:2015. Kegiatan Pengabdian Masyarakat dilakukan bekerja sama dengan DPW PATELKI Bali sebagai narasumber penyuluhan bagi ATLM. Pemberian kuesioner dilakukan untuk mengukur pengetahuan ATLM tentang ISO 9001:2015. Hasil kuesioner ditabulasi menggunakan uji Paired Sample-T Test dengan hasil p value=0,00. Hasilnya ada peningkatan pengetahuan ATLM tentang manajemen laboratorium khususnya ISO 9001:2015 setelah diberikan penyuluhan. Dari hasil kegiatan diharapkan dapat meningkatkan pemahaman terkait manajemen laboratorium, utamanya standar ISO 9001:2015.
SOSIALISASI PENCEGAHAN DAN TERAPI PENYAKIT OSTEOARTHRITIS DI MASYARAKAT DUKUH MENANGGAL SURABAYA
Authors: Mukti Asri Wido , Hardani Prisma Trida , Rahayu Asti , Auliya Kharisma , Sambada Rahmaniyyah Wulandari
Published: January 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) adalah gangguan sendi yang paling sering dijumpai dan biasa menyerang sendi pinggul, lutut, tangan, dan kaki. Di Indonesia, prevalensi osteoartritis mencapai 5% pada usia 61 tahun. Untuk osteoartritis lutut prevalensinya cukup tinggi yaitu 15,5% pada pria dan 12,7% pada wanita. Nyeri biasanya adalah gejala utama dari Osteoarthritis. Berdasarkan penyebabnya dibagi menjadi 2 yaitu osteoartritis primer dan sekunder. Berdasarkan lokasi sendi yang terkena yaitu: tangan, lutut, panggul, vertebra, kaki dan pergelangan kaki, bahu, siku, temporomandibular. Gejala klinis pada Osteoarthritis yang biasanya muncul menurut Rekomendasi IRA tahun 2014 yaitu: Nyeri OA diakibatkan oleh 3 penyebab mayor, Kaku pagi, Hambatan gerak sendi, Pembengkakan Sendi, Gangguan pada aktivitas sehari-hari. Pencegahan osteoarthritis meliputi Menjaga berat badan, pada lansia gunakan tongkat sebagai alat bantu, Lindungi persendian dari cedera, Olahraga teratur. Tujuan dari dilakukannya pengabdian masyarakat ini untuk memberikan wawasan kepada masyarakat mengenai pencegahan serta terapi penyakit Osteoarthritis ini. Peningkatan pengetahuan masyarakat sebelum dan sesudah dilakukan kegiatan meningkat sebanyak 45% , pengetahuan masyarakat juga semakin bertambah dalam hal penggunaan obat untuk mengurangi rasa nyeri dari yang hanya membiarkan sampai nyerinya hilang , kemudian mengetahui tentang obat yang dapat digunakan untuk meredakan nyeri yang dialami juga pengobatan yang dapat dilakukan untuk menutrisi tulang agar tidak sampai mengalami nyeri.
EDUKASI PENGENALAN DAMPAK NEGATIF ZAT PEWARNA BERBAHAYA PADA MAKANAN JAJANAN TERHADAP KESEHATAN DI SMA NEGERI 14 MAKASSAR
Authors: Rahmawati Rahmawati , Anita Anita , Widyanti Tuty
Published: January 2023

Makanan jajanan di sekolah sangat berisiko mendapatkan cemaran biologis atau kimiawi yang mengganggu kesehatan. Salah satu bahan tambahan (aditif) makanan yang ditambahkan untuk tujuan memberikan warna pada makanan atau minuman agar mempunyai penampilan yang menarik yaitu zat pewarna sintetik. Zat pewarna sintetis yang banyak digunakan di masyarakat yaitu rhodamin B dan methanyl yellow. Dampak yang dapat ditimbulkan terutama zat pewarna sintetis tekstil yaitu ruam kulit, hidung meler, asma, kulit lebam dan shock. Untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan serta mengubah perilaku, diperlukan intervensi edukasi. Oleh karena itu  perlu pengenalan zat aditif dan macam-macamnya, serta yang berbahaya bagi kesehatan. Tim pelaksana PkM dari Politeknik Kesehatan Muhammadiyah Makassar berpartisipasi menyelenggarakan kegiatan edukasi di SMAN 14 Makassar untuk memberikan informasi dalam bentuk penyuluhan kepada siswa(i) dan guru tentang pengenalan zat pewarna berbahaya dan dampak negatif dari mengkonsumsi makanan jajanan di sekolah yang mengandung zat pewarna. Dengan demikian dapat disimpulkan bahwa secara umum kegiatan berjalan dengan baik dan lancer dibuktikan dengan presentasi siswa dapat menjawab post test dengan benar sebesar 85,11%.
Environment-Conflict Nexus in the Sahel Region: Lake Chad as a Case in Point
Authors: Singh Arushi
Published: January 2023

Lake Chad in the Sahel region has emerged as the epicenter of the widening conflict that is, in part, attributed to climate change-induced factors along with natural resource instability and intra-state pressures exacerbated by exploitative past colonial policies. The resulting environment-conflict nexus has given rise to violence, state fragility, communal breakdown, displacement of the local population, the proliferation of violent non-state actors, and a vicious cycle of poverty in countries surrounding Lake Chad. These factors, in turn, have made the individuation, establishing, and sustaining of institutions, and aid mechanisms to alleviate climate-change-related hardships extremely difficult. Furthermore, the environment-conflict nexus has disrupted inter- and intra-state migration patterns in Lake Chad, thereby adversely affecting agricultural yields and water resources. Additionally, there is a limited political representation and inadequate access to governmental services in the worst affected regions, which negatively accrue several contributing factors of the environment-conflict nexus.
Lula ha vinto, Bolsonaro non è sconfitto
Authors: Morra Marco
Published: January 2023

The electoral victory of Lula Inácio da Silva in Brazil consolidates the affirmation of a new progressive wave in the Latin American region. However, left-wing governments will have to face serious constraints, between the need to find agreements with the more moderate parliamentary forces and the aggressiveness of the neo-conservative right, starting with Bolsonarism.
Gli Stati Uniti “arsenale della democrazia”: il Lend-Lease Act dalla Seconda guerra mondiale alla guerra in Ucraina
Authors: Vignati Daniela , Merlati Mariele
Published: January 2023

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, up until December 2022 the Biden Administration has invested approximately $20 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. Part of this total amount has been allocated under the provisions of Public Law 117-118, known as “Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022”. Passed by the Congress earlier this year, such law clearly evokes the nearly homonymous act of 1941. The essay intends to bring some historical perspective into the analysis of the current U.S. effort to support Ukraine.