bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association of Black Psychiatrists (ABP-UK) and the RCPSYCH Introduction to Mentoring and Coaching: Impact of a Training Program
Authors: Orimoloye Olamide , Oluwaranti Oluwaseun , Ugalahi Theresa , Ugochukwu Uju , Fapohunda Mosun
Published: July 2023

Aims

The study aimed to check impact (active mentoring and willingness to mentor) following a mentoring and coaching training event facilitated by RCPSYCH and ABP-UK. The program involved watching two pre-recorded videos and a full-day practical session on mentoring and coaching skills.

Methods

The training was targeted at psychiatrists of black heritage, working in the UK. They were recruited through social media adverts and emails sent to members of the organization. A predesigned questionnaire assessing feedback about the program and mentoring activities was sent to the emails of attendees immediately after the program and a year later.

Results

Forty-four participants attended the program; 32 completed the feedback immediately after the program, and 20 responded to the one-year follow-up.

From the initial survey, majority of respondents (78%) rated the program as excellent, and most (78%) found it relevant to their professional needs. Slightly more than half of the group (53.1%) were involved in mentoring, but only a few (6%) were involved in mentoring activities within a structured organization. Ninety-seven percent felt confident to mentor immediately after the program while 84.4% expressed interest in joining a college division for mentoring.

In the follow-up data with 20 respondents, 60% were involved in mentoring and 23% of respondents were new mentors. More respondents were engaged in college-related mentoring (41.7%) than in the previous year and majority (83.3%) expressed that the program had influenced their mentoring.

Conclusion

Results from the follow-on survey shows that a good number of attendees at the training event had taken up mentoring roles at local, regional levels and at the College. We therefore recommend continued rollout of more targeted mentoring and coaching training programs, with consideration for cultural needs. This will boost the availability of diverse mentors within mentoring schemes available for doctors, ultimately improving quality of care to our diverse patients.
Enhancing Medical Simulation Training by Facilitating Alongside a Communication Skills Coach (CSC)
Authors: Pancha Amit
Published: July 2023

Aims

The aim was to design and run a communication skills simulation session for psychiatry trainees with the following learning objectives. 1) Exposing trainees to challenging clinical scenarios to increase their confidence in dealing with these. 2) Improving communication skills of trainees in dealing with anxious, psychotic, disinhibited or non-engaging patients. The facilitation of the session would be done by two medical doctors working alongside a communication skills coach (CSC).

Methods

Trainees were informed of these optional sessions via email. The majority of those who attended were core trainees, specialty doctors and foundation year doctors.

The session was around 3 hours in length. Trainees began by completing a questionnaire which rated their confidence in several domains including when dealing with patients that are anxious, psychotic and disinhibited. This would be repeated at the end of the session to allow for comparison.

Trainees were provided with background information for each scenario and were also given a task such as performing a brief risk assessment. The scenarios lasted 10 minutes and involved 1 trainee and 1 professional actor. A 15 minute debrief would then follow. This would cover what went well, what could be improved and feedback from the actor. The CSC would then provide detailed personalised feedback covering both verbal and non-verbal communication. 6 scenarios took place over the session.

The session was run 5 times in total. The first 4 sessions were held virtually (Zoom) and a total of 29 trainees attended these. The 5th session was held face to face at the Experiential Learning Centre and 5 trainees attended. 25 of the total 34 attendees completed both questionnaires.

Results

In all 5 sessions there was noted to be an increase in confidence ratings when comparing pre and post session scores. Trainees had been asked to rate themselves out of 10. Average increases of 1.8 (anxious), 1.6 (psychotic) and 2 (disinhibited) were noted. An average increase of 1.3 was noted when dealing with an angry/upset relative.

Trainees had rated the debrief process as 4.6 (scored from 1 to 5) and had given an overall rating of 8.8 (scored from 1 to 10) for the entire session. Oral and written feedback from trainees praised the input from all facilitators, especially the CSC.

Conclusion

We feel that the addition of a CSC enhanced our medical simulation training significantly. We hope that others may be inspired to trial something similar in their teaching.
Psych for 6th: A Novel Schools Outreach Programme for Aspiring Medical Students
Authors: Pandey Samyak , Ilola Eveliina , Cai Valerie , Winkler Tabea
Published: July 2023

Aims

The COVID-19 pandemic had an adverse toll on undergraduate medical education, resulting in less access to work experience opportunities for aspiring medical students, a vital component of the application process. With some studies reporting over 75% of work experience opportunities being cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, King's College London Psychiatry Society offered a unique chance for sixth-form students to experience a day in the life of a medical student, providing an authentic insight into the healthcare world. 'Psych for 6th' was a novel outreach programme offered to aspiring medical students in Year 12, helping them to better understand the style of learning in medicine through the lens of psychiatry. This aimed to raise their awareness of mental illnesses, prepare them for medical school applications and promote a career in psychiatry.

Methods

In March 2021, the King's College London Psychiatry Society committee members delivered two interactive sessions online via Microsoft Teams. Session 1 saw students discussing the philosophy of psychiatry and medicine, being taught basic history-taking skills, followed by a chance to practice these as a group with simulated patients.

Under the safeguarding of their teachers, the second session involved teaching Major Depressive Disorder to the pupils as if they were medical students, and then having the chance to take a complete psychiatric history in groups from simulated patients.

Results

Out of 16 students who took part, 11 students (69%) reported not being confident at all talking to a patient before the sessions. After participating in the sessions, 14 students (88%) felt confident talking to a patient. 15 (94%) reported considering psychiatry as a career in the future, with all 16 (100%) recommending these workshops to other schools. Qualitative feedback commended the encouragement of active participation, and how their perception of psychiatry has positively changed.

Follow-up with the students found that 14 (88%) of students mentioned this programme either in their personal statements or their medical school interviews.

Conclusion

The Psych for 6th programme has given a competitive edge to student applications, especially in light of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on work experience, and expanded students’ appreciation of mental health diagnoses and treatment.

Considering this was a school where over 90% of the pupils were from BAME backgrounds, these workshops have demonstrated that we have been able to put across a positive image of psychiatry, especially in communities where mental health disorders can carry a stigma.
Dealing With Out of Hours Emergencies - A film Project
Authors: Pokharel Prakriti , Jones Claire
Published: July 2023

Aims

The aim of the project is to support new psychiatric trainees identify common and serious physical health issues on psychiatric wards out of hours; along with the appropriate management and escalation.

Methods

The project began in March 2021, supporting our Medical Education Team with a film project to be shown at induction. Doctors coming to psychiatry jobs come from many different clinical roles. Feedback was received that trainees were unhappy managing medical emergencies in psychiatric hospitals. Most new trainees don't necessarily have knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of care on a psychiatric ward.

A survey completed from two trainee rotations regarding the most common physical health issues they encountered and the challenges they faced was used to narrow down to 3 film scenarios, incorporating a comprehensive list of clinical cases that could be encountered on call. We included physical health and mental health emergencies, use of MHA & capacity assessments. We worked with a production company producing scripts and expanded on the scenarios with the help of medical and nursing staff to ensure the scenarios remain relevant, and as realistic as possible to existing trainees. The final stage of the project was November 2021 which involved filming with the production company and professional actors who brought our concept to life. Post-production, we presented them during trust academic program to launch the videos in mid-2022.

Results

The videos were received positively and quantitative scores completed by a questionnaire before and after showing the videos showed an improvement in confidence in assessing, managing and treating patient with physical health issues and those with physical health complications of their mental health in a psychiatric hospital from 39% to 88% (response rate 62/90).

Conclusion/recommendations

We are proud to report that these videos are now being used during every junior doctor induction and can be referred to if a refresher on that topic is required later.

We are excited about this innovative method of training using high-quality videos to ensure trainee engagement. We hope it will form a baseline for further discussions and teaching around the topics derived from the scenarios. The videos were designed to last many years and so we hope will be of benefit to current and future trainees of all levels. This successful project will be expanded further and we are in the process of developing other scenarios that can be used for training.
Is Simulation a Practical and Effective Training Modality in Psychiatry? an Evaluation of What Works and Doesn't From Our Experience in North East
Authors: Rao Prathibha , Owen Bruce , Tippins Val , Mcloughlin Claire , Lamph Richard
Published: July 2023

Aims

Several studies on simulation as a method of teaching have identified advantages- on attitudes, skills, knowledge and behaviours, and non-technical skills such as situational awareness, team working, interpersonal interactions with improved confidence. Use of simulation in Psychiatry is growing, but studies are limited. We decided to evaluate our own delivery of simulation in trust and align this to the national strategy to identify gaps and further work

Methods

What are we offering now?

•

Core trainees- Emergencies in Psychiatry- seclusion, suicide risk assessment and fracture neck of femur. Communication skills course, mock CASC, ILS.

•

Higher trainees- Tribunal preparation and providing evidence, Induction- Out of hours supervising 1st on call, Managing serious incident

•

In development-Immersive technology- Higher trainee supervising a junior doctor OOH

Results

Challenges and solutions

•

Participant anxiety-Performing in front of peers can be demanding and reduces take up. ‘What to expect’ pre-session workbook, small group numbers (3), reiterating the focus of session on learning and confidentiality has improved participation.

•

Resource (scenario development) - Takes time and effort to achieve high quality, piloting and continual adjustments to tailor to the learners' needs. We appointed 3 SIM leads and hold regular meetings.

•

Resource (trainers)- Hard to resource trained trainers. Developed an in-house training programmes for trainers, but persistent difficulties in maintaining consistency and time commitments with same group of ‘trained trainers’. Included brief training pre-session in morning for facilitators.

•

Resources (finance)-Expensive to support Simulated patients. We used COVID-19 recovery funds and constructed purpose-built SIM rooms in education centre, which adds to fidelity

Conclusion

Feedback: Excellent feedback received with positive comments about supportive learning, SIM facilities and debriefing.

Despite being highly resource intensive, simulation is a powerful, unique, and valuable method of training in Psychiatry. Availability of resource will continue to pose challenges, but use of digital Immersive technology and focussing on relevant areas in line with National vision strategy and with identified groups- Induction, SuppoRTT, new to NHS, Remediation, CASC preparation and enhancing capacity of learning environment where there are gaps may be a good starting point. Use of MDT integrated scenarios can offer more fidelity.

Future identified areas will be

•

CT1s-Physical health skills (refresher), history taking, MSE, handover. Emergency scenarios- NMS, lithium toxicity, cardiac complications due to clozapine

•

Higher trainees- Mental health act assessments, supervising doctors in training/members of MDT. Chairing team meeting, handover, breaking bad news, presenting in a coroner's court
Improvement of Trainee Engagement With the Royal College of Psychiatrists (Trent Division)
Authors: Roberts Kris , McPhail Emma , Krishnan Deepa Bagepalli
Published: July 2023

Aims

The Psychiatric Trainees Committee (PTC) is a national community of psychiatric trainees comprised of representatives from all College areas. Over our recent term, Dr Deepa Krishnan, Dr Kris Roberts and Dr Emma McPhail covered the Trent region. In addition to national roles, we were keen to encourage trainees to engage with the PTC to improve trainee advocacy in line with National PTC strategy. Engaged and supported trainees are vital for ensuring good standards of patient care, and for safeguarding the future of the workforce in terms of recruitment and retention, which further intersects with ongoing quality and provision of patient care. The agreed aims, which were agreed with the RCPsych Trent Executive Committee, were formulated in-line with the national PTC priorities for 2021–2022: 1,to enhance communication, visibility and reach of the RCPsych within trainees in the Trent region; and 2, being mindful of challenges around recruitment and retention in psychiatry training posts, to improve education and support for trainees.

Methods

Using quality improvement methodology, we hypothesised there to be two aspects to trainee engagement. These were conceptualised in two ways: emotional engagement (meaning feeling supported, valued, and promotion of well-being); and intellectual engagement (meaning cognitive stimulation, recognition, and access to opportunities to develop knowledge).

A free, online trainee-specific conference, the first of its kind in the Trent Division, was agreed as an intervention to address trainee engagement across both domains. Because it was run “for trainees by trainees”, we were able to tailor the content to be specifically helpful and relevant to trainees.

We were keen to offer a varied program within the broad domains affecting engagement and we were delighted to be able to secure an exciting line-up of speakers both from within the Trent region and from further afield.

Results

The conference proved so popular to sign up to that it had to be closed early. The conference gathered excellent feedback from participants, with 100% of trainees rating the conference overall as “good” or “excellent.”

Conclusion

The Trent PTC hopes to run the conference again in the coming year, we hope it will become a regular fixture in the RCPsych Trent calendar, to ensure that trainees are kept at the heart of division planning. This project spearheaded by trainees for trainees to improve trainee engagement and support exemplifies collaborative leadership.
Psychiatry Pitstop – Can an Established Face-to-Face Communication Skills Teaching Programme Be Delivered Online?
Authors: Taylor Anna Kathryn , Shankla Indeera , Ebeye Debbie-Faith , Graham Alex
Published: July 2023

Aims

Psychiatry Pitstop is a communication skills teaching programme for fourth year medical students that is led and run voluntarily by trainee psychiatrists. Initially, the format was a 6-week course after working hours, with each week covering a different topic and three simulated patient scenarios using professional actors. Since 2020, this programme has been run online. Aims: 1. To use pre and post-course questionnaires to study whether online delivery is comparable to face-to-face. 2. To gain qualitative and quantitative data from students to assess advantages and disadvantages of online delivery.

Methods

Pre- and post-course questionnaires using Likert scales have been used since the Programme's 2015 inception. Additional questions asked about medical students’ views on the online delivery. Pre- and post-course questionnaires were analysed using Chi-squared to determine whether there had been a subjective improvement in communication skills, and online courses were compared to face-to-face.

Results

17.9% students agreed with “My communication skills in psychiatry are good” before the face-to-face course, compared with 81.32% of medical students afterwards (p < .01). 26.47% agreed before the online course, compared with 80.95% afterwards (p < .01).

22.7% students agreed with “Talking to patients about mental illness makes me uncomfortable” before the face-to-face course, compared with 6.87% afterwards (p < .01). 11.77% agreed before the online course, compared with 14.29% of students afterwards (p = .785).

51.55% students disagreed with “I do not know how to ask about symptoms of mental illness” before the face-to-face course compared with 91.2% afterwards (p < .01). 47.05% disagreed before the online course compared with 80.95% of students afterwards (p < .01).

Students enjoyed online delivery, feeling it was realistic and reflected current consultations. Online delivery also made sessions more accessible and time-efficient. However, students reported that they would prefer at least one session to be face-to-face.

Conclusion

The study shows that online delivery of Psychiatry Pitstop leads to a similar improvement in medical students’ subjective assessment of and confidence in their communication skills, and an increased knowledge of questions to ask in a psychiatric history. The face-to-face sessions have been shown to reduce the level of discomfort experienced by medical students when talking to patients with mental illness. This improvement was not replicated with the online delivery of teaching, but as this result was not statistically significant, further data should be obtained.

Students value being able to engage in additional communication skills training and future Pitstops should consider trialling a hybrid model.
Foundation Trainees and Their Perceived Confidence in Practicing Mental Health Competencies Post Their Psychiatry Placements: An Evaluation Study
Authors: Varvari Ioana , Dewhurst Tom , Jones Corinne , Haslam Richard
Published: July 2023

Aims

The new United Kingdom Foundation Programme Curriculum was implemented in 2021 and emphasizes the importance of Foundation Trainees (FTs) acquiring mandatory core skills and knowledge in mental health. The primary aim of this evaluation study is to assess the effectiveness of Maudsley's Training Programme in teaching these skills. Secondarily, it looks at FTs' preferred method of acquiring the mandated competencies. Finally, it aims to shine a light on an area of program evaluation that is lacking in the literature.

Methods

An outcome analysis evaluation design was used with a pre and post-quantitative questionnaire as the preferred data collection tool. The outcome measured was confidence and corresponds to Level 2 – Learning on Kirkpatrick's Evaluation Hierarchy. Our questionnaire comprised 4 stem questions, using a 5-point anchor Likert scale. The scales were tailored to reflect the core curricular competencies. Data were collected from a sample of 85 FTs between August 2021 and March 2023 and analysed using Excel functions and a Power Shell Script to calculate measures of central tendency.

Results

Entry median confidence levels were: 3 (Fairly confident) for recognition, 3 for assessment, and 2 (Slightly confident) in managing common mental health conditions. Post-training, the median confidence level in our sample increased to 4 for recognition, 4 for assessment, and 3 for management which denotes a significant positive impact. Examples of outliers are the median confidence seen in assessing Personality Disorders, which increased from 1 (Not at all important) to 3, whereas for recognizing and assessing Delirium and Substance use disorder the median did not change. Looking at teaching methods preferred by the trainees, ad-hoc training on the job and small group seminars were by far most preferred with 24% and 23.6% of responses respectively followed by Self-directed learning and Simulation with 13.8% each and the least preferred were reflective practice (Balint) and mentoring with 3.7% each.

Conclusion

There is a trend of FTs becoming confident post 4 months of psychiatric training in recognizing assessing and managing mental health conditions. Ad hoc and seminar teaching being is the preferred method of acquiring these skills. Moving forward, efforts should be made in evaluating training programs for FTs in psychiatry with the purpose of improving the acquisition of such skills and understanding the best way to teach these. Then, consideration should be given to how we apply these to FTs that don't rotate in psychiatry.
Psychiatric Consultation Skills Toolkit - a Pilot
Authors: Webb Cara
Published: July 2023

Aims

The aim is to understand whether the online video based psychiatric consultation skills toolkit, which was developed to attempt to address some of the differential attainment seen amongst International Medical Graduates (IMGs) within psychiatry, is feasible, effective and acceptable by running a pilot amongst core psychiatric trainees in the North West prior to a full roll out.

Methods

19 trainees sitting the 2022 North West formative skills test were invited to take part by email. 7 trainees accessed the toolkit. Performance from the skills test was analysed in excel looking at averages of individual domains across all stations. Results from those who used the toolkit prior to the skills test were compared with those who did not access the toolkit. Toolkit completion rates were obtained and feedback was accessed from an online survey. Data were analysed in excel, rigour was ensured by the supervisor reviewing data and results.

Results

There were 7 trainees who accessed the toolkit, 3 IMGs and 4 UK graduates. 12 trainees sat the skills test but did not access the toolkit, 9 IMGs and 3 UK graduates.

Regarding acceptability of the toolkit, IMGs completed 92.7% of the toolkit on average and UK graduates completed 87.8%. 86% of trainees strongly agreed that the toolkit was easy to use and 14% agreed. 57% of trainees strongly agreed that the toolkit had helped develop their communication skills and 43% agreed. 86% of participants strongly agreed and 14% agreed that they would recommend the toolkit to a colleague suggesting they found it helpful and acceptable to use.

The highest percentage improvement in scores with toolkit use was in clinical skills amongst IMGs of 29.4%, followed by communication skills amongst international medical graduates with a 25.5% improvement to their counterparts who did not use the toolkit.

On average, across all domains, IMGs improved by 25.3% and UK graduates by 20% in their average score.

Conclusion

The results above suggest that the toolkit has been well completed and deemed acceptable by those who accessed it during the pilot period.

Although the results statistical significance cannot be determined at present due to small sample size, it is hoped when the project is fully rolled out this will be demonstrated and the initial findings showing some improvement in both IMGs and UK graduates are encouraging.

It appears that this toolkit could go come way to addressing the differential attainment seen between IMGs and UK graduates.
Applying the Principles of Midlands Charter to Improve Well-being of Psychiatry Higher Trainee in BSMHFT
Authors: Yahya Nurul , Mansour Amna , Scally Ruth
Published: July 2023

Aims

The Midlands’ Charter outlines commitment to prioritise the restoration of postgraduate medical education and training impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic . The support provided must be accessible, inclusive, and culturally sensitive, with a greater understanding of current barriers that the trainees face to achieve this goal. This project aims to identify the barrier of receiving well-being support and to enhance psychiatry higher trainee's well-being in the trust by following the principles of Midland's Charter.

Methods

We designed an anonymous electronic survey, where multiple choice questions and Likert scales were used to quantify respondents’ levels of agreement with a range of statements. Questions were selected to capture baseline characteristic, rating of current well-being score, access to well-being support, barriers, and suggestion of improvement.

The survey was open for one month and was distributed to all psychiatry higher trainees working in BSMHFT.

Results

We identified a response rate of 81%.

One of the main themes of the survey that came up repeatedly was that trainees are struggling with clinical workload that sometimes overspilled to their personal time, which means family time is affected. More than half of the trainees reported that they do not know how to access well-being support in the trust. While the result was split in half when the trainees were asked if they have a well-being concern whilst working for the trust. Trainees said that there is very little support given to attend any nonrelated work engagement and they made grievance on the difficulty of accessing the trust occupational health and well-being services.

Conclusion

Since the inception of the survey, several recommendations were trialled. This include raising awareness among clinicals supervisors, where a video was uploaded on to the Trust intranet outlining the tips of becoming a good clinical supervisor. A well-being booklet was introduced as part of trainees’ induction, and this was also made available on the intranet. Lastly, an awareness on ST representative role was also highlighted so that they can continue to facilitate an ST forum meeting as platform to raise concerns.
Identification of Cognitive Impairment in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jamali Qutub , Adeyemo Suraju , Abdelgawad Ahmed , Narayan Sucharitha , Beg Mirza Najiullah , Karim Salman , Oraegbunam Chukwuma , Solanki Kalpesh
Published: July 2023

Aims

Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) is a multidisciplinary intervention for people after an adverse cardiac event to improve their physical, psychological and social functioning. The risk factors of cardiac disease and dementia are similar. This cross sectional study aims to determine whether adding memory assessment to a CR program would improve early detection of cognitive impairment. Therefore, the research question is- “Can adding a memory assessment to the cardiac rehabilitation program improve early detection of cognitive impairment in people with cardiac disease?”.

Methods

Study ethical approval was granted by Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee (reference 20/YH/0146) and the NHS Health Research Authority (project reference 273763). The Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust accepted the role and responsibilities of study sponsorship. Participants underwent cognitive screening and the data obtained was divided into: - 1- History of memory problems before and after the adverse cardiac event. 2- No memory problems before but presents after. 3- No memory problems before and after.

Results

During the study period, 48 participants who were at the cardiac rehabilitation program expressed their interest to patriciate in the study. Out of 48 participants who expressed their interest in participating in the study, 30 of them did not engage beyond expressing their interest and 18 out of 48 completed the assessment. The studied sample was categorized into three groups according to the relation between the onset of the cognitive decline and the onset of the cardiac condition: those with no history of cognitive decline (22.2%), cognitive decline following the onset of the cardiac condition (27.8 %) and cognitive decline before and after the onset of the cardiac condition (50 %). Comparing the number of the participants in the studied sample who has history of cognitive decline revealed that there was statistically significant difference between the number of participants who have history of cognitive decline and the other group which demonstrated no decline in their cognitive function (p = 0.031). On correlating medications variables with all domains of cognitive functions assessments done by using ACE-III, we found that participants who are taking statins as regular medications had higher mean scores for visuospatial subtest than the other group of participants who are not taking statins and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.012).

Conclusion

This study indicate that CR could potentially enable early detection of cognitive impairment, which could be either reversible or irreversible. However, a longitudinal study of larger scale is required for proper implementation of cognitive assessment in cardiac rehabilitation.
Prevalence and Psychological Correlates of Sexual Harassment in a Non-Clinical Sample of Nigerian Adolescents
Authors: Oloniniyi Ibidunni , Adelola Aderopo , Opakunle Tolulope , Aloba Olutayo , Oginni Olakunle , Seun-Fadipe Champion , Olaiya Febisola
Published: July 2023

Aims

Sexual harassment among adolescents is a hidden epidemic with far-reaching consequences. This is because adolescence is a period of identity formation, exploration, and initiation of intimate relationships. Reviews have demonstrated causal associations between any type of victimization at school and adolescent well-being and later-life health, economic and social outcomes. The study was aimed at determining the prevalence of sexual harassment and identifying the psychological correlates of sexual harassment among a sample of Nigerian high school adolescents.

Methods

A multistage stratified sampling was used in this cross-sectional study to recruit 960 high school adolescents out of which 918 provided valid responses (mean age = 15.1 +/- 1.36 years). They answered questionnaires that assessed sociodemographic variables, sexual harassment (Sexual Harassment Questionnaire), overall well-being (General Health Questionnaire-12(GHQ-12), anxiety and depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), self-esteem (Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience scale (CD-RISC) and positive ideation/negative suicide ideations (Positive and Negative Suicidal ideation Scale (PANSI-PI/NSI). Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted with statistical significance set at p-value <0.05.

Results

Females constituted 51.4% of the sample. About a quarter (26.1%) of our participants reported that they had experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime. The mean total scores on the sexual harassment, overall well-being, anxiety and depressive symptoms, self-esteem, resilience, negative suicidal ideation, and suicide ideation scales were 32.64 (SD = 13.64), 1.91(2.32),17.01(SD = 6.37),18.76(SD = 4.41), 21.78(SD = 8.40), 13.14(SD = 6.33) and 16.84 (SD = 6.23) respectively. Sexual harassment scores were positively correlated with GHQ-12 scores (r = 0.34, p < 0.001), HADS (r = 0.30, p < 0.001), and PANSI-NSI (r = 0.50, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with RSES (r = −0.20, p < 0.001) however the correlation with resilience was not significant (r = −0.06, p = 0.76).

Conclusion

Sexual harassment is a pervasive problem among adolescents that is associated with low well-being, low self-esteem, the presence of depressive and anxiety symptoms, and increased suicidality. It is therefore essential for relevant stakeholders to develop and implement appropriate policies that would assist in identifying and addressing this menace among school students. Adequate psychological intervention should also be provided for affected individuals.
Lifestyle Interventions in Preventing Excess Weight Gain in First Episode of Psychosis (FEP): A Systematic Review
Authors: Adeoye Margret , Vincent Arun , Shergill Sukhi , Faruqui Rafey
Published: July 2023

Aims

Weight gain, cardiometabolic complications and psychosis are implicated in significant reduction in life expectancy.While there is current research to uncover a shared aetiology for mental illness and metabolic diseases, people with FEP are especially vulnerable to rapid weight gain during the early stages of treatment due to the side effects profile of many antipsychotic medications. Physical exercise along with lifestyle and dietary modifications have proven efficacy in weight reduction, improving metabolic profile and mental well-being and may be valuable interventions during the early stages of a psychotic illness.Our aim was to find evidence to support the use of non-pharmacological interventions in managing weight gain in people with FEP.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of electronic databases; MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO on 06/01/2023. We included all studies that looked at non-pharmacological interventions in the management of weight gain for people diagnosed with FEP. Findings are reported in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Two authors independently assessed the included studies’ methodological quality using The National Institute of Health (NIH) quality assessment tool for cohort and cross-sectional studies and all included studies were rated as good.

Results

Our search identified 221 studies and 5 met our inclusion criteria. All studies had a control group that received treatment as usual (TAU) and a test group with Interventions such as dietetic support and exercise programs. Four of the studies demonstrated reduced weight gain on follow up with lifestyle interventions that were statistically significant while the remaining one study did not show a significant difference between groups. One study showed sustained improvement in diet quality with no significant weight change at 2 year follow up. The essential lifestyle interventions that led to reduced weight gain included psychoeducation on healthy lifestyle, dietary modifications and exercise.

Three studies included cardiovascular risk factors such as lipid profile and blood glucose. One of them demonstrated increased cardiometabolic risk factors at baseline which worsened initially but improved after 1 to 2 years of intervention. Another study found increased cholesterol in the intervention group and increased glucose levels in the TAU group and the third study did not find a significant difference between the groups.

Conclusion

Lifestyle weight-management interventions have the potential to reduce weight gain in patients with FEP receiving antipsychotic treatment, but research evidence is very limited at present.
Identifying the Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Suicidal Warning Signs Among University Students in the UAE
Authors: Alhaj Hamid , Ali Amal , Abdulrahman Hagar , Rawashdeh Mariam , Hamrawi Omar , Zaki Tarek , Katroon Yazan
Published: July 2023

Aims

One of the top causes of death and injury among adolescents and young adults is suicidal behaviour. Indeed, suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged between 15 and 24 years worldwide. Studies on the prevalence of suicide among university students in the UAE are scarce. Importantly, the extent of awareness and experience of suicidality among this group is still unknown. We aimed to ascertain the knowledge and attitudes towards suicidal warning signs and symptoms amongst university students in the UAE.

Methods

An online self-administered questionnaire platform was used to collect data from UAE university students in a quantitative cross-sectional study. In addition to demographics, experience regarding suicidal thoughts and behaviours, efficacy expectations, and outcome expectations and values were evaluated. Data were analysed using SPSS, setting a p-value of <0.05 as statistically significant.

Results

A total of 392 participants completed the questionnaire, 233 (59.4%) were males and 159 (40.6%) were females. Based on the knowledge scale, only 35.3% of total participants were identified as knowledgeable of the warning signs of suicide. Expectedly, out of the knowledgeable group, a vast majoring of 83.3% were medical students. When they were asked about what they would do if a friend told them that they are thinking about ending their life, many of the students chose to talk to their friends without getting anyone else's help. There was no statistically significant correlation between being educated regarding suicide and being knowledgeable of suicidal signs and symptoms (P = 0.1). Surprisingly, the degree course students enrolled in was not found to play a significant role in their level of confidence regarding suicidal signs and symptoms.

Conclusion

To our knowledge this is the first study to investigate awareness and attitudes about suicidal thoughts and behaviours among university students in the UAE. Knowledge regarding suicidal signs and symptoms among university students in the UAE is notably low. According to the results, self-reported education did not play a major role in appropriately managing suicidal signs and symptoms. The nature of the education provided to students needs to be further investigated to explore the gaps in the knowledge provided.
Exploring the Relationship Between the Menstrual Cycle and Women's Mental Health in a Female Inpatient Ward
Authors: Allberry Henry , Jones Lydia , Wilson Claire , Boyce Patrice , Ciufolini Simone
Published: July 2023

Aims

To explore the relationship between the menstrual cycle and mental health-related symptoms in women admitted as psychiatric inpatients. To explore the acceptability and feasibility of enquiry. Background: Despite the increasing global burden of mental disorder among women* of reproductive age, there has been little focus in research or clinical practice on the role of reproductive hormones in the pathogenesis, maintenance and treatment of mental disorder in women. Yet a significant proportion of women are vulnerable to fluctuations in sex hormones (for example in the premenstrual or perimenopausal periods).

Methods

1.

21 patients were asked a series of questions about their menstrual cycle by ward doctors, during their inpatient admission. Descriptive statistics were generated. Data from free text questions were analysed using thematic analysis.

2.

A focus group was facilitated by the ward occupational therapist on 1st November 2021, involving seven patients.

Results

The project ran between November 2021 and February 2022. Mean age of respondents was 38 years and 57% (n = 12) were of Black ethnicity. 76% (n = 16) reported having a period in the last 12 months. Of these, 10 women felt their mental health changed throughout the month in relation to their menstrual cycle. Themes elicited from free text questions related to symptoms experienced during the pre-menstrual phase and included increased suicidality, anger, low mood and unusual experiences. Of the seven women who had not had a period in the last 12 months, over half (n = 4) reported menopausal symptoms. During the focus group those women who had gone through the menopause noted they had limited knowledge about it and how it may affect their mental health.

With regards to feasibility of enquiry, the focus group indicated that women would like to discuss their menstrual cycle, how it can affect their mood and additional support available. However, they would prefer this took place in a one-to-one setting outside of ward round, ideally with a female doctor.

Conclusion

A number of female psychiatric inpatients likely experience an increase in mental health-related symptoms pre-menstrually. Enquiry about menstruation is likely to be feasible in the inpatient setting, given it is done sensitively. Such enquiry could provide opportunities to discuss areas of concern to the patient and discuss specific issues such as menopause and pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder. It could also provide data for future research and guide the development of clinical practices that recognise the relationship between the menstrual cycle and women's mental health.
Sex Differences, and Resulting Treatment Differences, in a Cohort of Harmful Gamblers
Authors: Baker-Frampton Rosalind
Published: July 2023

Aims

Gordon Moody offers Tier 4 treatment for harmful gambling. This poster will look at the differences between male and female harmful gamblers who apply for treatment with Gordon Moody between 2015 and 2022, and consider how treatment should reflect these differences.

Methods

An opportunity sample (n = 3,241) are analysed and discussed. Data are anonymised and men and women will be compared for: mental health diagnosis; years spent gambling; methods of gambling; average monthly amount spent gambling; and job/relationship loss due to gambling. Statistical tests are run to ascertain whether any differences are significant.

Results

Initial analysis found that on average females applying for treatment (n = 769) start gambling at 25.2 years old, and began gambling in a problematic way at 31.8 years old. In contrast, men (n = 2,472) began gambling on average at 17.5 years old, and began gambling in a harmful way at 22.7 years old. Younger women were more likely to gamble online (i.e. online casinos; online games), whilst older women preferred gaming machines in bingo halls, bookmakers, casinos or adult entertainment centres. Men were most likely to gamble at bookmakers, which does not differ with age. On average, men estimated that they spend nearly £2,000 a month before applying for treatment (£1,980), whilst women estimated that they spend 15% less (£1,680). 14.8% of women and 58.5% of men had lost a job due to harmful gambling. 49.2% of women and 69.1% of men had lost relationships due to harmful gambling. These data will be further analysed in SPSS to ascertain any significant differences.

Conclusion

Men and women tend to gamble in different ways, and therefore treatment may need to be tailored for each sex. The poster will discuss differences implemented by Gordon Moody to account for sex differences. Whilst women tend to begin gambling at an older age, it still takes a similar length of time for at-risk people to develop harmful gambling practices. Women are less likely to lose jobs and/or relationships due to harmful gambling practices before they seek treatment. Key limitations of the study include the opportunistic nature of the sample, the different sample sizes, and the fact that there are insufficient applicants who identify as transgender/non-binary/other to include in analysis.
Mental Health Apps (Applications): A Review of Studies Conducted in the UK
Authors: Bhatty Sasha , Divyanish Divyanish , Belgamwar Madhvi , Mudiyanselage Irangani
Published: July 2023

Aims

With advancing technology, there are many online resources available for people with mental health problems. Smartphone software applications are an emerging resource for mental health conditions, for which further research is crucial in understanding its role in the wider community.This study aims to appraise the literature available, surrounding mental health apps (applications) in the UK. Individual applications are studied, for disorders such as Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism and Dementia for patients, carers and clinicians for either assessment or treatment.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was completed in September 2021, involving the following databases: Cinhal, MEDLINE, Psychinfo, EMBASE, PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane and Nice guidelines. Studies involving multiple apps and non apps technology, duplicate studies studying the same app, apps not targeting assessment or treatment and ones that were not in the English language were omitted. Studies performed on those below 18 years of age and ones based outside of the UK were also excluded.

Results

A total of 515 articles were identified, out of which 8 apps were deemed eligible as per our inclusion criteria. 4 apps were based on dementia, 3 for depression, out of which 1 was for antenatal depression and 1 for anxiety. It was then analysed whether some apps investigated assessment, treatment or both. 5 apps were used for the treatment of mental health disorders including 1 for both assessment and treatment and 2 focused on the research, still including assessment of mental health disorders.

Conclusion

This review only looked into apps that are currently available to download in the UK and some apps studied are currently in use in NHS mental health trusts.

In general, digital apps could offer the ability to respond quickly and efficiently and can reach people over great distances with minimal mobility requirements, thus, guided by a rigorous evidence-based approach, apps could be the solution to combat large waiting lists in the NHS.