bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Talking Mats: the effectiveness of a low technology communication framework to help people with dementia express their views
Authors: Murphy Joan , Gray Cindy , Cox Sylvia
Published: August 2011

The aims of this project were to establish whether Talking Mats, a low tech communication framework, helps people with dementia to communicate and to examine how effective the Talking Mats framework is for people at different stages of dementia. Thirty‐one people at three stages of dementia were interviewed about their well‐being under three interview conditions ‐ an unstructured (ordinary) conversation, a structured conversation and using the Talking Mats framework.The results indicated that conversations using the Talking Mats framework improved communication for people at all stages of dementia but that not all people at late‐stage dementia could use the Talking Mats framework effectively.The researchers concluded that the Talking Mats framework may therefore play an important role in improving quality of care by providing a simple, low‐cost tool that family and staff can use to engage with people with dementia and help them express their views about a range of topics.
Every child has a right to accessible information via the web
Authors: Murray Maureen
Published: August 2011

The Children's Society's Shared Care Project in Solihull worked with disabled children and young people to develop ‘Askability’, a unique website (Askability.org.uk). The website was designed to make news, sport, film reviews and fun activities available to disabled children who had difficulties accessing websites and television programmes and so had no provision or access to news in a simplified format or language they could understand (ie. pictures, symbols). The website was developed by Solutions Squared in partnership with disabled young people, who have helped both in the design and the update of the website. Since its launch in 2006 the website has achieved and maintained at least 35,000 hits a week worldwide and continuous feedback demonstrates that it is a much‐valued site by both the user group and people who support them. It has evidenced that information can be simplified and made accessible while enriching and empowering young people who are able to communicate using the web.
How can assistive technology and telecare support the independence and employment prospects for adults with learning disabilities?
Authors: Aspinall Ann
Published: August 2011

This paper looks at some case studies from the TATE [Through Assistive Technology to Employment] Project. Funded through the second round of the Equal Community Programme (ESF) the TATE Project has looked at how assistive technology and telecare can be implemented to enhance the quality of life for adults with learning disabilities. Using a series of case studies, the paper illustrates some of the advantages of both innovative and traditional assistive technology and telecare to the service user, formal and family carers.
Planning and implementing major health and social care technology programmes
Authors: Lowe Charles
Published: August 2011

Newham Council initiated a pilot project introducing advanced assistive technologies (telecare and telehealth) in 2004. Additional funding in 2006 provided the means to extend a service to over 4000 residents. In 2007, Newham successfully bid to become a Department of Health Whole System Demonstrator (WSD) site. This new project will be integrated with the existing service to target people at risk of hospital admission due to a defined group of long‐term conditions, and people with complex social care needs, with sophisticated technologies, interventions and support in their own homes. This paper describes the project methodology and the particular challenges that are faced. These include the development of a robust evaluation, which will provide statistical evidence of the effects of the technologies across the health and social care spectrum, as well as addressing and overcoming issues associated with information flow, change management and partnership working.
Factors that may be considered by occupational therapists during the assessment of clients for assistive technology and whether it permeates through to the eventual prescription
Authors: Orton Mike
Published: August 2011

The importance and weighting given to certain factors by occupational therapists, during the assessment process for assistive technology (AT), may have an affect on the eventual outcome for the client. Factors examined included risks around the user, carer and their environments, training and knowledge of AT, policy issues on provision and actual practice, choice of AT and whether AT has an impact on care provision. Out of 50 anonymous questionnaires sent out to collect information, 36 were returned direct to the researcher by stamped addressed envelope. 19 respondents from health and 17 from social services provided a good balance and allowed an opportunity for cross comparison. Areas of practice around multidisciplinary team working and client follow‐up were found to be weak. Frequency of social alarm referrals where no lifeline existed was low. Thematic analysis from feedback also identified concerns over knowledge and awareness of assistive technology. Differences between health and social services were detected. The research identified that many of the factors were being considered by occupational therapists, however, some of these factors were not permeating through to actual practice and application, which highlighted inconsistency in OT practice and the effect of local practice conditions on AT prescription.
Involving people with a learning disability in the implementation of an organisation‐wide assistive technology programme
Authors: Aspinall Ann
Published: August 2011

This paper examines the involvement in the TATE [Through Assistive Technology to Employment] Project of people with learning disabilities who were beneficiaries of that project. TATE was a three‐year research project funded through the Equal Community Programme, which finished in December 2007. The beneficiaries of TATE were involved in all aspects of the project from management to advising about the actual assistive technology devices they believed would increase their independence and remove barriers to employment.
Two case studies describing assessment and provision of eye gaze technology for people with severe physical disabilities
Authors: Najafi Ladan , Friday Marcus , Robertson Zoe
Published: August 2011

Eye gaze technology may be beneficial for individuals with little or no movement of their limbs. Examples of such users are those who have suffered brainstem stroke, MS or high‐level quadriplegia (Cook & Hussey, 2002). Its advantage is that it is a direct access method, with no intermediary steps involved in making a selection, thus, potentially speeding access to applications the user requires (eg. communication and environmental control). Using an eye gaze system may also be preferable for those capable of using an indirect method such as a switch accessible scanning interface. Recent advances in the technology, including demands from clinicians, clients and families, raised awareness, and independent evaluation sources such as the COGAIN (communication by gaze interaction) project have stimulated a competitive commercial market for such systems. In the UK, a number of devices are available through different suppliers. It is vital that careful assessment is conducted prior to choosing an gaze interaction system, an example being that a particular system may not accommodate a large amount of involuntary head movement, such as with athetoid CP. The same system however, may be appropriate for someone with a lesser degree of involuntary movement, as found with spinal cord injury. It is therefore important that the assessment process should include careful consideration of the individuals' strengths, identification of goals and tasks, the environment in which they are to be accomplished and identification of assistive technology options (Aigner & Blalock, 1999). This paper presents two case studies; one describes the assessment and provision of eye gaze technology for a young woman born with severe physical disability and the other for an adult with acquired brain injury.
Evaluation of an assisted‐living smart home for someone with dementia
Authors: Orpwood Roger , Adlam Tim , Evans Nina , Chadd James , Self David
Published: August 2011

This paper presents the results of a study evaluating a complete autonomous smart home installation in an apartment in a care home, and the impact it had on the behaviour and independence of someone with quite severe dementia (Mini Mental State Examination, or MMSE, of 10). It describes the technology that has been evolved for this purpose, and how the apartment was configured. The evaluation compared the behaviour of the resident before and after the switching on of a wide range of autonomous support technology, by analysing the logged sensor data, through a questionnaire‐based outcome measure, and through transcribed interviews. The technology enabled the client to retain a lot of independence. It helped him to regain urinary continence, improved his sleep from around 3.5 hours per night to 5.5, and halved the number of night‐time wanderings. The paper concludes with a series of recommendations for future work in this area.
An evaluation of Lincolnshire's telecare service
Authors: Newton Alex , Shepherd Deborah , Thompson Eloise
Published: August 2011

The main aim of the evaluation was to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the service in order to contribute to its further development and sustainability. The study was carried out in partnership between Lincolnshire Adult Social Care and Lincolnshire Primary Care Trust. A secondary aim was to determine the impact of the service on the quality of life and independence of service users using appropriate scales. These measurements were performed in parallel with an audit of the performance and cost effectiveness of the service. Service users, carers and staff all contributed to the evaluation. Initial results have indicated a positive response to the equipment, with a reduction in anxiety and increased independence for both the service user and carer.
Resources to support adults with learning disabilities who use assistive technology: outputs of the TATE Project
Authors: Aspinall Ann
Published: August 2011

TATE [Through Assistive Technology to Employment] was a three‐year research project European funded through the second round of the Equal Communities Programme, which ended in December 2007. The project researched the use of existing and innovative technologies to remove or reduce barriers to accessing employment or independence for people with learning disabilities. The processes of the project and the involvement of the beneficiaries (adults with learning disabilities) in the research have been documented (Aspinall et al, 2007; Aspinall, 2007; Aspinall, 2008). This paper describes the outputs from the project.
ICT and inclusive education in primary schools ‐ pupils with motor disabilities
Authors: Brodin Jane , Lindstrand Peg
Published: August 2011

This paper is based on a study aimed at ascertaining whether information and communication technology (ICT) can be used as an integrating link for children with motor disabilities in primary school. The study includes an introductory questionnaire with parents of 16 children and observations in the classrooms of five pupils attending a school in a small town in Sweden. In this article inclusion is exemplified with one of these pupils. The results of this study show agreement with other research that the computer, which often symbolises the whole ICT field, is used as a pedagogical tool for learning at school. However, it is difficult to see whether ICT is used in a way that enhances inclusion, an overall goal for many people with disabilities in today's society. One reason for this is the school's strong focus on learning, another that limited efforts have been put into communication and collaborative work between the pupils.
A new screen scanning system based on clustering screen objects
Authors: Biswas Pradipta , Robinson Peter
Published: August 2011

Many physically challenged users cannot interact with a computer through a conventional keyboard and mouse. They may interact with a computer through one or two switches with the help of a scanning mechanism. In this paper we present a new scanning technique based on clustering screen objects and then compare it with two other scanning systems by using a simulator. The analysis shows that the best scanning system is a type of block scanning that divides the screen in four equal sized partitions for four iterations and then switches to eight‐directional scanning. However, with a more accurate target acquisition process, the cluster scanning technique is found to outperform other scanning systems.
ReacTickles Global: Can mobile technologies encourage playful social interaction?
Authors: Keay‐Bright Wendy
Published: August 2011

This report describes the early design stages of ReacTickles Global, a new phase of the Reactive Colours project that is being developed collaboratively with designers from the Welsh Institute of Research in Art and Design (WIRAD), end users and an advisory panel from a range of related disciplines. The broad aim of ReacTickles Global is to explore how the inherent connectivity of mobile and web technologies can be exploited to encourage playfulness, creativity and social communication. The proposed target population is people with learning disabilities who might be disadvantaged at having to use traditional text‐based formats in order to master mobile communication and to enjoy social networks. The project will draw upon the experiences and outcomes of Reactive Colours, which developed on the basis of a flexible and agile design methodology that included the ideas and experiences of the target population throughout the design process. At an appropriate stage evaluation will consider whether playful social interaction with ReacTickles Global has the potential to enable learning that is both socially constructed and collaborative.
Telecare service report for Herefordshire
Authors: Rainbow David
Published: August 2011

Telecare services in Herefordshire have taken off at a considerable pace since the provision of the Preventative Technology Grant. Over 600 people have received a service, the majority of them having a Lifeline and a number of sensors linked to a remote alarm monitoring centre. The service has proved popular with service users and their carers who report significant reductions in anxiety and levels of concern across a number of areas. The service has also reduced the need for homecare, residential and nursing home placements. Annual savings of nearly £0.5 million have been achieved with the greatest contribution from the use of technology to improve medication self‐management without needing check calls. The service is being mainstreamed and expanded through team expansion and improved training.
Age, mobility and email
Authors: Murnane John
Published: August 2011

This research project investigated practical aspects of teaching older, retired people to use the Internet, with particular emphasis on email. The study was carried out in Melbourne, Australia. This paper deals with the justification for the research, its aims, objectives and mid‐term results. A small number of residents in retirement accommodation, aged 84‐97, have been tutored on a one‐to‐one basis to use email and other computer/Internet applications. Though several endemic hurdles have been experienced, the research shows the benefits of email and ways to overcome some of the problems.
Barriers to effective communication between patients using insulin pump therapy technology to enable intensive diabetes self‐management and the health professionals providing their diabetes care
Authors: Wilson Valerie
Published: August 2011

This paper explores intensive self‐management of type 1 diabetes with insulin pump therapy as an enabling technology and reports barriers in the communication process with health professionals providing diabetes care who are unfamiliar with this treatment. Questionnaire responses and telephone interviews from a study conducted with 78 people using pump therapy in 2006 showed that individuals attending diabetes centres that were not pump‐trained suffered poor communication and a lack of support for intensive diabetes self‐management. As a result, some pump users did not visit their diabetes centre for care and management of the condition, preferring to communicate with the pump manufacturer and a national insulin pump therapy support organisation because they were familiar with the treatment. Nonetheless, all pump users had a strong sense of self‐efficacy concerning their mastery of the treatment technology to prevent, delay or stabilise the chronic complications of type 1 diabetes. Conclusions are linked to the Insulin Pump Services Report (Department of Health, 2007) and specific guidance on the use of pump therapy with patients by trained health professionals.
Home telehospice: new tools for end‐of‐life care services
Authors: Kinsella Audrey , Doughty Kevin
Published: August 2011

Hospices offer people a place to die with dignity, but their numbers are so limited that most people die in hospital or in a care home. This paper describes the development of a telehospice toolbox which it is believed will help to replicate hospice care in the homes of people in the community, thus enabling many more people to be supported in the way that they want at the end of their lives. The toolbox contains a number of different technology items that can be selected on a per‐patient basis to allow a dying patient and their family the best quality of life during their most stressful experience.
Beyond telecare ‐ the future of independent living
Authors: Lowe Charles
Published: August 2011

This paper is an argument for a more holistic approach to independent living. Telecare and telehealth, as these services are being delivered in practice, risk increasing the isolation of vulnerable people. Though undesirable in its own right, this isolation often leads to depression, which in turn typically increases the costs of medical treatment substantially. The resultant lack of mental stimulation also creates the conditions for earlier onset of dementia. Finally, loss of identity exacerbates both depression and lack of stimulation. To overcome these problems, the technology should also be used to encourage users of telecare and telehealth to maintain and grow their engagement with wider society and to promote ‐ rather than restrict ‐ their mobility.
Cross‐agency collaboration using visual learning techniques to support inclusion through a healthy eating project
Authors: Mead Lorian , Mead Lloyd , Williams Lawrence
Published: August 2011

This paper is a collaborative report on a visual learning project that utilised a range of information and communication technology (ICT) tools to draw together several different agencies within the Kingston local community. This was achieved by devising a series of practical activities through which all participants could share and develop their different knowledge and expertise. The focus of the project was on resources for healthy eating skills produced for and by people with learning disabilities. The paper gives the detailed aims and objectives of the project, an outline of the practical activities that were undertaken, and an indication of how the project model may be developed in the future.
Effect of playing computer games on decision making in people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Standen P , Rees F , Brown D
Published: August 2011

People with intellectual disabilities have difficulty making decisions and this may hinder their independence and inclusion in society. Interactive computer software may give them the opportunity to practice the underlying components of this skill. This study analysed whether repeated sessions playing a computer game involving aspects of decision making, such as collecting relevant information and controlling impulsivity, would improve performance in two non‐computer based tests of decision making. Twelve adults with intellectual disabilities were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or control group. They were all exposed to 10 twice‐weekly sessions, playing either the intervention game or the control game, which involved simple reaction time only. After repeated sessions, the intervention group showed a significant improvement in game score, with researcher assistance significantly decreasing. At follow up, the intervention group showed a significant decrease from baseline in the number of guesses made before guessing correctly on both of the decision‐making tests. The decrease observed in the control group failed to reach significance.
An interface to virtual environments for people who are blind using Wii technology ‐ mental models and navigation
Authors: Evett Lindsay , Battersby Steven , Ridley Allan , Brown David
Published: August 2011

Accessible games, both for serious and for entertainment purposes, would allow inclusion and participation for those with disabilities. Research into the development of accessible games, and accessible virtual environments, is discussed. Research into accessible Virtual Environments has demonstrated great potential for allowing people who are blind to explore new spaces, reduce their reliance on guides and aid development of more efficient spatial maps and strategies. Importantly, Lahav and Mioduser (2005, 2008) have demonstrated that, when exploring virtual spaces, people who are blind use more and different strategies than when exploring real physical spaces, and develop relatively accurate spatial representations of them. The present paper describes the design, development and evaluation of a system in which a virtual environment may be explored by people who are blind using Nintendo Wii devices, with auditory and haptic feedback. The nature of the various types of feedback is considered, with the aim of creating an intuitive and usable system. Using Wii technology has many advantages: it is mainstream, readily available and cheap. The potential of the system for exploration and navigation is demonstrated. Results strongly support the possibilities of the system for facilitating and supporting the construction of cognitive maps and spatial strategies. Intelligent support is discussed. Systems such as the present one will facilitate the development of accessible games, and thus enable Universal Design and accessible interactive technology to become more accepted and widespread.
The internet: a comfortable communication medium for people with Asperger syndrome (AS) and high functioning autism (HFA)?
Authors: Benford Penny , Standen P
Published: August 2011

This study builds on previous survey research by the investigators (Benford, 2008), as well as anecdotal reports, which imply that, despite having social interaction and communication difficulties, internet communication (via email, chat rooms, newsgroups and bulletin boards) is welcomed by some people with high functioning autism (HFA) or Asperger syndrome (AS). Qualitative data about individual experiences, perceptions, and motivations regarding internet‐based communication was obtained from 23 adults with HFA or AS, mainly via email interviewing, but also by conventional mail. Analysis based on grounded theory revealed how the sample were able to use the internet to lessen the emotional, social and time pressures experienced in offline situations. Aspects that contributed to the perception of the internet as a potentially more comfortable communication medium included visual anonymity, a different and more flexible pace of communication, and the permanence of text. Overall, the complexity of communication was lessened, and a greater sense of control could be achieved.
Safe walking technologies for people with mild to moderate cognitive impairments
Authors: Doughty Kevin , Dunk Barbara
Published: August 2011

There are many new devices and systems now available to help manage the risk of an individual becoming lost or disoriented when out walking, especially at night. Many use radio devices carried by, or worn by, users that communicate with receivers carried by carers. They generate alerts when the user goes out of range. Other intelligent devices are based on virtual sensors that monitor exits and generate alarms through a telecare system if the person leaves the property at an unsafe time and fail to return within a reasonable period. This approach is particularly useful when used in conjunction with a GPS location device carried by the individual. The latest technologies, which can be integrated into mobile phones, PDAs, wrist watches or key fobs, include a geofencing option that raises an alarm if the individual moves outside a defined zone of safety. The success of these technologies depends on a full assessment of the individual and their support mechanisms in order to determine the management of the devices and their batteries.
Tongue in cheek: a novel concept in assistive human machine interface
Authors: Mace Michael , Vaidyanathan Ravi , Wang Shouyan , Gupta Lalit
Published: August 2011

In this paper we describe a novel human machine interface system aimed primarily at those who have experienced loss of extremity motor function. The system enables the control of a wide range of assistive technologies such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, computers and general electrical goods at the ‘flick of a tongue’. This system could benefit a huge sector of people including those who have suffered a spinal cord injury, stroke or quadriplegia.The technology focuses on a unique hands‐free interface whereby users can issue commands simply by performing subtle tongue movements; these tongue motions are continually monitored by a small microphone positioned comfortably within the ear canal. Due to the physiological connections between these regions and the distinctive nature of the signals, these commands can be detected and distinguished allowing a control signal to be issued.This inexpensive device offers significant advantages over existing technologies by providing unobtrusive, hygienic control through natural tongue motion. New software has been implemented, achieving over 97% correct classification across four different tongue movements for seven test subjects. Feasibility of the system as an interface for a variety of devices is demonstrated through simulation studies including controlling a prosthetic manipulator and power wheelchair.
HERMES: a FP7 funded project towards the development of a computer‐aided memory management system via intelligent computations
Authors: Jiang Jianmin , Khelifi Fouad , Trundle Paul , Geven Arjan
Published: August 2011

In this article, we introduce a new concept in HERMES, the FP7 funded project in Europe, in developing technology innovations towards computer aided memory management via intelligent computation, and helping elderly people to overcome their decline in cognitive capabilities.In this project, an integrated computer aided memory management system is being developed from a strong interdisciplinary perspective, which brings together knowledge from gerontology to software and hardware integration. State‐of‐the‐art techniques and algorithms for image, video and speech processing, pattern recognition, semantic summarisation are illustrated, and the objectives and strategy for HERMES are described. Also, more details on the software that has been implemented are provided with future development direction.
Preliminary results of a medical telecare pilot in Wrexham
Authors: Cooper Kath , Doughty Kevin
Published: August 2011

A pilot project was initiated in Wrexham in North Wales with two groups of patients suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). One group was provided with a commercial telehealth system (HomMed Genesis) while the other received a medical telecare service involving standalone vital signs peripherals and a phone call from a respiratory nurse who collected data and entered them into a spreadsheet. After four months of monitoring, the outcomes were analysed for both groups and were found to be largely similar both in terms of the interventions, and the perceived quality of life benefits for the patients. A cost benefit analysis showed that the savings to the NHS exceeded the project costs by about £9,000 thanks mainly to a reduction in the number of exacerbations exhibited by the patients. It is recommended that this form of telecare may greatly increase the independence of people with a chronic disease or long‐term condition and that further studies need to be initiated to determine which measurement regime is most suitable.
Barriers to using personalised technology with people with learning disabilities
Authors: Barnard Steve , Beyer Stephen
Published: August 2011

This paper argues that people with learning disabilities are an important potential consumer of ‘personalised technology’ and provides case studies demonstrating some of the ways that technology can help this client group. It also outlines the main barriers to personalised technology becoming a core element of social care planning for people with learning disabilities and concludes that more needs to be done to overcome these barriers and to research and demonstrate the potential benefits to this group.
Does mental illness have a place alongside social and recovery models of mental health in service users' lived experiences? Issues and implications for mental health education
Authors: Barnes Helen
Published: August 2011

Purpose

Influential social and recovery models, de‐emphasising mental illness understandings, form key mandates for mental health education today. This paper, however, aims to question how responsive these perspectives may be to service users, and seeks to review the value of mental illness concepts to social model approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

In the context of recovery model concerns with the associations of mental illness notions to stigma and disempowerment, the paper first reviews research concerning service users' experiences of mental illness. It then investigates the roots of mental illness stigma, tracing these back to socio‐historical discourses predating mental illness concepts. Against this background, the evolution of mental illness theories and their value to service users is appraised.

Findings

The paper finds that mental illness experiences, linked to experiences of social inequalities, can devastate and form major barriers to recovery approaches; however, the finding that mental illness stigma connects to discourses predating mental illness concepts suggests that the value of the latter can potentially be considered afresh. Against this background, the paper draws out the significance of historical theories of mental illness and contemporary developments, for the promotion of service users' rights and recovery.

Practical implications

The findings have implications for the development of social approaches in mental health education which embrace mental illness alongside social understandings which are just as important in recovery.

Originality/value

The paper advances recognition of mental illness stigma and mental illness concepts as distinct in their origins, and in this context reviews the significance of mental illness experiences and theories for service users and mental health education.
Achieving cultural competency in mental health training and practice
Authors: Ha Kwong Miu
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The population of the USA consists of a culturally diverse mix of individuals, many of them recent immigrants, from a wide range of ethnic and racial groups. Given an increasing multicultural and multilingual population, an urgent need for cross‐cultural community and health services, and for culturally competent practitioners, has emerged in the profession of mental health. The reality of that diversity raises two crucial implications: the profession needs more culturally competent practitioners to work with multicultural service‐users; and the clinical assessment and treatment of the population has become more challenging and complex. This paper seeks to explore vital cultural components in training mental health practitioners to work with multiethnic groups.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative and purposive methodology with structured interview questions was employed to gather data for analysis. The process of data analysis included line‐by‐line transcription of each interview and then the data were coded and categorized. Professors, experienced clinicians, and researchers in the multicultural field were interviewed for data collection.

Findings

The findings were organized into four essential components in achieving cultural competency in mental health training. Attitudinal components: cultural appreciation, learning curiosity, assumption free, and cognitive flexibility; emotional components: emotional knowledge, reflective ability, worldview knowledge, and cultural alertness; intellectual components: cultural knowledge, single culture, and clinical knowledge; and integrative practice components: cultural engagement, integrative assessment, and integrative intervention process.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to an expanded understanding and integration of major cultural elements in mental health training and practice.
Assessing psychosocial work‐related stress across five European countries: implications for workforce development
Authors: Denny Margaret , Wells John , Cunningham Jennifer
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The European Union's (EU) social and employment policy emphasizes that member states should develop workforce development policies that combat work‐related stress. Within the EU, there are few comparative data on the psychosocial job strain characteristics and experiences of staff working in the vocational rehabilitative sector in mental health and intellectual disabilities. The purpose of this paper is to discuss a Leonardo Da Vinci‐funded project – The Reducing Occupational Stress in Employment Project (ROSE) – which aims to reduce stress amongst managers and support staff working in the mental health and intellectual disability occupational support sector across the EU.

Design/methodology/approach

This research paper reports the findings of a small‐scale across method study, using a cross‐sectional design and focus groups, on psychosocial job strain amongst managers and support workers in five European countries. Data were gathered through administration of the job content questionnaire (JCQ) and a series of focus groups.

Findings

Findings from the JCQ showed that just under 20 percent of the sample exhibited symptoms of job strain. Results from the focus groups indicated that the key stressors for workers were balancing work demands with time available to carry out tasks; poor communication within organizations; and feeling unsupported in one's work. In addition, it was found that there are no national or European data collected, at any level, upon which to base effective interventions to combat occupational stress and no effective mechanisms in the workplace to deal with occupational stress for professionals working in this sector.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, a web site was developed that provides helpful information to managers, trainers, and support workers to manage personal and organizational stressors and raises awareness of the issue within Europe and beyond.

Originality/value

The ROSE project is significant at this time considering the current thrust of EU policy initiatives on mental health, workplace stress and employee well‐being.
Achieving race equality through training: a review of approaches in the UK
Authors: Bennett Joanna
Published: August 2011

Social policy in the UK has subsumed race inequality into a wider framework of inequalities, managing diversity and social exclusion. However, the David Bennett Inquiry and the Race Relations Amendment Act (2000) have placed ‘race’ firmly back onto the policy agenda, particularly within mental health services. In response to the Inquiry and as part of a wider strategy, the Department of Health has set out proposals to improve mental health services to black and minority ethnic (BME) communities. Although there is a long history of race equality training to address race inequality in public services in the UK, the definition and effectiveness of race equality training remains unclear.This paper presents an overview of approaches to training in the UK, the evidence of effectiveness and explores whether cultural competency is an appropriate and adequate framework to address race inequality.
Situational levels of burnout among staff in six European inpatient and community mental health teams
Authors: Hill Robert , Ryan Peter , Hardy Polly , Anczewska Marta , Kurek Anna , Dawson Ian , Laijarvi Heli , Nielson Katia , Nybourg Klaus , Rokku Iliana , Turner Colette
Published: August 2011

Working in mental health services has always been recognised as a stressful occupation and many studies have attested to the high levels of stress and burnout. This study examined comparative levels of stress among inpatient and community mental health staff across five European countries.Using a quasi experimental pre‐test post‐test design, data was collected from staff at baseline, six months and 12 months. This paper examines data from the baseline period. Staff working in acute inpatient wards and community mental health teams in Denmark (Aarhus, Storstrøm), Finland (Tampere), Norway (Bodo), Poland (Warsaw) and the UK (Cambridge), were asked to complete the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) (Maslach, & Jackson, 1986), the Mental Health Professional Stress Scale (Cushway, Tyler & Nolan, 1996) and a demographic questionnaire designed for this study. Results on the MBI are reported in this article. Both community and inpatient teams reported high levels of burnout. There was evidence to suggest that burnout differed by site but not by team type. The English teams scored highest in emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation. Relatively high levels of work‐related personal accomplishment were reported across all of the sites.
People are our greatest asset: a model of real workforce development to turn rhetoric into reality
Authors: Philip Malcolm , Lindley Peter
Published: August 2011

The authors make the case for concluding that current workforce models stop short at workforce planning. These are not truly integrated approaches that take an inclusive approach to the involvement of stakeholders. Nor do current models put the service users first in terms of designing a holistic workforce development process driven by and for the service user. The authors go on to articulate the key features of such a service user‐focused approach.
Improving access to psychological therapies: implications for the mental health workforce
Authors: Turpin Graham , Hope Roslyn , Duffy Ruth , Fossey Matt , Seward James
Published: August 2011

Despite the emergence of NICE guidelines regarding the effectiveness and appropriateness of psychological therapies for the majority of common mental health problems, access to these services is still dramatically underdeveloped and uneven. Estimates of untreated problems such as depression and anxiety in primary care signal the extent of these problems and the scale of investment in new services, if these needs are to be adequately met in the future.The Department of Health's and the Care Services Improvement Partnership's (CSIP) Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme sets out a framework and a series of co‐ordinated actions, including two national demonstration sites, to begin to address these issues in England.This paper examines the origins and policy drivers that have given rise to the IAPT programme, outlines the progress to date and specifically assesses the implications for the mental health workforce of this programme. Issues addressed include the workforce profiles of existing services, career frameworks for psychological therapists, the capacity of training providers to train new and existing staff in psychological therapies and the challenges implicit in devising a workforce delivery plan to support the IAPT programme.
The availability of therapy and therapists: the stepped care model as a possible solution
Authors: Gournay Kevin
Published: August 2011

This article sets out to provide information regarding the evidence base for psychological treatments and to demonstrate that the number of mental health professionals who are available and competent to deliver these treatments is very small compared with the numbers of people who might benefit. The article also considers the prevalence of conditions that are amenable to psychological treatment and then explores how ‘stepped care’ may be one solution for providing available treatment resources in a way that is fairest and most effective for the population at large.
Acute solutions and beyond: lessons on service user involvement
Authors: Lea Laura
Published: August 2011

This paper describes how service user involvement at all levels can offer a different route for the provision of good quality care for people experiencing mental distress. Taking examples of service user involvement in the acute solutions project (Sainsbury Centre for Mental Heath, 2006), the paper demonstrates how effective involvement can bring about measurable change in service provision and patient satisfaction. Examining the benefits, barriers to, and practicalities of service user involvement, it is argued that placing involvement at the centre offers solutions to the persistent problems found in mental health services. Workers who value and facilitate effective service user involvement enable social inclusion, change service users' status and enrich their own lives and practice.
Workforce, volume and access: graduate workers' contribution to primary care child and adolescent mental health services
Authors: Lyons Christina , Bradley Stephen , Eaton David
Published: August 2011

This paper provides initial findings from a pilot to introduce graduate mental health workers into primary care, child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) across three localities in the north west of England in the UK. The progress of the pilot was monitored by gathering information from students, managers, supervisors and mentors regularly throughout the 12 month period, during which the pilot cohort were being formally trained. The potential of the new role of primary care graduate mental health workers to address problems of volume and access to services, particularly how the role might contribute to developing nonspecialist primary care services, is considered.
Practitioner views on service user involvement in mental health: rhetoric and contradictions
Authors: Forbat Liz
Published: August 2011

This paper reports a small pilot study exploring ways that staff providing mental health services experience change. Group discussions focused on the drive toward service user involvement in mental health services. Discussions were held with two teams of professionals and indicate that mental health professionals experience a tension in balancing service user involvement with other dimensions of their roles and identities. Key issues include:• staff as potential, or past, service users themselves• service user involvement as a challenge to professional identities• change as being inherently difficult within ‘stuck’ systems• change as having an emotional, as well as instrumental, effect.Implications for practitioners in engaging with the involvement agenda are discussed, and highlight key issues for workforce training.
What is the role of a hospital service user's representative scheme for promoting service user involvement in mental health care delivery?
Authors: Haswell Steve , Bailey Diane
Published: August 2011

This paper reports on the evaluation of a scheme to promote service user involvement in the care delivered by a mental health trust. A case study methodology was employed to describe the particularity of the scheme in context as experienced by service users and staff involved in its delivery. Mixed methods of semi‐structured interviews and focus groups created the opportunity for all stakeholders to engage in action research through a mutual learning process about the scheme in operation with a view to making changes to improve and develop it in the future. The qualitative data collected was content analysed and grouped according to key themes, which included the benefits of the scheme, the conditions for it to work successfully, suggested changes, limitations of the scheme, and service user involvement generally in a hospital setting. The role of service users as both paid scheme co‐ordinators and volunteer representatives highlights the contribution that people who use mental health services can play in influencing service delivery when employed in relevant and appropriate roles within a mental health organisation.
Violence reduction in mental health and criminal justice: recent and current developments
Authors: Miller Gail , Paterson Brodie , Benson Richard , Rogers Paul
Published: August 2011

Traditional methods of addressing workplace violence have relied almost solely on reactive measures. Methods of de‐escalation, strategies to calm the already distressed person down by means of positive communication, or responding to an actual or potential act of violence by means of physical control have formed the focus of training initiatives provided for staff. This approach has suggested an acceptance of the premise that violence in certain services is an inevitable problem that must be managed. This paper proposes that many incidents can be prevented and outlines the emerging evidence to support a structured, holistic approach. Additionally, it provides an overview of the recent policy agenda, the evidence base and examples of some recent and ongoing development work that attempts to change practice.
Absconding from secure units: a review and description of an ‘absconding pack’ — implications for wider use
Authors: Nichols Trisha
Published: August 2011

In the present climate of risk assessment and management, the risk posed by the mentally disordered offender might be considered central to the role of mental health professionals working with this population. To discipline risk is a challenge that involves making something uncertain somehow quantifiable, so that decisions about the short‐longer‐term future of another individual can be made and justified (Rose, 1998). Although unauthorised patient absence from secure hospitals in the UK is an infrequent phenomenon, there are often prominent repercussions, perpetuated by negative media coverage, often resulting in responses from the highest political level. This article will attempt to highlight known statistics on absconsion from secure hospitals, including frequency and consequences, and impact of negative media coverage and various reviews, inquiries and proposed recommendations, which have resulted in the proposed reforms of the Mental Health Act 1983. Finally, the article will outline the work conducted by the social work department at Chadwick Lodge and Eaglestone View (medium secure hospitals) in the development of an 'absconsion pack'. This development provides an example of safe practice through its use of collaborative inter‐professional and multidisciplinary team working, resulting in a procedure that should reduce the risks in the event of an absconsion from a medium secure hospital. The wider implications of this work will be discussed.