bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of mediation within university protocols concerning student complaints and appeals
Authors: Van Hoorebeek Mark , Gale Chris , Walker Stuart
Published: August 2011

Purpose

As the predicted escalation in the litigation becomes a reality for universities in the UK, increasing importance is placed on the consideration given to the integrity of institutional protocols regulating decision making at all stages of student progression. The purpose of this paper is to outline the structures that are in place to provide an analysis of the issues that arise when these protocols are activated.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first, provides a brief yet accessible overview of the literature concerning the institutions involved in student appeal, second, explains the principles that should be applied when using and analysing university protocols, third, analyses the role that mediation can play within the sector, and finally, discusses the disability dimension within a complaints context.

Findings

It can be seen that disputes between student and institution are on the rise for a number of reasons, be it finance, complexity of legislation or otherwise. The robust nature of what the office of the independent adjudicator (OIA) does seems evident from the lack of successful challenge by way of judicial review, even though the process has been held to be reviewable in a limited way at least. Perhaps this will give some reassurance to the aggrieved student that their version of events will be heard and judged fairly, but the overwhelming message to institutions must be to address potential issues early by means of well drafted protocols, management of student expectation and possibly the establishment of some sort of campus ombudsman which may help deter, deflect or even solve disputes. The role of the OIA seems here to stay and the amount of business it does is likely to increase.

Originality/value

Increasing importance is placed on the consideration given to the integrity of institutional protocols regulating decision making at all stages of student progression. A wide variety of elements can impact on the quality of service expected compared with that provided to a student cohort, and this results in a diversity of potential complaints which have to be covered by university protocols. The value of this paper lies in the applicability of the themes that are discussed.
Sex, gender, and the US presidency: ready for a female President?
Authors: Powell Gary N. , Butterfield D. Anthony
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine perceptions of the “Ideal President” and candidates in the 2008 US presidential election in relation to gender and leader prototypes.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 768 undergraduate business students rated either the ideal President or a presidential candidate on Bem Sex‐Role Inventory and Implicit Leadership Theory scales.

Findings

The ideal President was seen as more similar to male candidates as a group than female candidates as a group (i.e. “think president – think male”). The ideal President was seen as higher in masculinity than femininity (i.e. “think president – think masculine”).

Research limitations/implications

Additional factors beyond gender and leader prototypes may affect perceptions of presidential candidates and the ideal President. Respondents came exclusively from northeastern USA; hence, results may not be generalizable to other populations. Replication of this study in nations that have elected a female leader is recommended. Future theory and research should link perceptions of male and female leaders in different nations to dimensions of national culture such as gender egalitarianism.

Social implications

The results suggest the continued presence of sex‐related biases in leader evaluations in the political context. Such biases influence whether specific groups are excluded from political leadership because of their personal characteristics (e.g. women), which would dilute the talent of the pool of available candidates.

Originality/value

The results increase knowledge of the linkages among sex, gender, and political leadership by incorporating both gender and leader prototypes.
The impact of strategic human resource management on the performance of firms in India
Authors: Nigam Ajit Kumar , Nongmaithem Sonia , Sharma Sudeep , Tripathi Nachiketa
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between strategic human resource management (SHRM) and performance in service sectors firms in India. Also, it has tried to explore whether the three main approaches in the area of SHRM – universalistic, contingency and configurational approaches hold true in an Indian setting.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 25 organizations, using two sets of questionnaires. Set 1 comprised measures of business strategy (n=98) and key informant approach was used to collect the data. Set 2 had measures of SHRM which consisted of two sections – human resource management (HRM) system orientation and HRM capabilities and organizational effectiveness (n=750). Performance was measured in terms of organizational effectiveness. Regression analysis was carried out at two levels: industry level and overall level.

Findings

Results indicated that there is positive relationship between SHRM and effectiveness, business strategy has an impact on the relationship between SHRM and effectiveness and universalistic theory of SHRM does not work in the Indian service sector.

Practical implications

The results of this study revealed that transport and IT‐enabled industries require more strategic HR capability while finance requires more technical HR capability. The SHRM policies need to be dynamic and contingent on the business strategy to attain maximum impact on effectiveness.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the sparse literature on the role of SHRM in the service sector industry where dependence on human resources is more critical as compared to other sectors.
Use of analytics in Indian enterprises: an exploratory study
Authors: Xavier Maria Joseph , Srinivasan Anil , Thamizhvanan Arun
Published: August 2011

Purpose

In 2007, India accounted for one‐third of the total $17‐billion global market for analytics. However, the rate of adoption of analytics for decision making and enhancing the customer experience has been slow on the uptake. While the term “analytics” has found universal usage in almost all business platforms, what it refers to and the specific contexts in which it ought to be used is still ambiguous among senior managers in the Indian corporate milieu. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the analytics in the business context across organizations in India.

Design/methodology/approach

To uncover the antecedents of these observations, at least in part, the authors conducted a survey among 84 senior managers across domains, company profiles and regions across the country.

Findings

It was found that an effective understanding of analytics as a decision‐craft tool grows with time and experience for most individuals, and the prevalence of more heuristic‐based decision making is still in vogue. Further, only companies of a certain size (turnover of 500 crore or more) make a concerted effort to maintain and update data necessary for efficacious use of analytics, and place this high on their priorities. Further, many ambiguities regarding the definition and scope of analytics were observed.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size was not adequate to perform industry‐wise analysis though the overall trends in the use of analytics in the Indian context have been adequately represented by the data.

Practical implications

The paper, for the first time, offers insights into the use of analytics in India. It shows that the business world has to go a long way in terms of effective use of analytics.

Originality/value

In the Indian context, this is a pioneering effort.
Building customer confidence in the automobile age: Canadian Tire 1928‐1939
Authors: Miller Dale
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how one Canadian retailer developed customer confidence in the interwar years when the automobile was in its infancy. The emphasis is on products and product information in the mail‐order catalogue.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design strategy draws on a longitudinal case study research using primary archival data collection and analysis.

Findings

In the 1930s, the firm used multiple approaches to respond to opportunities and challenges and to reassure customers through product assortment, guarantees, branding, quality assurance and support services. Generating an extensive mail‐order business occurred in tandem with the opening of stores, and together these approaches created rapid growth. In the early years, the emphasis was on maintenance, repairs and some augmentation through accessories. From the mid‐to late 1930s, with easing economic conditions, the focus shifts from automobile functionality to include roles for leisure and sport products, and the injunction to engage with the Canadian countryside.

Originality/value

The paper uses original historical research to contribute a new way of understanding how retailers developed customer confidence. The study contributes to knowledge about Canadian retailing in the interwar years, and the means for building customer confidence using a range of marketing techniques. For researchers, the study demonstrates a further example of the efficacy of using archival materials to explore marketing questions.
Orderly marketing: reality, rhetoric or myth?
Authors: Earl Paul D.
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the meaning and content of the term “orderly marketing” as it was adopted by Western Canadian farm leaders in the 1920s, and to determine whether the expected results of “orderly marketing”, as they were enunciated by farm leaders, were met.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the critique that farm leaders and Wheat Pool officials levelled against the open market, and the way they posited “orderly marketing” as a solution to their perceived problems. Using contemporary data on wheat prices and movements, it analyzes the content of orderly marketing, and the results of its implementation by the Pools.

Findings

The paper finds that “orderly marketing” was primarily a campaign slogan, that the problems it was alleged to address did not exist, and that its implementation by the Wheat Pools did not yield the results that the farm leaders had promised. The paper acknowledges however, the significant accomplishments of these organizations, and postulates that the concept of orderly marketing resonates with aspects of Canadian culture and helps to explain why grain marketing in the USA and Canada evolved so differently.

Originality/value

The agricultural cooperative movement in Western Canada has been the subject of a great deal of historical research, most of it positive. However, there are no recently published qualitative studies of the history of the term, nor in‐depth quantitative analyses of the economic results achieved by the Wheat Pools during the 1920s that compare with the contents of this paper.
Brand mismanagement: Rothmans cigarette marketing, 1957‐2000
Authors: Dewhirst Timothy , Sparks Robert
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess, by providing a case study of flagship brand, Rothmans, why Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc. (RBH), Canada's second largest tobacco firm, has historically lost ground to industry leader, Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited (ITL).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilizes data from internal corporate documents, made public from litigation, as well as trade press and promotional materials accessed from advertising archives. More specifically, the tobacco industry documents reviewed were made public from two Canadian trials: the 1989 Canadian trial to decide the constitutionality of the Tobacco Products Control Act; and the 2002 Quebec Superior Court trial in which Canada's three major tobacco firms challenged the constitutionality of the Tobacco Act.

Findings

The declining market share of Rothmans is largely explained by the brand's inability to appeal to the highly valued youth or “health concerned” segments. RBH failed to link the cigarette brand consistently with segment‐appropriate imagery during a time when legislation prompted a shift in promotional spending by the Canadian tobacco industry towards sponsorship communications. Unlike ITL, RBH failed to capitalize on the potential of sponsorship to contemporize the Rothmans brand and make it relevant to younger smokers. Moreover, RBH was slow to introduce a so‐called “light” line extension, which would appeal to existing smokers with health concerns.

Originality/value

This study should particularly interest researchers and practitioners interested in marketing and public policy, in which insight is provided about unique challenges to marketing in Canada on the basis of government regulation.
Overview of the NIMHE/CSIP National Dual Diagnosis Programme in England
Authors: Gorry Ann , Dodd Tom
Published: August 2011

This paper reviews the work of the national dual diagnosis programme established in England in response to recommendations for improvements in the way that services treat people with mental health problems and substance misuse issues. National policy drivers are explained, as well as the aims and achievements of the programme to date.
Reflections on the role of the specialist dual diagnosis clinician
Authors: Trippier Justine , Parker Stephen
Published: August 2011

This paper explains the service model devised in one London borough to help and support people with dual diagnosis. As well as discussing management, decision‐making and training issues, the authors outline what works, what does not work and what other organisations can learn from their experiences.
Dual diagnosis ‐ developing capable practitioners to improve services
Authors: Manley David , Gorry Ann , Dodd Tom
Published: August 2011

Developing capable practitioners who offer high quality care can bring significant improvement to dual diagnosis services. But developing such practitioners presents many challenges. This paper offers some practical solutions to this problem and proposes that the wider dissemination of existing skills and resources could effect substantial change.
Physical health and dual diagnosis
Authors: Robson Debbie , Keen Sarah , Mauro Pia
Published: August 2011

The physical health of people with mental illness may be neglected for a variety of reasons. This paper looks at the common physical health problems experienced by people with a dual diagnosis of substance misuse and serious mental illness, and suggests ways of assessing and managing them.
Dual diagnosis in service veterans with post‐traumatic stress disorder and co‐existing substance misuse
Authors: Hill David , Busuttil Walter
Published: August 2011

Combat Stress, a charity that aims to meet the needs of veterans with psychological disability, often related to their service, is seeing growing demand for the care it offers. This paper explores the impact of post‐traumatic stress disorder on veterans. In many cases, this is associated with subsequent substance misuse. In describing Combat Stress's approach to helping these individuals, it argue that mainstream and other non‐statutory service providers should develop their screening and assessment services to help meet veterans' needs.
Dual diagnosis education by distance learning
Authors: Lewis Tabitha
Published: August 2011

One year on since Middlesex University launched the UK's first dual diagnosis distance learning course, it is about to launch a second dual diagnosis course as an ‘e‐learning’ package. This paper discusses why the university took this approach, what it developed and whether dual diagnosis can be taught at a distance.
Fire safety work with vulnerable groups
Authors: Cowup Peter
Published: August 2011

Work underway in the London borough of Islington aims to lessen the risk of fire in the homes of vulnerable people such as those with mental health issues, learning disabilities or problems with drugs or alcohol. A partnership approach helps ensure that a range of community agencies engage with key fire safety messages for the benefit of their clients.
Service user involvement: more than a token gesture
Authors: Wells Harvey , Davy Ben , Chuttoo Vijay
Published: August 2011

Service user involvement is crucial in education and training as it can add a unique perspective and promote better practice. This paper provides an example of service user involvement in all aspects of the training. The involvement will be considered from the perspectives of the service user and a student. Implications and issues for practice are discussed.
Dual diagnosis service development in a male local prison: description of a case study
Authors: Hoyle Cliff
Published: August 2011

This paper proposes a model for a dual diagnosis service within a male local prison. Dual diagnosis can be considered usual rather than exceptional within the establishment and indeed within the prison estate. For a variety of reasons, it is found that effective dual diagnosis service delivery represents core business for a range of stakeholders. The dual diagnosis definition preferred is ‘a mental disorder and substance misuse problem in the same person at the same time’. Analysis of the strengths of current service provision and the risks to the development of a new service model are explored through a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis. Current literature and policies inform the model, and it is concluded that a dual diagnosis service can be implemented mostly within existing resources. An implementation schedule highlights one such pathway. Stakeholders were consulted and generally found to be receptive.
Dual diagnosis for young people in the criminal justice system
Authors: Durcan Graham , Wilson Jane
Published: August 2011

This paper will review the estimated prevalence of ‘dual diagnosis’ among young offenders, briefly review the gaps in service and look at what research tells us about what works best with young people. The group this paper focuses on in the main are those 18 years of age and under and who have come into contact with the criminal justice system and have dual diagnosis. At times, however, the authors draw from a wider literature because working with young dual‐diagnosed offenders is a relatively new field.
Improving inpatient team dual diagnosis skills through practitioner‐based action research: a potential model for change
Authors: Barrett Paul
Published: August 2011

This paper describes a project developed to help an inpatient mental health team improve their care of service users with comorbid mental health and substance misuse problems. The project aims to enable team members to become active participants in improving their own practice through use of a practitioner action research model.
Developing a therapeutic group programme to address dual diagnosis needs in a medium secure unit
Authors: Piek Nicola
Published: August 2011

The prevalence of dual diagnosis in mentally disordered offenders is high. This paper outlines the dual diagnosis needs of service users in a north London secure forensic mental health unit and discusses the development and implementation of a group treatment programme. It describes the three stages of the group work programme and suggests ways to support facilitators and evaluate the effectiveness of the programme.
The role of psychology in enhancing dual diagnosis provision in substance misuse wards
Authors: Hill Rob , Underhill Megan , Atnas Katherine , Harris Jenny
Published: August 2011

In this paper, we explore the role that psychology can play in enhancing dual diagnosis provision in substance misuse wards. In order to understand what can be achieved, we will review: the nature of the client group presenting to substance misuse wards; the role and function of such wards; the role of clinical psychology within these wards; and specific issues relating to inpatient substance misuse treatment. We conclude by identifying some key elements that we believe can enhance effective dual diagnosis working within inpatient substance misuse services.
Facilitating the dialogue between service users and participants in a training situation
Authors: Eden Tracey , Hughes Liz
Published: August 2011

This article reflects on the development of a continuing professional development module at the University of Lincoln. It considers the benefits of having a user of services (Tracey) involved in both the planning and delivery of this training. This article is based on questions that staff posed to Tracey during training delivery.
Developing a training programme to support delivery of integrated dual diagnosis treatment in acute inpatient settings
Authors: Tobin Derek , Boulton Debbie
Published: August 2011

Acute inpatient ward staff work with service users who have comorbid mental health and substance misuse problems (dual diagnosis) on a daily basis. Department of Health (DH) guidance for working with this group (DH, 2002; DH, 2006) indicates that training is needed to equip staff with the confidence and skills for this work. This paper describes how the COMPASS Programme, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust's (BSMHT) dual diagnosis service, developed, delivered and evaluated a training programme designed to support inpatient staff in this work.
Setting up a dual diagnosis service within a forensic inpatient setting: reflections one year on
Authors: Wood Nikki , Patel Kiran , Skinner Josephine , Thomson Kirsty
Published: August 2011

In 2008 a dual diagnosis service was set up within the forensic services of East London NHS Foundation Trust. This paper provides an outline of the service as it currently stands, and a description of the multidisciplinary staff roles within the service. Each staff member reflects on the success and challenges over the year that the service has been operational. Pointers to our future plans and strategy development are made.
A review of working with homeless adolescents with comorbid mental health and substance misuse problems
Authors: Corrigan Matthew , Manley David
Published: August 2011

This article presents an overview of the issues of providing care for homeless adolescents who present with comorbid mental health and substance misuse problems within a specialist child and adolescent mental health service. The limited evidence base concerning dual diagnosis among the adolescent population is explored and the application of research based on the adult population to this client group is considered.The intervention strategies that have proved successful in clinical practice are discussed and the evidence to support this is highlighted. The importance of taking an assertive outreach approach to, and investing time in, the engagement process is first considered. Then the application and benefits of harm reduction and motivational interventions are explored before the importance of multi‐agency working is highlighted and a conclusion offered.
The Bradley Report and its implications for dual diagnosis
Authors: Hughes Liz
Published: August 2011

This article considers The Bradley Report and specifically its implications for dual diagnosis. This includes implications for dual diagnosis services, drug courts and mental health courts, role of liaison and diversion, and continuity of care on release.
Care, artistry and what might be
Authors: Gunaratnam Yasmin
Published: August 2011

This paper provides a critical examination of cultural competence approaches, using the findings of a development project in the black voluntary sector that aimed to increase awareness of palliative care amongst older people and carers from groups most commonly referred to in the UK as being ‘minority ethnic’. The project involved narrative interviews with a convenience sample of 33 older people and carers and 11 focus groups with a convenience sample of 56 health and social care professionals. The findings from the interviews suggest that assumptions about culture and about care as competence that inform cultural competence models can have significant drawbacks for both service users and health and social care professionals. The paper further argues that cultural competence fails to fully recognise illness and care as occasions marked by profound moral and ethical demands.
Preventing avoidable glaucoma blindness in African‐Caribbeans
Authors: Shah Peter , Sii Freda , Cross Vinette
Published: August 2011

Glaucoma is a blinding disease which disproportionately affects some communities, particularly African‐Caribbeans. The ‘ReGAE’ project: Research into Glaucoma and Ethnicity was set up in 1999 and is based at the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre. Among its aims are to provide ethnically‐sensitive evidence‐based information to help inform the future commissioning and training of glaucoma care with ethnic groups and to develop a national programme of glaucoma education.
Cultural, racial and ethnic competence and psychiatric diagnosis
Authors: Bell Carl , Williamson Johnny , Chien Peter
Published: August 2011

The authors review the call for cultural competence in psychiatric diagnosis and highlight the barrier of ‘monocultural ethnocentrism’ ‐ the tendency to presume that European‐American standards fit all cultural, racial and ethnic groups. They suggest that clinicians should: familiarise themselves with the history of racism in psychiatry; avoid stereotyping; appreciate the diversity within cultural, racial and ethnic groups; understand that individuals from various cultural, racial and ethnic groups may have had more traumatic experiences; and understand that individuals from the US and UK may have experiences with racism, some of which may cause mental illness. Finally the authors suggest strategies to increase cultural competence.
Exploring the contribution of general practice to the mental well‐being of black men
Authors: Williams Richard
Published: August 2011

Despite contemporary concerns arising from high levels of serious mental illness in this group, there is no convincing evidence that the mental well‐being of black men is generally poor. The potential for general practice to influence mental well‐being derives from the totality of its services to patients. Black and minority ethnic (BME) users report lower levels of satisfaction with general practice services than the population as a whole. A review of evidence indicates poorer access to effective care in general practice by BME users. For general practice to become a service that is culturally competent for multicultural communities the setting of consultations and skills‐employed need to maximise patient enablement, and patient profile data, including self‐ascribed ethnicity, needs to be developed and utilised for routine race equality audit.
The cure for prevention is cultural sensitivity
Authors: Watson Yolande
Published: August 2011

In a prelude to a series of papers on the topic of prevention, the author argues that the current Government's investment in prevention is a waste of resources without integrating culturally sensitive solutions.Prevention is a subject that is at the forefront of the current government's agenda for NHS reform. With an ageing population, as well as ever‐increasing rates of poor mental health, obesity, diabetes, asthma, coronary heart disease and cancers within the UK population, the current government is looking at strategies that will reduce the burden on the public health purse. This article looks at prevention within the context of health in minority ethnic communities.
Asian martial arts and resiliency
Authors: Bell Carl
Published: August 2011

This article reviews characteristics of resilience and various types of Asian martial arts and illustrates how Asian martial arts help to cultivate resiliency. Cultivation of internal energy (eg. chi kung), training the breath, meditative techniques and spiritual development, metaphors and models in Asian martial arts, and training ‘heart’ designed to enhance resiliency are mechanisms for how Asian marital arts cultivate resilience. Finally, a brief review of the health and mental health benefits of Asian martial arts is presented.
‘A specialist refuge space of my own’: black, minority ethnic and refugee women, housing and domestic violence
Authors: Gill Aisha , Banga Baljit
Published: August 2011

This paper argues that there is a need for an independent specialist women's refuge sector to address the housing needs of BMER (Black, minority ethnic and refugee) women. It will consider barriers to equal access that BMER women have and how these could be resolved by providing specialist services tailored to their specific needs. Specifically, the paper shows how such services, attuned to concerns of race, class, and gender, could positively help resolve additional barriers confronting BMER women due to housing inequality. The primary research, based on an analysis of questionnaire responses and a focus group with service users, offers a snapshot of the impact that the lack of access to housing provision has for BMER women including increasing their social exclusion and vulnerability if need remains unmet. A case is made for a strengthened independent specialist sector to deal with the housing needs of women fleeing domestic violence. Key recommendations are identified on how housing policies, practices and service provision can be strengthened through the implementation of a specialist sector.
A comparative study of stress and unmet needs in carers of South Asian and white adults with learning disabilities
Authors: Devapriam John , Thorp Catherine , Tyrer Freya , Gangadharan Satheesh , Raju Lammata , Bhaumik Sabyasachi
Published: August 2011

People with learning disabilities have high dependency needs and high prevalence of physical, psychological and social morbidities. Some studies have shown that South Asian and white populations have a similar prevalence of learning disabilities and related psychological morbidity (McGrother et al, 2002), although other studies have shown an increased prevalence of severe levels of learning disabilities in the South Asian population (Emerson et al, 1997). The aim of this study was to compare stress levels and unmet service needs in informal carers of South Asian and white adults with learning disabilities.A sample of 742 informal carers was selected from the Leicestershire Learning Disability Register. Data on carers' and subjects' demographic details, stress levels and unmet service needs were analysed and compared using chi‐square tests and logistic regression analyses. Substantial differences were observed between the two groups. Carers of South Asian adults with learning disabilities reported significantly higher levels of care provision and unmet needs. Major stress was reported in 23% of carers. This was more common in carers with poor health, in those caring for younger adults, carers of adults with psychological symptoms, and in those with an expressed need for moral support or respite care.Stress is common among informal carers of adults with learning disabilities and inequalities, in reported care given and unmet needs, exist between carers of South Asian and white adults. Practitioners need to be aware of factors associated with stress when assessing carers in this population.
What does the hatred/fear of the veil hide?
Authors: Dhanda Meena
Published: August 2011

This paper explores the confusion in values that underpin the stereotyping of ‘the Muslim woman’. From the point of view of the ‘woman who veils’, it addresses the idea of strategic self‐presentation geared by the logic of negotiation. Avoiding any uncritical celebration of such play of identities, it also engages with the internal struggle for self‐definition typified by feminist criticisms of the patriarchal control of women's bodies. It points out the limits of external criticisms, primarily because they rest upon a self‐aggrandizing view of the enlightened European. The paper concludes with the recommendation to listen to all the women who ‘speak’: the ones that adopt and the ones that abhor the veil from within the designated ‘non‐Europeans’ among the Europeans. It uses the idea of negotiation of identity to underscore the importance of such ‘listening’.
Prevention of suicide in ethnic minorities in the UK
Authors: Husain Nusrat , Chaudhry Nasim , Husain Mohammed , Waheed Waquas
Published: August 2011

Background: suicide prevention is a priority for health services in England. A high rate of suicide in South Asian women and a dramatic rise in young Afro‐Caribbean's has been reported in the UK.Aims: the aim of this selected review is to present the cultural context of suicidal behavior and possible preventive strategies for the South Asian and Afro‐Caribbean's living in the UK.Methods: relevant data about the cultural context of suicidal behavior in the two ethnic groups is reviewed.Findings: our findings suggest that socio‐cultural factors in women of South Asian origin and social risk factors and situational stress in Afro Caribbean's appears to be related to acts of self‐harm.Conclusions: we could not identify any published studies of effective suicide prevention strategies or on any treatment programmes for the two ethnic minority groups. Addressing the cultural, linguistic and religious need of these groups should be of paramount importance.
Discrimination, ethnicity and psychosis — a qualitative study
Authors: Chakraborty Apu , McKenzie Kwame , King Michael
Published: August 2011

Background: the increased incidence of psychosis in African‐Caribbeans in the UK compared to the white British population has been frequently reported. The cause for this is unclear; social factors are said to account for this increase and one factor that is often cited is discrimination.Aims and method: we have looked at two groups of psychotic patients, blacks of Caribbean origin and white British, and present a qualitative comparison of the individual's experience of unfair treatment and its perceived cause.Results: the African‐Caribbean patients did not describe more perceived discrimination than their white counterparts but were more likely to claim that their distress was due to racial discrimination perpetrated by the psychiatric services and society in general. The white patients were more likely to attribute perceived discrimination to their mental illness.Conclusion: this mismatch of explanatory models between black patients and their doctors may account for some inequalities in their treatment, their relative non‐engagement and adverse outcome.Declaration of interest: none.
Real world analysis the partner of prevention in mental health
Authors: Johnson Norma
Published: August 2011

This paper provides a critical review of prevention methods in mental health. Information from existing literature, ideologies, theories and clinical practice will be utilised to gain further insight into the kind of prevention strategies that aid and assist black and ethnic minority communities (BME) in understanding the effects of mental illness in their communities. It is hoped that a real world analysis approach can collectively demystify and change the communities' perception of mental illness. For the purpose of this article, the term black and ethnic minority communities (BME) refers to all classification of people as described in the national census categorisation; expect white (Anglo‐Saxon) ‐ British.This classification of BME refers to a tangible quality, or a sense of being, derived from a position of a shared racial or cultural affiliation. The term, service user, refers to those who have had assessment and treatment by mental health services.
Irish travellers and drug use — an exploratory study
Authors: Van Hout Marie
Published: August 2011

The challenge for drug and health promotion services is to keep up‐to‐date with the dynamics of drug use patterns and trends both nationally and within certain groups (Kilpatrick, 2000). The traveller community present with lower but similar levels and patterns of drug use than the general population, but are particularly vulnerable to early onset of drug use and problematic substance use relating to their life circumstances. Drug use in the traveller community is facilitated and mediated by a combination of risk and resilience factors, which include lack of education, unemployment, comprised health and poor housing conditions.The research aimed to provide an explorative account of the issue of drug use in the traveller community and consisted of focus groups (N=12) of travellers (N=57) with a gender balance (47/53%) based on self‐selection and volunteerism. The focus groups (4‐5 individuals) were predominantly peer‐accompanied where a traveller guided the facilitation of the traveller focus groups and were also gender based. The focus groups incorporated the following key themes relating to the travellers and drug use; traveller culture and drug use, drug availability and dealing, gender differences in drug use, types of drugs used, reasons for drug use, levels of drug related knowledge, attitude to drug use, drug taking contexts and patterns, problematic drug use in the traveller community, drug awareness, perceptions of risk and experiences of drug treatment and community services.The travellers indicated increased drug availability in recent years. Some members of their community were dealing in and using drugs, as a result of unemployment, lack of education, depression, and increasing contact with the settled community. This has lead to a fragmentation of traveller culture. Traveller men are at heightened risk of substance dependency in terms of increased contact with drugs such as cocaine, speed, hash and ecstasy. In contrast, traveller women reported prescription medication abuse. The travellers described a fear of problematic drug use within their communities coupled with concern in terms of discriminatory experiences with health and drug services, lack of awareness of current service provision and the lack of culturally appropriate drug education material and addiction counseling.
The early experience of consultant psychiatrists in application of the Mental Capacity Act: issues for black and minority individuals
Authors: Shah Ajit , Banner Natalie , Newbigging Karen , Heginbotham Chris , Fulford Bill
Published: August 2011

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) was fully implemented in October 2007 in England and Wales. This article reports on two similar, but separate, pilot questionnaire studies that examined the experience of consultants in old age psychiatry and consultants in other psychiatric specialities in the early implementation of the MCA pertaining to issues relevant to black and minority ethnic (BME) groups. Fifty‐two (27%) of the 196 consultants in old age psychiatry and 113 (12%) of the 955 consultants in other psychiatric specialities returned useable questionnaires. Eighty per cent or more of the consultants in old age psychiatry and consultants in other psychiatric specialities gave consideration to religion and culture and ethnicity in the assessment of decision‐making capacity (DMC). Almost 50% of the consultants in old age psychiatry reported that half or more of the patients lacking fluency in English or where English was not their first language received an assessment of DMC with the aid of an interpreter and 40% of the consultants in other psychiatric specialities reported that no such patients received an assessment of DMC with the aid of an interpreter.The low rate of using interpreters is of concern. The nature of the consideration and implementation of factors relevant to culture, ethnicity and religion in the application of the MCA and the precise reasons for the low rate of using interpreters in patients lacking fluency in English or English not being their first language require clarification in further studies.
A randomised trial of ethnicity and stigmatised attitudes towards learning disability and alcoholism
Authors: Asamoah Gottfried , Varughese Sabu , Mushtaq Salman , Butterworth Linda , Abraham Abu , Luty Jason
Published: August 2011

Tackling discrimination, stigma and inequalities in mental health is a major UK government objective. Surveys have suggested that mental health services are institutionally racist. Most research has focused on stigma associated with schizophrenia despite well‐documented prejudice against people with other psychiatric disorders.The aim of this study was to assess stigmatised attitudes towards people from two ethnic groups with substance use disorder and learning disability. The 20‐point Attitude to Mental Illness Questionnaire (AMIQ) was used to assess stigmatised attitudes. A representative panel of members of the general public were randomised to receive a questionnaire with a picture of a European or African‐Caribbean man and a fictitious description of alcoholism (first round) or Down's syndrome (second round) six months later. Results were received for over 198 subjects (response rate 79‐84%). There was no difference between the score for the African‐Caribbean vignette or the European vignette for either alcoholism (mean AMIQ score 0.43 standard error = 0.39; n = 100 Vs 0.98 standard error = 0.53; n = 110; effect size r = 0.11; p = 0.2059;) or learning disability (mean 1.71 standard error = 0.22; n = 100 Vs 1.98; standard error = 0.30; n = 98; effect size r = 0.07; p = 0.2559).The study showed that ethnic origin had no significant difference on stigmatised attitudes towards someone with alcoholism or learning disability. Although a larger study would have increased power to detect a statistically significant difference it seems unlikely that a difference of the observed magnitude would be of any practical relevance.
Zero tolerance in general practice: a policy in conflict?
Authors: Paniagua Hilary , Bond Patricia , Sallah David
Published: August 2011

Workplace violence is a serious problem within the National Health Service (NHS). To combat this and to reduce the incidence of abuse and aggression shown to staff, a zero tolerance public campaign was introduced in 2007 within the UK. The campaign endorsed employer‐led zero tolerance policies, despite any evidence of the effectiveness of this approach and concerns that it is discriminatory and denies health care to those who most need it. Decisions to exclude patients from GP registers are subject to varied interpretations regarding what is deviant behaviour and the blacklisting of patients is unregulated and subject to ambiguity. Furthermore, staff training programmes, which emphasise de‐escalation strategies, have not proven to be effective and can even increase violent incidences. Initiatives to provide safe havens for those excluded, while initially believed to be effective, raise many ethical arguments about the ‘ghettoising’ of health care for those already socially excluded. Research is needed into these centres in the hope of providing some of the answers, particularly around the triggers of violence, how violence is perceived and how it can be prevented.
Equipping managers to lead a diverse workforce
Authors: McPherson Blair
Published: August 2011

Managers often lack the skills and confidence to deal with issues of everyday management such as poor attendance, failure to meet agreed deadlines or to reach required standards of work when these issues involve a racial dimension, or staff respond with counter complaints of harassment due to their sexuality or accusations of insensitivity to their disability.This is a case study of how a large complex social care organisation went about designing and implementing a leadership development programme to equip managers with the skills and confidence necessary to effectively lead a diverse workforce. The case study shows how Lancashire County Council has used executive coaching, management learning sets and mentoring, linked with equality and diversity training and exploiting the potential of the intranet to deliver a co‐ordinated management leadership development programme. The success of this approach has implications for all organisations that have a diverse workforce.
Cultural competence in public health: the role of peer‐professional partnerships
Authors: D'Elia Teresa , Black Margaret , Carpio Barbara , Dwyer John
Published: August 2011

This commentary outlines the role and benefits of peer‐professional partnerships in developing and providing culturally competent health promotion services. There is evidence that both paid and voluntary peer leaders can effectively work with public health professionals, to increase reach, access and positive outcomes through culturally tailored interventions. This paper outlines many of the advantages of these partnerships for public health practice, while acknowledging some limitations and calls for a greater application and evaluation of peer‐professional models in preventative health services.
Xenophobia in general psychiatry journals
Authors: Sarkhel Arghya , Butterworth Linda , Varughese Sabu , Rao Harish , Luty Jason
Published: August 2011

To establish the how far the leading psychiatric journals from the USA and UK show any favouritism to researchers from the journals' host countries. Retrospective review of original data‐based research reports published in 2006 from the five highest impact general psychiatric journals.British authors were 10 times more likely to appear as authors in two general psychiatry journals that are UK based than the three USA based journals (odds ratio=10.37 CI=8.95 to 12.02). American authors were 13 times more likely to publish in three leading three American psychiatry journals compared to British journals (odds ratio=14.27 CI=12.39 to 16.45). It is difficult to explain why researchers appear so much more likely to appear as authors in the host countries' journals other than by invoking some form of bias or favouritism in journals' editorial procedures. This creates a particular disadvantage for research outside the USA and UK.Research is funded and disseminated based on publications in high impact medical journals. If medical journals are xenophobic, that is they preferentially publish articles from their host countries, this severely disadvantages research in less developed countries, of which, many host no medical journals. For example simple, inexpensive research, such as the provision of non‐proprietary antidepressants and antipsychotics or measures to prevent the epidemic of alcohol and tobacco related problems in developed countries may be hugely beneficial to millions of people, but this is unlikely to be researched or disseminated if medical journals are xenophobic.
Sir William Beveridge Foundation: fighting the five giants worldwide
Authors: Findlay Helen
Published: August 2011

The Sir William Beveridge Foundation is a young, UK based, international charitable organisation that was formed in 2006 and has its main office in London. Its main aims are to fight poverty; promote care and dignity for the elderly and to promote gender equality. It has developed out of a culturally appropriate homecare service that has been operating in the inner boroughs of London for nine years. The Foundation's emphasis is on practical works in order to pursue its aims and has begun its international effort in Bangladesh where it has been operating for 15 months. This article describes the Foundation's current and proposed projects in Bangladesh and implications in particular that its work can provide for enhancing knowledge and practice in health and social care in the UK and wider world.