Are we doing enough to enhance attendance to aftercare? Service users’ evaluation of a group relapse prevention programme for alcohol dependence

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-11
Author(s):  
Indiresh Anand ◽  
Avril Smith ◽  
Kelly-Jo Charge ◽  
Christos Kouimtsidis
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Dependence ◽  
Relapse Prevention ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Programme Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Aftercare Services ◽  
Aftercare Service ◽  
Group Programme ◽  
Drug And Alcohol

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to evaluate and improve the quality of the aftercare services we provide for alcohol dependence. This presentation discusses the patient satisfaction of the Relapse Prevention Group. Design/methodology/approach – This was a prospective service users' satisfaction survey of those who attended the relapse prevention group programme at the Community Drug and Alcohol Team for the first 11 months of programme implementation. Findings – In all, 33 out of 36 people participated in the evaluation. The overall results were positive for the whole programme and people felt that the programme helped them in their recovery. Originality/value – Monitoring of service users’ satisfaction with aftercare services could provide insight into the barriers compromising engagement.

From surviving to thriving: how does that happen

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 337-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Bertram ◽  
Sarah McDonald
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experience ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Employment Education ◽  
Vocational Goals ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore what helped seven people in contact with secondary mental health services achieve their vocational goals, such as: employment, education, training and volunteering. Design/methodology/approach – The authors used the practice of co-operative inquiry – staff and peer supporters co-designed an evaluation of vocational and peer support work with service users. Findings – Service users experienced invalidating living conditions that caused serious distress. These life struggles included: isolation, trauma events and stigma. The impact involved distressing emotions such as: despair, fear, pain and confusion. In contrast, when service users experienced supportive validating conditions (trusting relationships, engaging in valued activity and peer support) they reported being able to learn, change and grow – finding their own way forward, to improve well-being and quality of life. Research limitations/implications – Qualitative analysis from in-depth interviews revealed a range of consistent themes that enabled the authors to visually represent these and “begin” developing a model of change – grounded in lived experience. Further research is required to develop this model. Originality/value – The development of a model of change grounded in an invalidation/validation framework offers a different approach – in terms of how people are perceived and treated. This has relevance for Government policy development, clinical commissioning groups and practitioners.

Health literacy and its effects on well-being: how vulnerable healthcare service users integrate online resources

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 697-715
Author(s):  
Justine Virlée ◽  
Allard C.R. van Riel ◽  
Wafa Hammedi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Healthcare Service ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Individual

Purpose This study aims to develop a better understanding of how online health community (OHC) members with different health literacy (HL) levels benefit from their participation, through the analysis and comparison of their resource integration (RI) processes. It investigates through a RI lens how the vulnerability of community members – captured as their level of HL – affects the benefits they derive from participation. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to investigate the effects of healthcare service users’ vulnerability. Data were collected about their profiles and levels of HL. Furthermore, 15 in-depth interviews were conducted. Findings The study demonstrates how low levels of HL act as a barrier to the integration of available online health resources. Participation in OHCs appears less beneficial for vulnerable users. Three types of benefits were identified at the individual level, namely, psychological quality-of-life, physical quality-of-life and learning. Benefits identified at the community level were: content generation and participation in the development of the community. Originality/value This study has implications for the understanding of how service users’ activities affect their own outcomes and how the vulnerability of users could be anticipated and considered in the design of the community.

When policy fails try something different integrated practice improve outcomes for dual diagnosis co-occurring service users accessing mental health services

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lois Dugmore ◽  
Saskia Bauweraerts
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Dual Diagnosis ◽  
Service User ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Service Users ◽  
User Group ◽  
Access To Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Drug And Alcohol

Purpose This paper aims to discuss an initiative developed between, Leicestershire Partnership National Health Service Trust and Turning Point, which is the locally commissioned drug and alcohol service in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The aim was to improve outcomes for clients with dual diagnosis (co-occurring mental health and substance misuse) issues. The purpose of the change in working practice was to engage with local substance misuse agencies more effectively to improve clinical outcomes within this service user group. This was achieved through four interrelated approaches. This comprising providing an integrated service. It included building relationships with substance misuse services, providing specialist dual diagnosis clinics and the introduction of substance misuse workers onto mental health wards and group work specific to substance misuse. The outcomes included easier access to services for service users and greater uptake of service users who were moving onto substance misuse services. This led to a reduction in risk related to prescribing and fewer incidents related to prescribing changes and greater engagement in services. When service users were moving between services better communication led to prescriptions being transferred with no delay and to reduced dropout rates in service. There was improved access to substance misuse services, more referrals and take up of service taking place. There was a greater understanding by staff of co-occurring substance misuse and how to work with this client group. Closer working relationship with substance misuse services and shared skills led to greater confidence in managing this service user group. This demonstrates a cost effective service that can be replicated within similar settings. Design/methodology/approach In clinical practice, shared treatment has proved challenging in light of different service models (Laker, 2006). Substance misuse works on the premise of change comes from the individual, where recovery models in mental health offer a formalised approach. One of the challenges faced by services has been the inability for mental health services to recruit and services become overstretched (Rimmer, 2018); this gave an opportunity for a new method of working to be considered. This led to the development of a new service model. These changes were: • Improving the interface with substance misuse services to improve access to community substance misuse services for mental health clients. • To provide specialist staff within the dual diagnosis field to provide a clinic jointly with local drug and alcohol services. • Introduction of substance misuse workers as team members on acute mental health and rehab wards. • Group Substance Misuse programmes. Findings Working within an integrated model, yet maintaining separate organisations, by offering joint training and clinics has led to a greater understanding of each organisation’s work and increased engagement within the service user group.The introduction of substance misuse workers to acute and rehab mental health inpatient services encouraged service users to engage at the point of admission and to be referred into locally commissioned substance misuse services prior to the point of discharge. Engagement with staff has demonstrated better engagement with substance service by service users following discharge.For clients able to take leave assessment could take place prior to discharge. This led to an increased uptake in services. Due to no opiate substitution given on discharge decreased risk of prescribed medication overdose at point of discharge and led to increase in returning straight to substance misuse services. This meant that service users received medication quicker and the right dose and on discharge ensured reduced risk. The prescribing of Naloxone at discharge is yet to be assessed, but the risk of an overdose within seven days is well-documented and Naloxone is key in reversing this trend. This change in practice can be replicated in any mental health setting and has increased access to services for those using substances. Originality/value Is original no other services have substance workers or joint clinics across the UK. First inpatient unit to welcome patients back post-discharge to attend groups.

Exploring service users’ experience of community meetings in a high secure service

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 200-212
Author(s):  
Danielle Mayes ◽  
Sarah Victoria Ramsden ◽  
Louise Braham ◽  
Zoe Whitaker ◽  
Mark Norburn
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Therapeutic Milieu ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Positive Experiences ◽  
Saliency Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore service users’ experience of community meetings (CMs) within a high secure setting. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative design was employed in which focus groups were used to capture service users’ experience of CMs. In all, 12 focus groups comprising a total of 27 participants were carried out using a semi-structured interview schedule. Data were analysed using thematic and saliency analysis, identifying themes which were pertinent to the research aims. Findings Positive experiences reported by service users included a safe space to explore ward issues and develop skills, with some viewing the meeting as a therapeutic forum in which to facilitate personal growth. Research limitations/implications There were a wide range of patient presentations and views. Furthermore, only 20 per cent of the patient population were included within this study. Practical implications A number of recommendations have been identified that can have positive implications for patients (quality of life and recovery), staff (resolving conflicts and problem-solving) and the overall therapeutic milieu of the ward. Originality/value There are no reviews looking at CMs within the last decade. This paper brings the understanding up to date to allow the development of this potentially positive tool.

English vs Dutch high secure hospitals: service user perspectives

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-121
Author(s):  
Birgit Völlm ◽  
Shaz Majid ◽  
Rachel Edworthy
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Service User ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Forensic Psychiatric ◽  
User Perspectives

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe service users’ perspectives on the difference between high secure long-stay forensic psychiatric services in the Netherlands and high secure forensic psychiatric care in England. These perspectives are relevant in considering the benefits of a similar long-stay service in England. Design/methodology/approach A current in-patient detained in a high secure hospital in England and other mental health service users and carers with experience in forensic-psychiatric settings were asked to watch a documentary on a Dutch high secure long-stay service. Then they were invited to make comparisons between this service and high secure care in England. These perspectives were gained in the context of their membership of the Service User Reference Group of an externally funded study on long-stay in forensic-psychiatric settings in England. Findings The small group of participants highlighted the importance of relational security, meaningful occupation, autonomy, positive therapeutic relationships with staff and a homely environment for those with lengthy admissions and perceived these to be better met in the Dutch service. These factors might contribute to improved quality of life that services should strive to achieve, especially for those with prolonged admissions. Practical implications Perspectives of service users with lived experience of long-stay in forensic settings are important in informing service developments. Lessons can be learnt from initiatives to improve the quality of life in long-stay services in other countries and consideration be given on how to best manage this unique group. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge this is the first study asking service users about their view on forensic services in other countries. The findings suggest that service users have valuable contributions to make to aid service developments and should be involved in similar such exercises in the future.

scholarly journals Effects of an integrated intervention program for alcoholism (IIPA) on learning, memory and quality of life (QOL) in persons with alcohol dependence at the Centre for Addiction Medicine, Bengaluru, India

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajesh Kumar ◽  
Keshav J. Kumar ◽  
Vivek Benegal ◽  
Bangalore N. Roopesh ◽  
Girikematha S. Ravi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Alcohol Dependence ◽  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integrated Intervention

PurposeThis study aims to examine the effectiveness of an integrated intervention program for alcoholism (IIPA) for improving verbal encoding and memory, visuospatial construction, visual memory and quality of life (QoL) in persons with alcohol dependence.Design/methodology/approachThe sample comprised treatment-seeking alcohol-dependent persons (n = 50), allotted into two groups: (1) the treatment as usual (TAU) group (n = 25) and (2) the treatment group (n = 25)]. The groups were matched on age (±1 year) and education (±1 year). The TAU group received standard pharmacological treatment, psychotherapeutic sessions on relapse prevention and yoga for 18 days, while the treatment group received IIPA sessions in addition to the usual treatment. Auditory verbal learning test, complex figure test and QoL scale were administered at pre- and post-treatment along with screening measures.FindingsThe two groups were comparable on demographic variables, clinical characteristics and outcome measures at baseline. Pre- to post-treatment changes (gain scores) comparison between the treatment and TAU groups revealed a significant difference in verbal encoding, verbal and visual memory, verbal recognition, visuospatial construction and QoL.Research limitations/implicationsThis study suggests that IIPA is effective for improving learning and memory in both modality (verbal and visual) and QoL in persons with alcoholism. The IIPA may help in better treatment recovery.Practical implicationsThe IIPA may help in treatment for alcoholism and may enhance treatment efficacy.Originality/valueIIPA is effective for improving learning and memory in both modalities and QoL in persons with alcohol dependence. The IIPA may help in better treatment recovery.

scholarly journals Alcohol dependence and the psychological factors leading to a relapse: a hospital-based study in Vietnam

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nhat Van Trieu ◽  
Penpaktr Uthis ◽  
Sunisa Suktrakul
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Alcohol Dependence ◽  
Relapse Prevention ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Outcome Expectancies ◽  
Emotional States ◽  
Motivation To Change ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Alcohol Relapse ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeTo study the situation of alcohol relapse and to investigate the relationship between psychological factors and alcohol relapse in persons with alcohol dependence in Thai Nguyen hospitals, Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachA correlation study was conducted among 110 patients. Data were collected through structured interviews and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman's correlation coefficient (rs).FindingsMore than two-thirds of the participants were found to relapse more than once (X¯ = 2.04, SD = 0.86). Positive outcome expectancies, cravings, negative emotional states, and maladaptive coping were positively associated with relapse (rs = 0.550, 0.522, 0.497; p = 0.000 and rs = 0.217, p < 0.05, respectively). While, motivation to change with three subscales had a negative correlation to relapse including recognition (rs = −0.199, p < 0.05), ambivalence (rs = −0.331, p = 0.000), and taking steps (rs = −0.606, p = 0.000). Adaptive coping, self-efficacy, and social support were also found to be negatively correlated to relapse (rs = −0.535, −0.499, −0.338; p = 0.000, respectively). However, negative outcome expectancies (rs = −0.024, p = 0.805) and positive emotional states (rs = 0.081, p = 0.399) were not significantly related to relapse.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study are significant implications for relapse prevention strategies. It suggests that the essential parts of relapse prevention are through: changing alcohol expectations, increase drinking refusal self-efficacy, coping skills training, enhancing motivation to change, managing alcohol craving and expanding social support.Originality/valueThis is the first study in Vietnam which investigated the relationship between psychological factors and alcohol relapse in individuals with alcohol dependence.

Mental health and the settings of housing support – a systematic review and conceptual model

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon Burgoyne
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Housing ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Main Determinants

Purpose – The purpose of this qualitative systematic review is to examine how the nature and quality of housing affect adults receiving support for mental health problems, focusing on the less considered structural aspects of housing. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic search identified relevant research. Data consisting exclusively of service-user testimony was taken from seven studies based in varied types of accommodation in England. A synthesis was carried out using thematic analysis, and a conceptual model developed based on the themes identified from the data. A literature review examines the context, with relevant material drawn from a variety of disciplines and professions. Findings – There were three main determinants of whether housing was a setting that enabled users to benefit from support and enjoy a good quality of life – “autonomy”, “domain”, and “facilitation”. Secondary themes influenced these primary themes, or described respondents’ condition or feelings in relation to their housing situation. The “Tripod Model” illustrates the relationships between these themes. Research limitations/implications – Applying systematic review methods to qualitative material proved contentious and challenging. The model produced is a hypothesis based on limited data and requiring further investigation. Practical implications – The findings suggest that a balance is required to increase the chances of successful and sustainable housing outcomes for service-users. Originality/value – The model enables a holistic understanding of issues affecting service-users, and the interdependent nature of these. It offers a new typology based on a synthesis of data drawn from a spectrum of accommodation, which gives it a breadth a single piece of research could not encompass.

scholarly journals What in-patients want: a qualitative study of what's important to mental health service users in their recovery (Wayfinder Partnership)

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Bredski ◽  
Kirsty Forsyth ◽  
Debbie Mountain ◽  
Michele Harrison ◽  
Linda Irvine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychiatric Rehabilitation ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Recovery Orientation ◽  
Qualitative Work ◽  
Patient Service ◽  
Service Factors ◽  
Report Measure

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a qualitative analysis of the facilitators of recovery in in-patient psychiatric rehabilitation from the service users’ perspective. Design/methodology/approach – Interviews with 31 in-patients were coded and analysed thematically at an interpretive level using an inductive approach. Findings – The dominant themes identified were hope, agency, relationships and opportunity. Totally, 20 subthemes were identified. Agency was more important to men than women and agency, hope and relationships were all more important to detained patients. Research limitations/implications – Interview data were collected in writing rather than taped. The results may not be transferrable to patient populations with significantly different demographic or service factors. Practical implications – Services need to target interventions at the areas identified by service users as important in their recovery. The findings suggest both environmental and relational aspects of care that may optimise recovery. Services also need to be able to measure the quality of the care they provide. A brief, culturally valid and psychometrically assessed instrument for measuring the recovery orientation of services is required. Originality/value – As far as the authors are aware no qualitative work to date has examined the recovery experiences of psychiatric rehabilitation in-patient service users in order to understand what services require to do to enable recovery from their perspective. The conceptual framework identified in this paper can be used to develop a service user self-report measure of the recovery orientation of services.

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