Keyworkers’ experiences and perceptions of using psychological approaches with people experiencing homelessness

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 51-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josephine Benson ◽  
Michael Brennan

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore keyworkers’ experience and perceptions working with people experiencing homelessness and the use of psychologically informed approaches in an Irish context. Design/methodology/approach In this paper a qualitative descriptive methodology was employed and face-to-face in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data collected were analysed using a thematic framework and transcribed by the researcher. Findings It was the view of the keyworkers psychological approaches allowed them greater understanding of psychological trauma and its effects promotes safe physical and emotional environments builds rapport between staff and clients and enables keyworkers to work more effectively with people with complex needs. There was also convincing evidence staff are quite receptive to training. Originality/value Given there is no research exploring the use of psychologically informed approaches in homelessness service settings, this study researched an area that has not yet been explored in Ireland. This qualitative descriptive research provides a platform from which further research can be conducted. It is hoped that highlighting the psychological issues of homeless people, the data obtained will help improve Irish homeless services, and the findings extracted beneficial in terms of future service developments, professional training and education.

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 342-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Massie ◽  
Richard Machin ◽  
Fiona McCormack ◽  
Judith Kurth

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the lived experience of people who have experienced homelessness and street activity, and professional stakeholders’ views about the challenges faced by this client group. The study sought to identify measures to improve the current situation for both individuals experiencing homelessness and professionals working with them.Design/methodology/approachPeer researchers with lived experience of multiple and complex needs conducted semi-structured interviews/surveys with 18 participants (eight individuals experiencing homelessness and street activity and ten professional stakeholders). The authors of the paper conducted a thematic analysis of the data.FindingsThis paper offers insights into both the current challenges and assets for people who are or have been homeless in an urban setting. Key findings include the need for a coordinated partnership approach to address pathways to support, and the importance of developing opportunities for meaningful activity and building on local resources including giving homeless people a voice. These findings are discussed within the context of current policy (Housing First) and legislation (Homelessness Reduction Act 2017) and the impact on integrated care for people who have experienced homelessness.Research limitations/implicationsThe views explored in this study are specific to one city centre in the West Midlands; thus, generalisability may be limited.Originality/valueThis study presents a participatory research approach with peer researchers exploring the perspective of individuals experiencing homelessness and wider stakeholders. The findings of this research are considered with reference to the provisions of the HRA 2017.


2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zana Khan ◽  
Philip Haine ◽  
Samantha Dorney-Smith

Purpose Homeless people experience extreme health inequalities and high rates of morbidity and mortality (Aldridge et al., 2017). Use of primary care services are low, while emergency healthcare use is high (Mathie, 2012; Homeless Link, 2014). Duration of admission has been estimated to be three times longer for homeless patients who often experience poor hospital discharge arrangements (Mathie, 2012; Homeless Link, 2014). This reflects ongoing and unaddressed care and housing needs (Blackburn et al., 2017). The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This paper reveals how GPs employed in secondary care, as part of Pathway teams, support improved health and housing outcomes and safe transfer of care into community services. It draws on published literature on role of GPs in working with excluded groups, personal experience of working as a GP in secondary care, structured interviews with Pathway GPs and routine data collected by the team to highlight key outcomes. Findings The expertise of GPs is highlighted and includes holistic assessment, management of multimorbidity or “tri-morbidity” – the combination of addictions problems, mental illness and physical health (Homeless Link, 2014; Stringfellow et al., 2015) and research and teaching. Originality/value The role of the GP in the care of patients with complex needs is more visible in primary care. This paper demonstrates some of the ways in which in-reach GPs play an important role in the care of multiply excluded groups attending and admitted to secondary care settings.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-12
Author(s):  
Mary Stathopoulos ◽  
Rebecca Jenkinson

Purpose The sexual assault and alcohol and other drug (AOD) sectors have much in common in the context of clients presenting with histories of abuse and trauma. The Establishing the Connection project aimed to improve understanding of the complex intersections between sexual victimisation and AOD use, and to build the capacity of the sexual assault and AOD sectors in Victoria, Australia, to respond more effectively to the needs of affected individuals. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Establishing the Connection involved a detailed literature review; face-to-face semi-structured interviews and an online quantitative survey with key stakeholders from the AOD and sexual assault sectors; and a cross-sector forum to bring together the practice knowledge and needs of both sectors. Findings Most practitioners and clinicians were aware of the interrelationship between sexual victimisation and AOD use, but many lacked access to resources, formal referral processes and pathways, or information about how the other sector worked – all tools which would assist them to respond to clients with complex co-occurring issues. Participants expressed enthusiasm for greater cross-sector communication and collaboration, but emphasised the need for sophisticated governance and resourcing responses from peak bodies and government departments. Originality/value The new knowledge generated by this research resulted in the development of shared practice guidelines to guide practice towards the identification, assessment, response and referral of clients with co-occurring sexual victimisation and AOD use issues. The authors hope that the momentum and goodwill built between the two sectors will be harnessed by policy to drive further collaborative partnerships into the future.


2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 208-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Prestidge

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to share knowledge and observations of the Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) approach being used to engage “chronically” homeless people in the USA. Design/methodology/approach – This paper describes a placement with an organisation in New York City observing how the TIC approach is being implemented across outreach, housing and support services. The author then reflects on the lessons, for the work in the UK context. Findings – TIC empowers staff and clients to understand psychological trauma and its effects and to use this knowledge to create safe, supportive environments for all involved; improving relationships and nurturing recovery. It appears that clients use services more effectively, with staff stating that they behave more appropriately and move towards independence more quickly. Staff consider the emotional needs of the individuals they support and it was reported that they are less reliant on managers and have a higher tolerance to their clients. Research limitations/implications – TIC is an easily replicable and seemingly cost-effective way of empowering frontline staff to deliver holistic services to survivors of trauma. Practical implications – Psychologically informed practice is gaining momentum within the homelessness sector in the UK, and whilst TIC has many similarities to it, this approach specifically focuses on providing a pre-therapy approach for trauma survivors to prepare them to engage appropriately with mainstream services. Originality/value – Although there is no quantifiable data, it seems that the approach improves the well-being of service users and may ultimately reduce the cost in public spending of ineffective service use.


2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Whiteford ◽  
Glenn Simpson

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an exploratory account of the links between devolution, homelessness and health in the UK. Specifically, it focusses on the policy context and governance structures that shape the systems of healthcare for homeless people in London, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Design/methodology/approach Empirically the paper draws on semi-structured interviews with a small sample of policy and practice actors from the devolved territories. Qualitative interviews were supplemented by a comparative policy analysis of the homelessness and health agenda within the devolved regions. Theoretically, it takes inspiration from Chaney’s concept of the “issue salience of homelessness” and explores the comparative character of healthcare as pertains to homeless people across the devolved territories. Findings The paper provides clear evidence of areas of divergence and convergence in policy and practice between the devolved regions. These features are shown to be strongly mediated by the interplay of two factors: first, the scope and scale of national and local homelessness prevention strategies; and second, intra-national variation in public health responses to homelessness. Originality/value The paper offers considerable insight from a comparative policy perspective into the nature of healthcare provision for homeless people in the devolved regions.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline S.L. Tan

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine psychological ownership (PO) experienced by followers of social media influencers toward both influencer and the product. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected using face-to-face semi-structured interviews that were conducted with 30 respondents and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings The study demonstrated that the PO experienced by the follower changes under different conditions resulting from perceived value, social currency and follower activity. Social currency plays a vital role in determining the target of PO, often affecting the narrative by the follower. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first paper to examine the transference of PO between product and influencer as experienced by the follower. It provides an understanding on PO that is experienced in different levels of intensity and changes depending on the motive of the follower; hence, transference of PO occurs and it is not a static.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 1029-1049
Author(s):  
Paul Nnamdi Onulaka ◽  
Moade Fawzi Shubita ◽  
Alan Combs

Purpose This study aims to investigate the extent to which the provision of non-audit services (NAS) by external auditors to audit clients affects auditors’ independence and the audit expectation gap in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts an interpretivist approach. In total, 30 semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted to explore the views expressed by audit partners and pension fund managers in Nigeria; group responses were evaluated and presented separately. After transcribing the interview audio recordings, a thematic data analysis of the two groups’ responses was performed. Findings Interpretation of the interview responses indicates that the provision of NAS by audit firms to their audit clients is regarded by auditors as a matter of economic necessity. Nevertheless, it is also perceived as impeding auditors’ independence and increasing the gap between the auditor and public expectations. Practical implications This study contributes to the debate surrounding the need for an independent body to oversee auditing standard setting distinct from the current practice to enhance transparency. Originality/value A qualitative analysis of the nuanced responses obtained from the semi-structured interviews reveals starkly the perceived economic pressures on auditors to accept non-audit work. Moreover, it endorses the regulation to restrict non-audit work in support of a sustainable fee level for an independent audit.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amara Malik ◽  
Kanwal Ameen

Purpose This study aims to explore the current and future employment opportunities for library and information science (LIS) graduates. It identifies future employers and emerging competitors in the information landscape. The strategies that may be used to respond to and capture the future job market are also presented for LIS schools in the light of the study findings. Design/methodology/approach The qualitative approach coupled with the interview technique was used for collecting insight into the phenomena. Face-to-face and telephonic semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 faculty members (professors, associate professors and assistant professors) from 8 LIS departments. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data to present the participants’ opinions regarding various aspects of the job market in the country. Findings It was found that the job market was still traditional (library) and would continue to be so for the next five to seven years. However, the findings also indicated the emergence of a non-traditional job market in the country. New job titles and functions relevant to the emerging job sector other than libraries in the information environment were noted. Originality/value Findings may have a direct impact on the future orientation, survival and sustainability of LIS programs in the country. The study may inform curriculum revision and updating efforts to make it more relevant and responsive to future needs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 296-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginia Vannucci ◽  
Eleonora Pantano

Purpose Prior research highlights the extent to which consumers largely appreciate the possibility to choose among different digital touchpoints during the in-store experience, which results in a pervasive introduction of digital touchpoints as the first point of contact between retailers and consumers. However, consumers also give value to the human interactions in the service channels. The previous studies do not conclusively indicate the best balance of digital and human services. The purpose of this paper is to understand consumer-facing in-store services in new technology-enriched retail settings. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach involving face-to-face semi structured interviews was applied. To this end, the authors recruited 26 participants in Northern Italy between October and November 2017. Findings Results reveal motivations, preferences and discouraging factors leading consumers’ interactions with digital or human touchpoints. Findings ultimately provide useful guidelines to managers on understanding consumers’ attitudes toward digital vs human touchpoints phenomenon. Originality/value By identifying the key drivers of either digital and human touchpoints selection in offline retail settings, the present study figured out the attributes playing the crucial role in determining consumers’ preference regarding the in-store alternatives. Findings allow a further greater clarification of the practical issues, with emphasis on the new of human–machine integration.


2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (9) ◽  
pp. 747-759 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin C. Williams ◽  
Olga Onoshchenko

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the extent to which the practice of using personal networks to obtain goods and services or to circumvent formal procedures, known as blat in the Soviet era, persists in post-Soviet societies and whether its character has altered. Design/methodology/approach – To do this, the prevalence and nature of blat in the education sector in the city of Mykolayiv in Ukraine is analysed using 200 face-to-face structured interviews with a spatially stratified sample of Mykolayiv residents and 30 follow-up semi-structured in-depth interviews. Findings – The finding is that blat is widely used to gain places in kindergarten, schools and universities. However, unlike Soviet era blat which took the form of non-monetised friendly help in the market-oriented society of post-Soviet Ukraine, both possessing control over access to assets such as education, as well as possessing personal connections to those with control over access to these assets, is increasingly viewed as a commodity to be bought and sold, and illicit informal monetary payments are now commonplace. The result is that nepotism, cronyism, bribery and corruption hinder meritocratic processes. Research limitations/implications – This paper examines the prevalence and nature of blat in just one sector in one post-Soviet country. An analysis across a wider range of sectors in various post-Soviet societies is now required to develop a more context-bound and nuanced understanding of blat in post-Soviet societies. Originality/value – This is the first in-depth empirical evaluation of the prevalence and nature of blat in contemporary post-Soviet societies.


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