Post-migratory risk factors and asylum seekers’ mental health

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 257-269
Author(s):  
Thomas Korup Kjærgaard ◽  
Natasja Koitzsch Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Search Strategy ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Asylum Procedure ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine if the post-migrational risk factors, namely length of stay and number of relocations, are associated with asylum seekers’ mental health. Design/methodology/approach The review includes seven main studies published later than 2006 examining the effect of the asylum procedure on the mental health of asylum seekers. The articles were identified through the search databases PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO. A systematic search strategy based on the concepts of Patient, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome has laid the groundwork for the findings of relevant articles. Findings Two out of three articles investigating the association between number of relocations and mental health among asylum seekers observed an effect on mental health. Three out of six studies found associations between length of stay in asylum centres and poor mental health. The overall assessment of the studies indicates an effect of the post-migrational risk factors. Research limitations/implications The included studies vary in study populations, outcome measures and methodical soundness. Practical implications The review suggests that length of stay in asylum centres and the number of relocations should be considered as risk factors for poor mental health of asylum seekers and, hence, considered in the organisational procedures in the asylum process. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first review to specifically examine the literature on the association between the post-migratory risk factors, number of relocations and length of stay, in asylum centres and mental health among non-detained asylum seekers in Europe.

Bringing back the social: the way forward for children’s social work?

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 190-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brid Featherstone ◽  
Anna Gupta ◽  
Kate Morris
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Suffering ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Poverty And Inequality ◽  
The Social ◽  
Original Contribution ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to argue for the need to move away from a sole focus on assessing and dealing with individualised risk factors in order to more fully engage with and understand the social determinants of many of the harms that are manifest in families. Design/methodology/approach It draws from a number of research studies being conducted by the authors and a literature on psycho-social approaches to social suffering. Findings It highlights the evidence on the contribution of poverty and inequality to many of the problems encountered within families. It explores how hurt, shame and loss are experienced by those who are marginalised and struggling to live well and care safely for themselves and others. Practical implications It highlights the practice implications of adopting an approach that engages with both the social and the psychological and understands their inter-relationship. It offers some thoughts on how the social in psycho-social might receive the attention it deserves, a situation which does not pertain currently. Originality/value It offers an original contribution to thinking in the area of child protection where the focus is primarily on individualised risk factors. It highlights the importance of understanding the social determinants of many of the harms experienced in families and offers some pointers towards thinking and practising differently.

London Fire Brigade's screen and treat approach to the Grenfell Tower incident

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig Steel ◽  
Zoe Travers ◽  
Lynette Meredith ◽  
Deborah Lee ◽  
Michael Conti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Line Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health Response ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Post Disaster ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose is to report on the mental health response to the Grenfell incident within the London Fire Brigade (LFB).Design/methodology/approachThe LFB implemented screening for the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at 28 days, 3 months and 6 months for all personnel directly involved in the incident.FindingsThe prevalence of PTSD within frontline personnel was 13.4% at 28 days, falling to 7.6% at 6 months. The LFB's internal Counselling and Wellbeing Service offered treatment to those scoring above the cut-off for PTSD along with accepting self-referral and referrals from line managers and occupational health. There were 139 referrals within the 12-month period following the incident.Research limitations/implicationsThe outcomes for those who engaged in treatment are broadly in line with other studies evaluating post-disaster interventions. Issues for consideration within national guidelines are discussed.Practical implicationsThe screen and treat approach adopted by LFB was shown to be a feasible approach to use within such a scenario.Originality/valueThe current study reports on a screen and treat approach to one of the largest single incidents in the UK in recent years.

Stakeholder perceptions on the risk factors, challenges and benefits of business sustainability practices in the Singapore construction industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chee Kwong Lau ◽  
Hexin Chen
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Business Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Sustainability ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Sustainability Practices ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study examines the stakeholder perception of the sustainability risks, challenges and benefits arising from managing these risks in the Singapore construction industry.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire consisting of 89 risk factors, challenges and benefits, was administered, with 216 responses received from various stakeholders. Regression analyses were used to estimate the relationships between sustainability and business risk factors, challenges and benefits associated with business sustainability practices.FindingsStakeholders recognise the importance of the emerging sustainability risk factors, and indeed rank these almost on a par with conventional business risk factors. The inherent business risks determine the nature of sustainability risk factors for construction firms, which in turn can affect their business risks and the performance and value creation of firms. However, most stakeholders, while acknowledging that business sustainability practices can provide benefits as well as posing challenges, do not believe that they can derive net benefits from such practices.Research limitations/implicationsThrough this perception study, there is an urgent need to turn the existing awareness of the importance of business sustainability (BS) practices into more consistent and solid actions among construction firms in Singapore.Practical implicationsThis study’s results imply construction firms to incorporate BS practices more systematically into their business strategies and operations, and to include sustainability risk factors alongside conventional business risks in their risk registers and risk management frameworks.Originality/valueThis study consolidates various variables and constructs of BS matters in the literature and practice into a meaningful framework for the management of BS in the construction industry.

Our lives in three parts: an autoethnographic account of two undergraduates and their respective psychiatric careers

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 197-205
Author(s):  
Andrew Voyce ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Clinical Psychologist ◽  
Recovery Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Recovery Movement ◽  
Partnership Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an autoethnographic account of the stories of a mental health professional and a mental health survivor. Design/methodology/approach Using the autoethnographic approach, the authors provide summaries of their respective psychiatric careers in three parts. Findings The authors studied at the same University, Reading. Voyce failed his Politics finals and embarked on a trajectory as a mental patient. Carson graduated in Psychology and trained as a clinical psychologist. The recovery movement brought them together, and they have now established an educational and personal bond. Research limitations/implications These are of course only two accounts, yet both authors have played a role in developing the recovery model in Britain. The accounts and story show the benefits of adopting a partnership approach between professional and service user. Practical implications Both accounts are recovery journeys in their own way. Both highlight the value of education for recovery. Social implications There is no doubt that clinical psychologists are both highly valued and well paid for their expertise. However, the expertise gained through Andrew’s life experience is equally invaluable for today’s mental health professionals to learn from, but perhaps not as well remunerated. Originality/value Both accounts stretch back over 45 years and have covered the move from institutional to community care. This paper presents two contrasting perspectives on these changes and the lives of the two people involved.

Therapy with exonerated clients: review and recommendations

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirk Heilbrun ◽  
Sarah Fishel ◽  
Claire Lankford ◽  
Mina Ratkalkar
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Treatment Interventions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Structured Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The conviction of innocent individuals has emerged as an international concern, resulting in substantial attention to the legal needs that stem from exoneration. However, many other challenges can also arise in the aftermath of an exoneration, including financial, psychosocial and mental health needs. Relatively little has been written about the particular reentry needs of individuals who are exonerated of their charges, and even fewer studies have considered the effectiveness of various treatment approaches. The purpose of this paper is to reviews the available literature, identifies gaps and provides clinical recommendations for the development of treatment interventions for exonerees. Design/methodology/approach The research addressing the needs and challenges that arise in the aftermath of exoneration is reviewed and analysed for implications that can guide treatment-planning in this area. Findings This paper reviews key finds from the literature and provides recommendations for developing a semi-structured approach to treating exonerees. Practical implications Practical applications for the development of effective therapeutic interventions for exonerated individuals are identified and discussed. Originality/value Currently, there is very limited literature addressing the specific reentry needs and effective therapeutic interventions for exonerated individuals.

Two narratives: recovery journeys in mental health

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-110
Author(s):  
Andrew Voyce
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Medical Model ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Mental Health Recovery ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Recovery Models ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Model Approach

Purpose The purpose of this study is to compare lived recovery journeys in mental health with recovery models. Design/methodology/approach Unstructured interviews with prompts were conducted with two individuals. Findings Some recovery models correspond in part with the live experience of subjects. These narratives have personal emphasis that is incongruent with the highlighted models. In particular, the subjects have a place for therapeutic interventions, i.e. talking therapies and medication. Research limitations/implications The live experience of the two people with mental health issues crosses boundaries of recovery models. Relevant models include those used in peer support; however, they too do not fit exactly with the detailed journeys. Practical implications A varied approach without preconceptions is appropriate to understand the components of these two recovery journeys. Social implications The medical model approach to mental health is not discounted rather it is integral to these two recovery journeys. Originality/value This is qualitative research using stated models of mental health recovery. In addition to the principles of hope, meaning, connectedness, identity and empowerment, the two subjects include the essential part for medication and talking therapies in their recovery.

Deterioration and the long term prisoner: a descriptive analysis of Myra Hindley

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-126
Author(s):  
Mark Pettigrew
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Prison Sentence ◽  
Female Prisoner ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Life Without Parole ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Natural Life

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore supposed inevitable personal decline for long-term prisoners, particularly those serving a sentence of life without parole. Design/methodology/approach – Using the prison records of a life without parole sentenced prisoner. Findings – Findings suggest that prisoner deterioration is not inevitable in a whole life prison sentence. Research limitations/implications – Findings are based on one account, of a female prisoner. Practical implications – Distinct services and support are required for those with a natural life prison sentence. Originality/value – To date, there is limited research of prisoners serving life without parole, particularly the mental health implications of denying a prisoner future parole.

Recovery and dementia: promoting choice and challenging controversy

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 297-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Louise Hammond ◽  
Conrad Debney
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Content Type ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
The World ◽  
Key Concepts ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
Person With Dementia ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a viewpoint about why people with dementia should be able to choose Recovery and how this approach might be experienced by them. Design/methodology/approach This paper addresses some key challenges to accepting Recovery as an approach for people with dementia by making comparisons with people with mental health difficulties. It then discusses key concepts of Recovery using the connectedness, hope, identity, meaning and empowerment framework and how each one might be experienced by the person with dementia. Findings The challenges which cause concerns about the applicability of Recovery to people with dementia are shared by people with mental health difficulties, therefore Recovery should be perceived as an approach suitable for anyone regardless of their diagnosis. Recovery for people with dementia could mean: connecting to the self, others and the world to promote feelings of purposefulness; having hope for the here and now; preserving one’s identity; finding meaning in retaining skills and incorporating dementia into one’s life; and, feeling empowered by keeping one’s mind working, adopting a positive attitude, having control and making decisions. Practical implications People with dementia can choose to access Recovery, and commonly voiced concerns can be answered and supported with evidence. Originality/value This is one of the only papers written to provide an understanding of how Recovery might be experienced by people living with dementia, and directly answers some concerns.

Nurses’ views about unlicensed and off-license medicines in forensic mental health

2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 194-202
Author(s):  
Camilla M. Haw ◽  
Jean H. Stubbs ◽  
Geoffrey L. Dickens
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Forensic Mental Health ◽  
Pragmatic Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mental Health Nurses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unlicensed Medicines ◽  
Mental Health Settings ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Use of off-license medicines in forensic mental health settings is common and unlicensed drugs are sometimes prescribed. Despite their responsibility for administering medicines little is known about how mental health nurses view these practices. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 50 mental health nurses working in low and medium secure adolescent and adult mental health wards were presented with a clinical vignette about administration of unlicensed and off-license medicines. Semi-structured interviews about their likely clinical response to, and feelings about, this practice were conducted. Interview data were subject to a thematic analysis. Findings – Analysis revealed six themes: status of unlicensed/off-label medicines; legality of administering unlicensed medicines; professional standards around administering unlicensed medicines; finding out more about unlicensed medicines; trusting medical colleagues; and decision making in uncertain cases. Practical implications – Forensic mental health nurses take a pragmatic approach to the practice of administering unlicensed medicines and most are aware of their professional responsibilities. Originality/value – This study provides the first evidence to inform the development of training for forensic mental health nurses about an issue that is common in forensic mental health practice.

The experiences of autistic adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK and implications for autism services development

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bettina Riese ◽  
Raja A.S. Mukherjee
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Autistic Adults ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Ongoing Support ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose COVID-19 has been challenging for many in the UK. This is no different to many with autism spectrum disorder. Based on the experiences and issues raised by a small group of autistic women in an ongoing support group, consideration if this holds true for the wider adult autistic community across further lockdowns and restrictions to public life was explored. Design/methodology/approach An online questionnaire was created based on the issues raised. Participants indicated the degree to which they agreed or disagreed with each statement. Findings Autistic adults experienced an increase in anxiety and poor mental health, which in turn has exacerbated autistic features, such as rigidity. The data indicates that autistic adults can adapt to change provided there is support in maintaining routines. Research limitations/implications The research is limited due to the small number of participants (N = 120), as well as national variations in service provision. Practical implications Our data raises wider questions about the nature of support for autistic adults without cognitive impairments during times of crises and how services can respond and may even be shaped in the future to provide support that is cost-effective and relevant to autistic adults. Social implications To ensure that services have an awareness of how crises impact on autistic adults and how relatively simple changes may avert poor mental health. Originality/value That the creation of local support networks, and the ability to access these, is a key feature of autism-specific support.

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