scholarly journals Design of a brief psychological intervention for youth who self-harm: a formative study in India

2020 ◽  
pp. ebmental-2020-300188
Author(s):  
Shilpa Aggarwal ◽  
George Patton ◽  
Michael Berk ◽  
Vikram Patel
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Sequential Approach ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Context Specific

BackgroundThere is an urgent need for context-specific research leading to development of scalable interventions to address self-harm and suicide in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).ObjectiveThe current study was conducted to determine the contents of a psychological intervention to reduce recurrence of self-harm and improve functioning in youth who self-harm in India and finalise its delivery mechanisms.MethodsA systematic, sequential approach was used to integrate available scientific evidence, expert service providers’ knowledge and experience, and service users’ lived experiences in the codesigning and development of a psychological intervention. The steps included: identifying prioritised outcomes for youth who self-harm as well as a selection of feasible and acceptable elements from self-harm interventions that have been trialled in LMICs, intervention development workshops with mental health professionals and youth to finalise elements, a review of relevant treatment manuals to decide on the treatment framework, and finalising the treatment structure and schedule in the second round of intervention development workshops.FindingsWe developed ATMAN treatment with three key elements; problem solving, emotion regulation and social network strengthening skills. The delivery schedule emphasises on the engagement elements, and allows for involvement of other stakeholders such as family members when acceptable to the clients.Conclusion and clinical implicationsATMAN treatment could prove to be especially effective in reducing self-harm recurrence in youth in India due to its brief schedule, elements that have been selected in collaboration with the service users and its potential to be scaled up for delivery by non-specialist treatment providers.

Residential staff responses to adolescent self-harm: The helpful and unhelpful

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 443-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan R Johnson ◽  
Kirstin Ferguson ◽  
Jennifer Copley
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Support Service ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Staff Support ◽  
Secure Care ◽  
Residential Staff ◽  
Self Harm

Adolescent self-harm is prevalent in residential and secure care and is the cause of distress to those harming themselves, to the staff caring for them and for other young people living with them. This article sought service user views on what staff supports were effective and what were counter-productive in order to improve the care offered to young people. Seven young people living in residential or secure care were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to elicit key themes. Global themes of safety and care were elicited. The young people understood and accepted that the role of staff was to provide these. Within these themes, they noted numerous responses that had both helpful and unhelpful effects, including increased observation, removal of means and extra collaborative support. Service users made numerous recommendations to increase the helpful effects of staff support. Young people provided informed and helpful guidance on how best to care for them. Their views can help mental health professionals and care staff increase their helpful responses making them more effective and less counter-productive. This study is a rare representation of the views of young people in residential and secure care and how to respond to their self-harm behaviour.

scholarly journals A collaboratively derived international research agenda on legislative science advice

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Akerlof ◽  
Chris Tyler ◽  
Sarah Elizabeth Foxen ◽  
Erin Heath ◽  
Marga Gual Soler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Social Programs ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Environment And Health ◽  
Science Advice ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Global Agenda

Abstract The quantity and complexity of scientific and technological information provided to policymakers have been on the rise for decades. Yet little is known about how to provide science advice to legislatures, even though scientific information is widely acknowledged as valuable for decision-making in many policy domains. We asked academics, science advisers, and policymakers from both developed and developing nations to identify, review and refine, and then rank the most pressing research questions on legislative science advice (LSA). Experts generally agree that the state of evidence is poor, especially regarding developing and lower-middle income countries. Many fundamental questions about science advice processes remain unanswered and are of great interest: whether legislative use of scientific evidence improves the implementation and outcome of social programs and policies; under what conditions legislators and staff seek out scientific information or use what is presented to them; and how different communication channels affect informational trust and use. Environment and health are the highest priority policy domains for the field. The context-specific nature of many of the submitted questions—whether to policy issues, institutions, or locations—suggests one of the significant challenges is aggregating generalizable evidence on LSA practices. Understanding these research needs represents a first step in advancing a global agenda for LSA research.

”When You’re in the Hospital, You’re in a Sort of Bubble.”

Crisis ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 154-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Owen-Smith ◽  
Olive Bennewith ◽  
Jenny Donovan ◽  
Jonathan Evans ◽  
Keith Hawton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experience ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Depth Interviews

Background: Individuals are at a greatly increased risk of suicide and self-harm in the months following discharge from psychiatric hospital, yet little is known about the reasons for this. Aims: To investigate the lived experience of psychiatric discharge and explore service users’ experiences following discharge. Method: In-depth interviews were undertaken with recently discharged service users (n = 10) in the UK to explore attitudes to discharge and experiences since leaving hospital. Results: Informants had mixed attitudes to discharge, and those who had not felt adequately involved in discharge decisions, or disagreed with them, had experienced urges to self-harm since being discharged. Accounts revealed a number of factors that made the postdischarge period difficult; these included both the reemergence of stressors that existed prior to hospitalization and a number of stressors that were prompted or exacerbated by hospitalization. Conclusion: Although inferences that can be drawn from the study are limited by the small sample size, the results draw attention to a number of factors that could be investigated further to help explain the high risk of suicide and self-harm following psychiatric discharge. Findings emphasize the importance of adequate preparation for discharge and the maintenance of ongoing relationships with known service providers where possible.

Psychoeducation: priorities of service users and service providers

2011 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-86
Author(s):  
Mohamed Ahmed ◽  
Michael Reilly ◽  
Carol Cassidy ◽  
Laura Mannion
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Day Hospital ◽  
Study Questionnaire

AbstractObjectives: The objective of this study was to ascertain the topics patients and mental health professionals thought should be covered in a psychoeducation programme at a day hospital.Methods: Patients at the psychiatric day hospital and mental health professionals were invited to complete the study questionnaire. Replies from 101 participants were analysed.Results: The patients and mental health professionals generally agreed regarding the topics to be covered in the eight-week psychoeducation programme. Patients tended to score ‘suicide’ as more important than did the mental health professionals.Conclusions: Patients in a day hospital setting and mental health professionals share similar concerns about what information needs to be imparted about the patients' illnesses. However, suicide is seen by patients as a more important topic in such a setting.

scholarly journals Accessing and Utilizing One’s City Space: The Role of Specialized Community Mental Health Teams in Brazil and Canada

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-100
Author(s):  
Emmanuelle Khoury ◽  
Isabelle Ruelland
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Community Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
City Space ◽  
Mental Health Programs ◽  
The City

Community mental health programs have garnered significant attention during the last decade. In this paper we ask to what extent these programs impact the capacity of service users to move around in the city space. Drawing on case studies from ethnographic research conducted in Campinas (Brazil) and Montréal (Canada), which included semi-structured interviews with a total of 16 service users and 49 mental health professionals, we explore the significance of urban mobility as part of service users’ mental health recovery and service providers’ practice. Findings suggest that service providers play a key role in facilitating meaningful mobility in the city space.

scholarly journals Recovery and practice-based evidence: reconnecting the diverging discourses in mental health

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Padraig Collins ◽  
Sarah Crowe
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Pragmatic Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Improve Treatment ◽  
Collaborative Working

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the discourses which exist around the alleviation of mental distress, from the different perspective of mental health professionals and service users. It then looks at the use of “practice-based evidence” as a means of bringing together these two diverging discourses. Design/methodology/approach Literature on the discourses which exist around the cause and treatment of mental distress, from the perspective of professionals and service users, is first explored. Differences between these two discourses are identified, as are theoretical and practical limitations of current professional diagnostic and treatment paradigms. Finally the use of practice-based evidence as a means of bridging the gap between these two discourses is outlined. Findings This paper highlights marked differences between the discourse which exists for professionals, and that for service users, around alleviating mental distress. The use of practice-based evidence is explored, not only as a means of bringing these two varying discourses together, but also as a tool which could help to improve treatment outcome in a way which is more inclusive of service users and fits with both empiricism and a broader recovery ethos. Originality/value This paper applies a “practice-based evidence” approach to bringing together the divergent perspectives regarding mental health of service providers and users. In doing so it provides a practical and pragmatic approach to true collaborative working.

An Exploration of Aftercare Services for Female Drug Users

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Talent Mhangwa ◽  
Madhu Kasiram ◽  
Sibonsile Zibane
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Rehabilitation Centre ◽  
Aftercare Services ◽  
Data Source ◽  
Female Drug Users ◽  
Depth Interviews

The number of female drug users has been on the rise in South Africa, with statistics reflecting a rise in the number of women who attend treatment centres annually. This article presents empirical data from a broader qualitative study which aimed to explore perceptions concerning the effectiveness of aftercare programmes for female recovering drug users. The main data source was transcripts of in-depth interviews and focus groups with both service users and service providers from a designated rehabilitation centre in Gauteng, South Africa. Framed within a biopsychosocial-spiritual model, this article explores the perceptions and meanings which the female recovering drug users and the service providers attach to aftercare programmes. The findings of the research outlined the range of factors promoting recovery, alongside noteworthy suggestions for improvement in aftercare services. While acknowledging multiple influences on behaviour, this article highlights the significance of these findings in planning and implementing holistic aftercare programmes.

Now they’re listening: involvement in clinical psychology training

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-29
Author(s):  
Laura Lea ◽  
Sue Holttum ◽  
Victoria Butters ◽  
Diana Byrne ◽  
Helen Cable ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Clinical Psychology ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Service User ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Psychology Training ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Clinical Psychology Training ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe 2014/2015 UK requirement for involvement of service users and carers in training mental health professionals has prompted the authors to review the work of involvement in clinical psychology training in the university programme. Have the voices of service users and carers been heard? The paper aims to discuss this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe authors update the paper of 2011 in which the authors described the challenges of inclusion and the specific approaches the authors take to involvement. The authors do this in the context of the recent change to UK standards for service user and carer involvement, and recent developments in relation to partnership working and co-production in mental healthcare. The authors describe the work carried out by the authors – members of a service user involvement group at a UK university – to ensure the voices of people affected by mental health difficulties are included in all aspects of training.FindingsCareful work and the need for dedicated time is required to enable inclusive, effective and comprehensive participation in a mental health training programme. It is apparent that there is a group of service users whose voice is less heard: those who are training to be mental health workers.Social implicationsFor some people, involvement has increased. Trainee mental health professionals’ own experience of distress may need more recognition and valuing.Originality/valueThe authors are in a unique position to review a service-user-led project, which has run for 12 years, whose aim has been to embed involvement in training. The authors can identify both achievements and challenges.

scholarly journals Modelling the COVID-19 pandemic in context: an international participatory approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
pp. e003126
Author(s):  
Ricardo Aguas ◽  
Lisa White ◽  
Nathaniel Hupert ◽  
Rima Shretta ◽  
Wirichada Pan-Ngum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Models ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Participatory Approach ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Containment Measures ◽  
History Of ◽  
High Degree ◽  
The Mathematical Model

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on multiple levels of society. Not only has the pandemic completely overwhelmed some health systems but it has also changed how scientific evidence is shared and increased the pace at which such evidence is published and consumed, by scientists, policymakers and the wider public. More significantly, the pandemic has created tremendous challenges for decision-makers, who have had to implement highly disruptive containment measures with very little empirical scientific evidence to support their decision-making process. Given this lack of data, predictive mathematical models have played an increasingly prominent role. In high-income countries, there is a long-standing history of established research groups advising policymakers, whereas a general lack of translational capacity has meant that mathematical models frequently remain inaccessible to policymakers in low-income and middle-income countries. Here, we describe a participatory approach to modelling that aims to circumvent this gap. Our approach involved the creation of an international group of infectious disease modellers and other public health experts, which culminated in the establishment of the COVID-19 Modelling (CoMo) Consortium. Here, we describe how the consortium was formed, the way it functions, the mathematical model used and, crucially, the high degree of engagement fostered between CoMo Consortium members and their respective local policymakers and ministries of health.

scholarly journals Mental health of children with neurodevelopmental disorders during COVID-19: A brief report of family experiences from a low and middle income country

2021 ◽  
pp. 135910452110260
Author(s):  
Sowmyashree M Kaku
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
Similar Report ◽  
Low And Middle Income

COVID-19 has grossly impacted lives of people across the globe. In particular, children have also been affected due to closure of schools, therapy, and day care centers. Families have been challenged with new circumstances, and mental health professionals are coming up with novel ways to help these families who have children with mental health issues. This article describes experiences of families who have children with a diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder with comorbid mental health difficulties and their ways of coping with the pandemic challenges. The series will throw light on ground level experiences of families during the pandemic, give insights into their ways of adapting, and brings out problem areas which healthcare professionals must work on, to design novel ways of care. The case series is novel and a similar report has probably not been presented from India or other low and middle income countries.

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