Evaluating telephone and online psychological support and referral

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-175
Author(s):  
Andrew Hawkins ◽  
Jasper Odgers ◽  
Amanda Reeves ◽  
Alicia McCoy
Keyword(s):  
Help Seeking ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Reality Testing ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviour ◽  
The One ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Solution Focused ◽  
Health Counselling

Mental health counselling and support over the telephone or internet is increasingly common. Evaluating effectiveness requires outcome measures and understanding factors driving behaviour. This article describes a theory-driven evaluation of the one-month outcomes of a short-term solution-focused support session for anxiety or depression with a counsellor. The primary aim of the evaluation was to measure the outcomes of this session on service users’ help-seeking behaviour. It also sought to understand reasons for behaviour based on behaviour change theory. A secondary aim was to measure changes in feelings of stress and coping before and after the session, and collect evidence of the value of the service in terms of ‘consumer-defined recovery’. The evaluation found the service was effective, with the overwhelming majority taking some action, being more engaged with a health professional, having reduced feelings of distress, increased confidence to cope and less hopelessness. Improvements for service users included ‘reality testing’ the advice given and building commitment or intent to follow the advice, and ‘rehearsing’ so service users can demonstrate to themselves they have the skills required and can overcome any obstacles to following the advice.

scholarly journals Exploring the use and experience of an infant feeding genogram to facilitate an assets-based approach to support infant feeding

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gill Thomson ◽  
Jenny Ingram ◽  
Joanne L Clarke ◽  
Debbie Johnson ◽  
Heather Trickey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviour ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background: A lack of perceived social support influences women’s infant feeding behaviours. The Infant Feeding Genogram is a visual co-constructed diagram which details people/services that can provide support to women and can facilitate a connection between mothers and their existing assets landscape. The aim of this study is to explore women’s and infant feeding helpers’ experiences and use of an infant feeding genogram delivered to the intervention group of the Assets-based infant feeding help Before and After birth (ABA) randomised feasibility trial. Methods: 103 primiparous mothers aged 16+ years were recruited to the trial in two sites (Site A and Site B) with low breastfeeding prevalence in the UK. Infant feeding helpers (IFHs) co-constructed a genogram at the first antenatal meeting for the intervention group (n=50), and then provided proactive, woman-centered support from ~32 weeks gestation to up to 5 months postnatal. Infant feeding helpers and women’s experiences of the infant feeding genogram were collected via interviews or focus groups. Completed genograms were shared with researchers. Content analysis of the genograms and qualitative data from the interviews and focus groups were analysed thematically. Results: Data comprised 32 completed genograms, and qualitative insights from all 13 infant feeding helpers (two focus groups; 4 interviews) and interviews with a purposive sample of 21 of 50 intervention group women between 4-21 weeks after birth. Content analysis of the genograms highlighted variations, with more personal, individualised genograms completed at Site B compared to Site A. The perceived impact of the genogram was related to the IFHs’ application of the tool. The genogram was either used as intended to raise women’s awareness of available assets and motivate help-seeking behaviour, or as a data collection tool with limited perceived utility. Negative and positive unintended consequences of genogram use were highlighted. Conclusions: The genogram has the potential to offer a woman, family and community-centred approach that focusses on building assets for infant feeding. However, variations in genogram application indicate that revised training is required to clarify the purpose and ensure it is used as intended.

Medroxy-progesterone acetate administration to ovariohysterectomized, oestradiol-primed beagle bitches Effect on secretion of growth hormone, prolactin and cortisol

1987 ◽  
Vol 114 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. R. Rutteman ◽  
R. Stolp ◽  
A. Rijnberk ◽  
S. Loeffler ◽  
J. A. Bakker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Hormone ◽  
Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone ◽  
Cortisol Secretion ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Releasing Hormone ◽  
Lysine Vasopressin ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
The One ◽  
Short Term Effects

Abstract. Growth hormone (GH), prolactin (Prl) and cortisol secretion was studied in 5 ovariohysterectomized dogs before and after oestradiol implantation and medroxy-progesterone acetate (MPA) administration. MPA was given at regular intervals during a period of 10 months in a total of 12 injections. Short-term effects of oestradiol were restricted to significantly enhanced Prl responses to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). MPA treatment after oestradiol implantation resulted in significanly elevated basal GH levels in all dogs, with a continuing increase in one dog. Only in the latter dog was a significant decrease in basal Prl levels seen. MPA administration did not significantly change Prl responses to TRH. The GH responses to clonidine were significantly reduced at 9 and 16 weeks of oestradiol and MPA treatment. In the one dog which exhibited the greatest rise in basal GH levels, GH responses were completely abolished at 9, 16 and 43 weeks of oestradiol and MPA treatment. TRH never evoked significant GH responses. Both basal and lysine-vasopressin (LVP)-stimulated cortisol levels were significantly suppressed during combined oestradiol-MPA treatment. These findings denote that in the dog. 1) Oestradiol rapidly induces an enhanced Prl response to TRH. 2) The oestradiol-MPA induced GH overproduction is associated with a reduced responsiveness of GH to clonidine and is not accompanied by GH responsiveness to TRH. 3) Oestradiol-MPA treatment suppresses both basal and LVP-stimulated cortisol secretion.

scholarly journals Algorithmic Music for Therapy: Effectiveness and Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (19) ◽  
pp. 8833
Author(s):  
Alfredo Raglio ◽  
Paola Baiardi ◽  
Giuseppe Vizzari ◽  
Marcello Imbriani ◽  
Mauro Castelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Musical Training ◽  
Music Listening ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Musical Excerpts ◽  
Algorithmic Music ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Therapy Effectiveness ◽  
Listening Experience ◽  
The One

This study assessed the short-term effects of conventional (i.e., human-composed) and algorithmic music on the relaxation level. It also investigated whether algorithmic compositions are perceived as music and are distinguishable from human-composed music. Three hundred twenty healthy volunteers were recruited and randomly allocated to two groups where they listened to either their preferred music or algorithmic music. Another 179 healthy subjects were allocated to four listening groups that respectively listened to: music composed and performed by a human, music composed by a human and performed by a machine; music composed by a machine and performed by a human, music composed and performed by a machine. In the first experiment, participants underwent one of the two music listening conditions—preferred or algorithmic music—in a comfortable state. In the second one, participants were asked to evaluate, through an online questionnaire, the musical excerpts they listened to. The Visual Analogue Scale was used to evaluate their relaxation levels before and after the music listening experience. Other outcomes were evaluated through the responses to the questionnaire. The relaxation level obtained with the music created by the algorithms is comparable to the one achieved with preferred music. Statistical analysis shows that the relaxation level is not affected by the composer, the performer, or the existence of musical training. On the other hand, the perceived effect is related to the performer. Finally, music composed by an algorithm and performed by a human is not distinguishable from that composed by a human.

scholarly journals Exploring the use and experience of an infant feeding genogram to facilitate an assets-based approach to support infant feeding

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gill Thomson ◽  
Jenny Ingram ◽  
Joanne L Clarke ◽  
Debbie Johnson ◽  
Heather Trickey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviour ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background A lack of perceived social support influences women’s infant feeding behaviours. The Infant Feeding Genogram is a visual co-constructed diagram which details people/services that can provide support to women and can facilitate a connection between mothers and their existing assets landscape. The aim of this study is to explore women’s and infant feeding helpers’ experiences and use of an infant feeding genogram delivered to the intervention group of the Assets-based infant feeding help Before and After birth (ABA) randomised feasibility trial. Methods 103 primiparous mothers aged 16+ years were recruited to the trial in two sites (Site A and Site B) with low breastfeeding prevalence in the UK. Infant feeding helpers co-constructed a genogram at the first antenatal meeting for the intervention group, and then provided proactive, woman-centered support from ~32 weeks gestation to up to 5 months postnatal. Infant feeding helpers and women’s experiences of the infant feeding genogram were collected via interviews or focus groups. Completed genograms were shared with researchers. Content analysis of the genograms and qualitative data from the interviews and focus groups were analysed thematically. Results Data comprised 32 completed genograms, and qualitative insights from all 13 infant feeding helpers (two focus groups; 4 interviews) and interviews with a purposive sample of 21 of 50 intervention group women between 4-21 weeks after birth. Content analysis of the genograms highlighted variations, with more personal, individualised genograms completed at Site B compared to Site A. The perceived impact of the genogram was related to the IFHs’ application of the tool. The genogram was either used as intended to raise women’s awareness of available assets and motivate help-seeking behaviour, or as a data collection tool with limited perceived utility. Negative and positive unintended consequences of genogram use were highlighted.Discussion/Conclusion The genogram has the potential to offer a woman, family and community-centred approach that focusses on building assets for infant feeding. However, variations in genogram application indicate that revised training is required to clarify the purpose and ensure it is used as intended.

https://threequayspublishing.com/product/exploring-the-use-of-safety-strategies-by-victims-of-interpersonal-violence-a-systematic-review/

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-54
Author(s):  
Thomas Nally ◽  
◽  
Jane L. Ireland ◽  
Philip Birch ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Interpersonal Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Seeking Safety ◽  
Multiple Strategies ◽  
Safety Strategies ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Seeking Help ◽  
And Coping

This systematic review analysed 61 papers, from an initial search result of 3,540 papers, to explore how victims of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and interpersonal violence manage their victimisation. The review yielded five themes, centred on evidence for safety strategies adopted by those affected by IPV or interpersonal violence. These comprised; Victims seek help following interpersonal violence; Victims of interpersonal violence experience barriers to seeking help; Victims use multiple strategies to manage experiences of abuse; Victims of interpersonal violence cope in multiple ways; The help-seeking behaviours of victims are contextual. The findings indicated that victims of IPV and interpersonal violence utilise a range of strategies, including help-seeking, safety enhancing strategies and coping strategies, in response to their victimisation. It also indicated that there are significant barriers preventing help-seeking and victimisation reporting. The findings are discussed in relation to the help seeking behaviour of victims and how this may be impacted by barriers at different stages of the help-seeking process.

scholarly journals The Use of Online CB-ART Interventions in the Context of COVID-19: Enhancing Salutogenic Coping

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 2057
Author(s):  
Dorit Segal-Engelchin ◽  
Ephrat Huss ◽  
Orly Sarid
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Coping Resources ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Single Session ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Art Intervention ◽  
Reflective Intervention ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
The Individual ◽  
And Coping

Community crises require the provision of short-term reflective intervention methods to help service users identify stressors, and access and intensify their adaptive coping. Here, we demonstrate the use of a single-session online cognitive behavioral- and art-based (CB-ART) intervention within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this method, the individual draws three images: his/her COVID-19-related stress, his/her perceived resources, and an integration of stress and resources. This method provided a reflective space in which individuals could identify their experienced stressors, acknowledge their coping resources, and integrate these two elements within the context of the current pandemic. In this article, we use illustrative examples from a study implemented during the first national lockdown in Israel and present a tool that can be easily implemented by mental-health professionals in ongoing community crises. The aims of this intervention were to co-create knowledge with service users, access their self-defined needs and strengths, and enhance their coping by enabling them to view stress and coping as part of the salutogenic continuum.

scholarly journals A Novel Physical Therapy Method of Treating Myofascial Pain Due to Muscle Spasm and Shortening

Folia Medica ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Assen R. Aleksiev
Keyword(s):  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Visual Analogue Scale ◽  
Analogue Scale ◽  
Myofascial Pain ◽  
Muscle Spasm ◽  
Term Effect ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Muscle Imbalance ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The One

ABSTRACT AIM: Evaluation of the effect of a novel physical therapy method - post-isometric relaxation taping (PIR-taping) - compared with the effect of a conventional postisometric relaxation (PIR) in the treatment of outpatients with myofascial pain as a result of muscle spasm and shortening of static muscles, resulting in muscle imbalance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study recruited 320 outpatients with myofascial pain due to muscle spasm and shortening, resulting in muscle imbalance in one of 8 kinetic segments. We treated randomly 8 groups of 20 patients by PIR and 8 matched groups by PIR-taping. The treatment consisted of one procedure daily (PIR or PIR-taping) with duration of 10 minutes for 10 working days. The pain was assessed by a visual analogue scale before and after each procedure. RESULTS: The pain decreased significantly after the treatment course in each group (p < 0.05), but no difference was found between any pair of groups (p > 0.05). The pain before the next PIR procedure tended to increase in comparison with the pain after a previous one, unlike the pain in PIR-taping treatment which tended to decrease. Pain intensity after PIR procedure decreased significantly compared with the pain after a previous one (p < 0.05), while in PIR-taping - after two previous procedures (p < 0.05). Treatment with PIR increased pain significantly during the weekends (p < 0.05), while in treatment with PIR-taping the pain decreased insignificantly during the weekends (p > 0.05). The pain reduced significantly after PIR procedure (p < 0.05), as well as after PIR-taping procedure (p < 0.05). The pain after PIR procedure was significantly lower than that after PIR-taping procedure (p < 0.05), although the pain before PIR procedure was statistically equal with the one before PIR-taping procedure (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Despite the better short-term effect of PIR versus PIR-taping, there was no difference between the final results of both methods, due to the continuous (24-hour) effect of PIR-taping.

scholarly journals Infant colic and breastfeeding – is there a connection?

2019 ◽  
pp. 23-27
Author(s):  
S. I. Zhdanova ◽  
N. K. Gabitova ◽  
F. V. Shagimardanova ◽  
F. A. Ishkina ◽  
G. F. Abdulmyanova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Help Seeking ◽  
Parental Anxiety ◽  
Supplemental Feeding ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Infant Colic ◽  
The One ◽  
Duration Of Breastfeeding ◽  
Based Medicine ◽  
The Relationship

Infant colic is a common cause of parental anxiety and, as a result, help-seeking behaviour. However, the relationship between breastfeeding and colic is currently not fully understood. The article presents data from various studies of the relationship between breastfeeding and colic. On the one hand, the severity of infant colic may lead to the early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding due to the mother’s fear that the baby’s crying is the result of the ineffectiveness of breastfeeding and the unreasonable transition to supplemental feeding. On the other hand, many authors have identified the protective effect of breastfeeding in relation to infant colic a less pronounced degree of infant colic is reported in the group of children, who are breastfed as compared to the children, who are formula-fed. Therefore, the task of the paediatrician is to provide competent counselling for the anxious parents of an infant with colic using evidence-based medicine (EBM) databases, which will help preserve the mother’s breastfeeding. In most cases, due to competent counselling of the parents, the severity of infant colic may be reduced by improving the quality of breastfeeding (ensuring proper breast grabbing to reduce aerophagy, increasing the proportion of consumption of the so-called «back» milk), reducing anxiety of the parents and increasing the perception of breastfeeding self-efficacy levels by mothers. This may increase the duration of breastfeeding of the infants with infant colic.

Short-Term Effects of an Intervention to Prevent Bullying on First-Grade Secondary School Children of Palermo, Italy: The "BIAS" Study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio Costantino ◽  
Alessandra Casuccio ◽  
Claudia Marotta ◽  
Stefania Enza Bono ◽  
Gianmarco Ventura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preventive Intervention ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
First Grade ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Verbal Bullying ◽  
Indirect Bullying ◽  
The One ◽  
Short Term Effects

The Bullying in Sicilian School study aimed to investigate the prevalence of bullying and the short-term effects on the students&rsquo; perception of bullying after a preventive intervention conducted among teachers of first-grade secondary schools of Palermo, Sicily (Italy). Between the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 school years, a pre-post intervention study was conducted among ten schools sampled and categorized by neighbourhood socio-economic index. A questionnaire investigating physical, verbal and indirect bullying, observers role, prosociality and resiliency in bullying phenomena was administered before and after a formative cascade-training intervention on teachers of the selected classes. 428 students participated the study (70.8% response rate). A decrease in the bullying episodes after the intervention carried out was reported by students in all areas explored. The verbal bullying was the one that demonstrated the most significant decrease, together with physical bullying and observer area. In particular, a statistically significant decrease was reported for students of schools with an intermediate socioeconomic level. The encouraging results obtained in reducing bullying episodes, together with its low cost of human and economic resources, could suggest the research extension on a regional/national scale.

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