scholarly journals The feasibility of establishing parent support groups for children with congenital Zika syndrome and their families: a mixed-methods study

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 158
Author(s):  
Tracey Smythe ◽  
Veronika Reichenberger ◽  
Elisa María Pinzón ◽  
Isabel Cristina Hurtado ◽  
Luisa Rubiano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Transport Costs ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Worker Training ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Congenital Zika Syndrome

Background: The Zika epidemic highlighted gaps in health and social care services for parents of children with developmental disabilities. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a 10-week support group, ‘Juntos’, as a community-based intervention for parents of children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) in Colombia. Methods: Two facilitators delivered ‘Juntos’ to four groups of 8-10 caregivers. One researcher observed each group. Data were collected from: observation notes from 40 sessions, focus group discussions held after each session, pre- post intervention questionnaires with 34 caregivers, and semi-structured interviews conducted with four facilitators, 12 caregivers and three stakeholders. We used the Bowen framework in data analysis. Results: Acceptability and demand for the intervention were high. ‘Juntos’ was largely delivered with fidelity. Practicality was facilitated by providing transport costs and selecting convenient locations. Adaption requirements included additional organisational and social media support. Community health worker training may support integration and the established groups could facilitate programme expansion; however, participants perceived lack of prioritisation as a limitation. Participants’ knowledge and confidence to care for their child improved after programme enrolment. Conclusion: Acceptability, demand and practicality of ‘Juntos’ is high. Yet implementation is challenged by existing health systems gaps in support of children with CZS.

scholarly journals An evaluation of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy sessions for people with dementia and a concomitant support group for their carers

Dementia ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 985-1003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Bailey ◽  
Paul Kingston ◽  
Simon Alford ◽  
Louise Taylor ◽  
Edward Tolhurst
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Impact

This research aimed to ascertain the impact of a pragmatic Cognitive Stimulation Therapy course of 10 sessions on the cognitive function of people living with dementia and whether attending a concomitant carers support group was beneficial to carers. A mixed method quasi-experimental approach was adopted; data were collected pre- and post-intervention. The quantitative arm utilised three validated questionnaires rated by the carers. Qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews with carers regarding their perceptions of the impact of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy and the carers support group. Quantitative data analysis found no statistically significant differences within or between groups. The qualitative data demonstrated that carers perceived Cognitive Stimulation Therapy had some benefits for the people living with dementia, especially social benefits. Carers also perceived that attending the carers support group was beneficial for them in terms of gaining a better understanding of dementia, developing coping skills and having peer support. The study was limited in scale and further research with a larger sample, using direct measures of the impact of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy with people living with dementia and supplementary research exploring which characteristic of carers support groups are effective would be worthwhile.

scholarly journals Medicines reablement in intermediate health and social care services

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (04) ◽  
pp. 305-315
Author(s):  
Kate Gerrish ◽  
Sara Laker ◽  
Sarah Wright ◽  
Wendy Stainrod
Keyword(s):  
Social Care ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Intermediate Care ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Self Administration ◽  
Frontline Staff ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Pharmacy Technicians

Aim To evaluate a medicines reablement initiative involving health and social care, to include consideration of the training package, proportion of patients reabled successfully, and patient and staff perspectives of the service. Background Intermediate care services provide short-term intervention to support patients with chronic conditions transition from hospital to community-based services and involves maximising patients’ independence through reablement. The term ‘medicines reablement’ describes the process of rehabilitating patients to be independent with their medication. Methods Pharmacy technicians led the medicines reablement initiative. They delivered a competency-based training programme for frontline health and social care staff. They assessed and set goals with patients to facilitate independence in self-administration of their medication. The pharmacy technicians provided on-going support to staff helping patients to reable. They reassessed patients after six weeks to determine if medicines reablement had been successful or whether further input was needed. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with pharmacy technicians, frontline staff, managers, and patients. Findings Twenty per cent of patients discharged from hospital to intermediate care were assessed to be suitable for medicines reablement. Of these patients, 44% were successfully reabled and a further 25% benefited from the input of a pharmacy technician. Patients and staff were positive about medicines reablement, emphasising the importance of patients attaining independence for self-administration of medication. Although following training, health and social care staff felt confident in facilitating medicines reablement they valued on-going access to pharmacy technicians for timely support, help with problem solving, and advice throughout the reablement process. Conclusion Medicines reablement can lead to patients becoming independent with taking medication and contribute to staff satisfaction. Pharmacy technicians can play an important part in delivering medicines reablement training to frontline staff and overseeing the reablement process. Further research examining medicines reablement is needed to develop a stronger evidence base.

scholarly journals Exploring utilisation of the allied health assistant workforce in the Victorian health, aged care and disability sectors

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Huglin ◽  
L. Whelan ◽  
S. McLean ◽  
K. Greer ◽  
D. Mitchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Health Assistant

Abstract Background Allied health assistants (AHAs) support allied health professionals (AHPs) to meet workforce demands in modern healthcare systems. Previous studies have indicated that AHAs may be underutilised in some contexts. This study aims to identify factors contributing to the effective utilisation of AHAs across health, aged care and disability sectors and possible pathway elements that may optimise AHA careers in Victoria. Methods Using an interpretive description approach data collection included a workforce survey and semi structured interviews (individual and group). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests and thematic analysis. Participants included allied health assistants, allied health professionals and allied health leaders in the health, aged care or disability sectors; educators, managers or student of allied health assistance training; and consumers of Victorian health, disability or aged care services. Results The literature scan identified numerous potential barriers to and enablers of AHA workforce utilisation. A total of 727 participants completed the survey consisting of AHAs (n = 284), AHPs & allied health leaders (n = 443). Thirteen group and 25 individual interviews were conducted with a total of 119 participants. Thematic analysis of the interview data identified four interrelated factors (system, training, individual and workplace) in pre-employment training and workplace environments. These factors were reported to contribute to effective utilisation of the AHA workforce across health, aged care and disability sectors. Study findings were also used to create a conceptual diagram of potential AHA career pathway elements. Conclusion This study identified pre-employment and workplace factors which may contribute to the optimal utilisation of the AHA workforce across Victorian health, aged care and disability sectors. Further study is needed to investigate the transferability of these findings to national and global contexts, and testing of the conceptual model.

scholarly journals Attitudes, knowledge and beliefs about dementia: focus group discussions with Pakistani adults in Karachi and Lahore

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (12) ◽  
pp. 2558-2573 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Farina ◽  
Asghar Zaidi ◽  
Rosalind Willis ◽  
Sara Balouch
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Severe Dementia ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Knowledge And Beliefs ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Normal Ageing ◽  
Barriers To Health

AbstractPakistan is a lower middle-income country, which to date has had very little research and policy making to address the challenge of dementia. This study aims to explore the perceptions of dementia in a group of Pakistani adults. A series of focus group discussions were completed during 2017 with men and women in two metropolitan centres in Pakistan (Lahore and Karachi) (N = 40). Two vignettes, depicting someone with mild dementia and someone with severe dementia, were used to facilitate discussions. An induction-led thematic analysis was completed. Five themes were identified, reflecting (a) dementia awareness, (b) responsibility, (c) barriers to health care, (d) identified support needs, and (e) religion. Most participants had little awareness and knowledge about dementia, commonly understood to be a disease of forgetting or just normal ageing. Thus, there is an urgent need of a nation-wide campaign to raise dementia awareness in Pakistan, though this needs to be accompanied by improved, accessible health and social care services.

scholarly journals Veterans Universal Passport: a pilot of a health and social care record for UK ex-service personnel

2020 ◽  
pp. jramc-2019-001288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Rose Godier-McBard ◽  
M Fossey
Keyword(s):  
Continuity Of Care ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Care Transitions ◽  
Patient Empowerment ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Service Personnel ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Health And Social Care

BackgroundThe transfer of care between different health and social care systems are often associated with poor outcomes and disengagement. Indeed, following the transition from military to civilian life, ex-service personnel report difficulties in navigating civilian health and social care services. Personal healthcare records are associated with a number of benefits, including improved continuity of care and patient empowerment. As such, this pilot project aimed to assess the benefits of the Veterans Universal Passport (VUP) in supporting UK ex-service personnel accessing NHS services.MethodsIn-depth semi-structured interviews were carried out with eight participants (three ex-service personnel, two carers, three health and social care professionals) who had used the VUP. Interviews explored the benefits, challenges and unmet needs associated with the VUP. A thematic analysis was used to identify themes within this framework.ResultsParticipants felt that the VUP improved continuity of care and promoted a feeling of control over care. The military-specific nature of the VUP promoted a sense of identity and provided a ‘support scaffold’ for navigating the complexities of the civilian healthcare system. Challenges included awareness among health and social care professionals, and engagement of users. All participants suggested development into a digital application.ConclusionsFindings suggest that the VUP had a positive impact on veterans’ access to civilian health and social care services, highlighting that it provided a much-needed structure to their journey through treatment. Considering the parallels with other health and social care transitions, translation for other populations may be beneficial.

scholarly journals Engagement of Fathers in Parent Group Interventions for Children with Congenital Zika Syndrome: A Qualitative Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (20) ◽  
pp. 3862 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracey Smythe ◽  
Antony Duttine ◽  
Ana Carolina Dias Vieira ◽  
Barbara da Silveira Madeira de Castro ◽  
Hannah Kuper
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Opportunity To Learn ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Potential Barriers ◽  
Congenital Zika Syndrome ◽  
Program Data

We aimed to explore the engagement of fathers in a community-based group intervention (Juntos) for children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) and their caregivers in Brazil. Six Juntos groups were facilitated from August 2017 to May 2018. We conducted a qualitative study to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention for fathers of children with CZS. Methods included participant observation, focus group discussions, and semi-structured interviews of fathers with a child enrolled in the program. Data collected were transcribed, coded and thematically analyzed to explore father preference for, and beliefs about the intervention and to assess potential barriers and enablers to their involvement. Forty-nine families (61 participants) enrolled, of whom 20% (12/61) were fathers. Seven (58%) fathers attended more than 7 out of 10 sessions. The content of Juntos was found to be acceptable to those fathers who attended. Participation in the group offered fathers the opportunity to share experiences of caring for their child and demonstrate their importance as care agents. Work commitments, and the view of mothers as primary caregivers were barriers to engagement of fathers. Facilitators to engagement included a presentation of clear objectives for fathers’ involvement and the opportunity to learn a practical skill related to caring for their child. A better understanding of the perspectives of fathers is crucial to help increase their involvement in parenting interventions.

scholarly journals Exhausted and trapped in isolation. Caring for a spouse with dementia during the Covid-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 800-801
Author(s):  
Lena Hammar ◽  
Marcus Johansson ◽  
Lena Dahlberg ◽  
Kevin J McKee ◽  
Martina Summer-Meranius
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Home Care Services ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Day Care Centers ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Transportation Service ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Rapid Changes

Abstract Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, spouse carers of persons with dementia (PwDs) found their care responsibilities overwhelming and had little time to focus on their own lives. To minimize the risk of being infected with Covid-19, older persons are recommended to self-isolate in their homes, while formal support such as respite care and day care centers are withdrawn. This study involved semi-structured interviews with 24 spouse carers of community-living PwDs, with the aim of describing their situation during the pandemic. The interviews were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Results revealed that they commonly declined help because of the perceived risk of their spouse being infected with Covid-19 and thus also possibly causing their death. They described feelings of being trapped in their situation, as they experienced having no choice than take all responsibility for the care of their partner themselves, with cost of being unable to take necessary breaks. This was described as making an already strained situation almost unbearable, which led to conflicts with their partner. However, the spouses also described positive aspects due to strategic changes in health and social care provision to prevent the spread of the virus, such as greater staff continuity in home care services, and patient transportation service. These made the PwD less stressed and influenced their everyday life positively. It could be concluded that the extent burden during the Covid-19 pandemic calls for extensive development of tailored support to better tackle the rapid changes that can occur in a society.

Experiences of Occupational Performance in Survivors of Stroke Attending Peer Support Groups

2020 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 173-181
Author(s):  
Sachindri Wijekoon ◽  
Whitney Wilson ◽  
Nicolette Gowan ◽  
Ludmilla Ferreira ◽  
Chetan Phadke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Peer Groups ◽  
Occupational Performance ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Peer Support Group ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Environmental Isolation

Background. Survivors of stroke often experience environmental isolation and decreased occupational performance after discharge from the hospital. Peer groups benefit psychological, social, and cognitive functioning, though few studies have examined their influence on occupational performance of survivors of stroke. Purpose. This study explores the experiences of occupational performance in survivors of stroke attending an outpatient peer support group. Method. An interpretive qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with seven survivors of stroke attending an outpatient peer support group. Data was thematically analyzed. Findings. Four themes related to the experience of peer support on occupational performance emerged: finding hope to return to meaningful occupation, a place for belonging, problem-solving occupational concerns, and finding purpose beyond oneself. Implications. This research adds to the existing literature that peer support groups help survivors of stroke reengage in meaningful occupations, manage their stroke experience, and move positively through recovery.

scholarly journals More that unites us than divides us? A qualitative study of integration of community health and social care services

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Mitchell ◽  
Abigail Tazzyman ◽  
Susan J. Howard ◽  
Damian Hodgson
Keyword(s):  
Community Health ◽  
Social Care ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Shared Vision ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Effective Discharge ◽  
Health And Social Care

Abstract Background The integration of community health and social care services has been widely promoted nationally as a vital step to improve patient centred care, reduce costs, reduce admissions to hospital and facilitate timely and effective discharge from hospital. The complexities of integration raise questions about the practical challenges of integrating health and care given embedded professional and organisational boundaries in both sectors. We describe how an English city created a single, integrated care partnership organisation, to fully integrate community health and social care services. This led to the development of twelve integrated neighbourhood teams, combining and co-locating professionals across three separate localities. The aim of this research is to identify the context and the factors enabling and hindering integration from a qualitative process evaluation. Methods Twenty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with equal numbers of health and social care staff at strategic and operational level. The data was subjected to thematic analysis. Results We describe three key themes: 1) shared vision and leadership; 2) organisational factors; 3) professional workforce factors. We found a clarity of vision and purpose of integration throughout the partnership organisation, but there were challenges related to the introduction of devolved leadership. There were widespread concerns that the specified outcome measures did not capture the complexities of integration. Organisational challenges included a lack of detail around clinical and service delivery planning, tensions around variable human resource practices and barriers to data sharing. A lack of understanding and trust meant professional workforce integration remained a key challenge, although integration was also seen as a potential solution to engender relationship building. Conclusions Given the long-term national policy focus on integration this ambitious approach to fully integrate community health and social care has highlighted implications for leadership, organisational design and inter-professional working. Given the ethos of valuing the local assets of individuals and networks within the new partnership organisation we found the integrated neighbourhood teams could all learn from each other. Many of the challenges of integration could benefit from embracing the inherent capabilities across the integrated neighbourhood teams and localities of this city.

scholarly journals More that unites us than divides us? A qualitative study of integration of community health and social care services

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Mitchell ◽  
Abigail Tazzyman ◽  
Susan J. Howard ◽  
Damian Hodgson
Keyword(s):  
Community Health ◽  
Social Care ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Shared Vision ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Effective Discharge ◽  
Health And Social Care

Abstract Background: The integration of community health and social care services has been widely promoted nationally as a vital step to improve patient centred care, reduce costs, reduce admissions to hospital and facilitate timely and effective discharge from hospital. The complexities of integration raise questions about the practical challenges of integrating health and care given embedded professional and organisational boundaries in both sectors. We describe how an English city created a single, integrated care partnership, to integrate community health and social care services. This led to the development of twelve integrated neighbourhood teams, combining and co-locating professionals across three separate localities. The aim of this research is to identify the context and the factors enabling and hindering integration from a qualitative process evaluation.Methods: Twenty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with equal numbers of health and social care staff at strategic and operational level. The data was subjected to thematic analysis. Results: We describe three key themes: 1) shared vision and leadership; 2) organisational factors; 3) professional workforce factors. We found a clarity of vision and purpose of integration throughout the partnership, but there were challenges related to the introduction of devolved leadership. There were widespread concerns that the specified outcome measures did not capture the complexities of integration. Organisational challenges included a lack of detail around clinical and service delivery planning, tensions around variable human resource practices and barriers to data sharing. A lack of understanding and trust meant professional workforce integration remained a key challenge, although integration was also seen as a potential solution to engender relationship building. Conclusions: Given the long-term national policy focus on integration this ambitious approach to integrate community health and social care has highlighted implications for leadership, organisational design and inter-professional working. Given the ethos of valuing the local assets of individuals and networks within the new partnership we found the integrated neighbourhood teams could all learn from each other. Many of the challenges of integration could benefit from embracing the inherent capabilities across the integrated neighbourhood teams and localities of this city.

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