On hematogenous disseminated forms of pulmonary tuberculosis in adults

The polymorphism of pulmonary tuberculosis, the exceptional versatility of its clinical manifestations, unexpected turns in the course, various combinations with lesions of other organs - all this against the background of the social significance of the problem of tuberculosis creates a number of difficulties for the doctor not only in recognizing the disease, but also in choosing the paths along which it should unfold medical and social therapy.

Metadata Correction: Moderated Online Social Therapy for Young People with Active Suicidal Ideation: Qualitative Study (Preprint)

UNSTRUCTURED Correction to article

Biblioterapia w procesie socjoterapeutycznym dzieci i młodzieży – wykorzystanie potencjału

This article sets out to present possible application of bibliotherapy in the social therapeutic process. Bibliotherapy and social therapy share such elements as: education, correction of behavioural disorders, personality enhancement, and the prevention of social maladjustment. While analysing the goals of the aforementioned methods, a thesis has been proposed that they may be common for both. Bibliotherapy may serve as reinforcement of the social therapeutic process by enriching it and making it more enjoyable. Its goal is to build up the participants’ personal resources, supporting them in difficult situations, and providing a therapeutic impact. The article points out the key role that a literary text plays in the bibliotherapeutic process, and constitutes a starting point for bibliotherapeutic interactions. The article emphasises the potential of literature as a tool for the therapeutic and educational process, social rehabilitation and health improvement. Thus, social therapy may approach bibliotherapy as a way to enrich its educational and therapeutic offer.

Social distancing in a social therapy environment

Purpose This paper aims to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a prison-based therapeutic community (TC). Design/methodology/approach The paper takes the form of a case study where the authors reflect on their current practice, using the findings of research on social isolation and the overarching TC principles to explore the effect of the pandemic on the TC at HMP Grendon. The authors consider how the residents and staff adjusted to the change as the parameters changed when the social distancing rules were imposed and how they adapted to the prolonged break to therapy. Sections in the paper were written by a resident and an operational member of staff. The authors conclude with their thoughts on how to manage the consequences the lockdown has brought and start to think about what returning to “normality” might mean. Findings The paper describes the adjustments made by the residents and staff as the UK Government imposed the lockdown. The authors, including a resident and an operational member of staff comment on the psychological and practical impact these adjustments had. The thought is given to the idea of “recovery”, returning to “normality” and how this study can be best managed once restrictions are lifted. Research limitations/implications At the time of writing, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at HMP Grendon. The measures and commitment from all staff and residents in the prison to keep the prison environment safe may in part account for this. This paper explores the effects of lockdown on the emotional environment in a TC and highlights the consequences that social isolation can have on any individual. To the authors’ knowledge, there is currently no research undertaken on the impact of lockdown/social isolation on a TC. This research would be useful, as the authors postulate from reflections on current practice that the effects of the lockdown will be greater in a social therapy environment. Originality/value HMP Grendon started in 1962, as this time there have been no significant events that have meant the suspension of therapy for such a sustained period. It is, therefore, important that the impact of such is considered and reflected upon.

Social Therapy in Working with Children with Disabilities (On the Example of the Project «Family Co-creation Platform – Growing Together»)

this article is devoted to the definition of the role of social therapy in working with children with disabilities. The article presents the results of a study conducted on the basis of the Metallurg Charitable Foundation during the implementation of the project “Platform for family Co-creation – Growing together”. Judging by the results of the survey, the volunteers are interested in this technology and its methods. Recommendations were developed for volunteers in the form of a database of therapeutic techniques in the social network “VKontakte”, which can be actively used not only by volunteers in the framework of this project, but also by parents of children with disabilities at home.

“I feel a little bit more connected”: a qualitative study of Moderated Online Social Therapy for young people with active suicidal ideation (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Online interventions are a promising approach to supporting youth at risk of suicide, and those incorporating peer-to-peer social networking may have the added potential to target interpersonal states of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Due to feasibility and safety concerns, including fear of contagion, this had not been tested until recently. OBJECTIVE In 2018 we conducted a pilot evaluation to test the feasibility, safety and acceptability of a Moderated Online Social Therapy intervention, called Affinity, with a sample of young people with active suicidal ideation. The aim of the present study is to report on qualitative data collected from study participants regarding their experience of the online social network and the consequent safety features. METHODS Affinity is a closed website incorporating three key components: therapeutic content delivered via comics, peer-to-peer social networking, and moderation by peers and clinicians. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 young people who took part in the pilot study after eight weeks of exposure to the intervention. Interview data from two young people who did not use Affinity were excluded from the analysis. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis, with frequency of responses characterised using the Consensual Qualitative Research Method. Results are reported in accordance with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist. RESULTS Four overarching themes were identified: a safe and supportive environment; the importance of mutual experiences; difficulty engaging and connecting; and, pros and cons of banning discussions about suicide. Interestingly, although Affinity was perceived to be safe and free of judgment, concerns about negative evaluation and triggering others were significant barriers to posting on the social network. Participants generally supported the banning of conversations about suicide, although for some this was perceived to reinforce stigma or was associated with frustration and distress. CONCLUSIONS The results support the safety and potential therapeutic benefit of the social networking aspect of Affinity, yet also brought to light several implementation challenges to be considered. There is a need to carefully balance the need for stringent safety and design features with ensuring the potential for therapeutic benefit is maximised. CLINICALTRIAL NA