53,888 research outputs found

    The roles of specialist provision for children with specific speech and language difficulties in England and Wales: a model for inclusion?

    Get PDF
    Children with specific speech and language difficulties pose a challenge to the education and health systems. In addition to their language difficulties they are also at risk of literacy and social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. The main support for children with more severe difficulties has been enhanced provision in mainstream schools (language units or integrated resources) and special schools. The move to an inclusive education system challenges this tradition. The present paper reports the results of interviews with heads of language units/integrated resources and headteachers of special schools (n=57) as part of a larger study within England and Wales. Their views are considered with reference to criteria for entry to specialist provision, the development of collaborative practice between teachers, teaching assistants and speech and language therapists, and the implications for inclusive education

    Organisatie van geestelijke gezondheidszorg voor kinderen en jongeren : literatuurstudie en internationaal overzicht

    Get PDF
    INTRODUCTIE: In de laatste decennia van de vorige eeuw werden er in de Westerse landen belangrijke hervormingen ingezet in de sector van de geestelijke gezondheidszorg (GGZ). In de GGZ voor volwassenen kwam er geleidelijk een model van “balanced care” (“gebalanceerde zorg”) op de voorgrond: een diversiteit aan diensten biedt de zorg zo kort mogelijk bij de eigen leefwereld van de patiĂ«nt aan, en enkel indien nodig in een instelling. Tegelijkertijd moet men ook een vlotte en naadloze overgang van de ene dienst naar de andere garanderen. Geestelijke gezondheidsproblemen bij kinderen en jongeren zijn niet onfrequent. De WGO (Wereldgezondheidsorganisatie) schat de prevalentie in Westerse landen op ongeveer 20%. Ongeveer 5% zou een klinische tussenkomst nodig hebben. De sector van GGZ voor kinderen en jongeren is pas veel later ontstaan dan deze van de volwassenen, en kent een andere zorgstructuur. Toch dringen de hierboven geschetste hervormingsprincipes ook hier door. Bovendien dient zorg voor kinderen en jongeren vaak over de grenzen van de GGZ sector heen te gebeuren, bijvoorbeeld door de huisarts of kinderarts, en komen veel problemen bij kinderen en jongeren voor het eerst aan het licht buiten de zorgsector, zoals op school. GGZ voor kinderen en jongeren dient dan ook deze zogenaamde “belendende sectoren” mee te betrekken: welzijnswerk, justitie, gehandicaptenzorg, onderwijs. DOELSTELLING: De doelstelling van dit rapport is om kennis bijeen te brengen over organisatorische en financieringsaspecten van GGZ voor kinderen en jongeren, en dit in het licht van de hierboven geschetste context. De specifieke therapie-inhoud blijft buiten beschouwing. Het rapport bestaat uit twee delen: een overzicht van de literatuur en van de organisatie van GGZ voor kinderen en jongeren in BelgiĂ« en drie andere landen. Dit rapport formuleert nog geen voorstellen voor de zorgorganisatie in BelgiĂ«. Voor dit proces zullen Belgische stakeholders betrokken worden. Het resultaat hiervan zal beschreven worden in een afzonderlijk rapport. METHODE: Zowel voor het literatuuronderzoek als voor het internationale overzicht werd gezocht in databases met peer-reviewed publicaties en in de grijze literatuur. In het literatuuronderzoek werden naast vergelijkend onderzoek ook descriptieve studies en kwalitatief onderzoek geĂŻncludeerd. Voor het internationaal overzicht werd de beschikbare literatuur aangevuld met gegevens van lokale informanten. MODELLEN VAN ZORGORGANISATIE: Dit rapport legt de focus op de meest geciteerde modellen, en die modellen waarvoor er vergelijkend onderzoek gebeurde. De twee meest geciteerde modellen in de literatuur zijn het WGO-model en het Systems of care model. Beide zijn vrij algemeen en vragen verdere uitwerking door het land of de regio die GGZ voor kinderen en jongeren wil implementeren. De meeste vergelijkende studies zijn wel gekenmerkt door talrijke methodologische beperkingen zoals onduidelijke inclusiecriteria, onduidelijke uitkomstmaten of kleine steekproeven. INTERNATIONAAL OVERZICHT: Om redenen van haalbaarheid werd gekozen om dit deel te beperken tot BelgiĂ«, Nederland, Canada (British Columbia) en Engeland. De selectie vertrok van een long-list waarop vervolgens een aantal selectiecriteria werden toegepast. CONCLUSIE: Het belang van een nationaal/regionaal beleid voor kinder- en jeugd GGZ, geconcretiseerd in een duidelijk plan, is al langer bekend. Toch is de literatuur over organisatiemodellen binnen kinder- en jeugd GGZ weinig richtinggevend voor beleidsmakers. De twee belangrijkste modellen die in de literatuur aangetroffen werden geven enkel grote beleidslijnen van algemene aard aan. Bovendien zijn de wetenschappelijke studies in dit domein van beperkte kwaliteit en blijft een groot deel van de beleidsvraagstukken niet of onvoldoende onderzocht. Wel kan men uit het onderzoek ivm. het Systems of care besluiten dat de overheid niet enkel een betere zorgorganisatie en –coordinatie dient te stimuleren. Zij dient ook het ontwikkelen en verspreiden van doelmatige therapeutische concepten te bevorderen. Het onderzoek ivm. preventie en behandeling van angststoornissen via scholen toont aan dat men moet durven zoeken naar oplossingen in samenwerking met andere sectoren buiten de gezondheidszorg. In de bestudeerde landen gaan de hervormingen uit van theoretische denkkaders die gebaseerd zijn op belangrijke ethische principes en waarden; deze overlappen in belangrijke mate tussen de verschillende landen. Echter, bij het praktisch realiseren van dit denkkader ondervindt men talrijke moeilijkheden, en in een aantal gevallen mislukt men in de vooropgestelde doelstellingen. Over het daadwerkelijke resultaat van de gevoerde hervormingen zijn er meestal weinig harde gegevens. Wellicht kan men pas tot een positief resultaat komen als zowel klinische, organisatorische, als financiĂ«le aspecten alle tegelijk aangepakt worden; en als ook de eigenheid van elk van de betrokken sectoren daarbij niet uit het oog verloren wordt. In de volgende faze van deze studie zullen samen met de Belgische stakeholders voorstellen voor hervormingen geformuleerd worden. De resultaten hiervan worden afzonderlijk gepubliceerd

    Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) art in care of ageing society: focus on dementia

    Get PDF
    open access articleBackground: Art enhances both physical and mental health wellbeing. The health benefits include reduction in blood pressure, heart rate, pain perception and briefer inpatient stays, as well as improvement of communication skills and self-esteem. In addition to these, people living with dementia benefit from reduction of their noncognitive, behavioural changes, enhancement of their cognitive capacities and being socially active. Methods: The current study represents a narrative general literature review on available studies and knowledge about contribution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in creative arts. Results: We review AI visual arts technologies, and their potential for use among people with dementia and care, drawing on similar experiences to date from traditional art in dementia care. Conclusion: The virtual reality, installations and the psychedelic properties of the AI created art provide a new venue for more detailed research about its therapeutic use in dementia

    XR, music and neurodiversity: design and application of new mixed reality technologies that facilitate musical intervention for children with autism spectrum conditions

    Get PDF
    This thesis, accompanied by the practice outputs,investigates sensory integration, social interaction and creativity through a newly developed VR-musical interface designed exclusively for children with a high-functioning autism spectrum condition (ASC).The results aim to contribute to the limited expanse of literature and research surrounding Virtual Reality (VR) musical interventions and Immersive Virtual Environments (IVEs) designed to support individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions. The author has developed bespoke hardware, software and a new methodology to conduct field investigations. These outputs include a Virtual Immersive Musical Reality Intervention (ViMRI) protocol, a Supplemental Personalised, immersive Musical Experience(SPiME) programme, the Assisted Real-time Three-dimensional Immersive Musical Intervention System’ (ARTIMIS) and a bespoke (and fully configurable) ‘Creative immersive interactive Musical Software’ application (CiiMS). The outputs are each implemented within a series of institutional investigations of 18 autistic child participants. Four groups are evaluated using newly developed virtual assessment and scoring mechanisms devised exclusively from long-established rating scales. Key quantitative indicators from the datasets demonstrate consistent findings and significant improvements for individual preferences (likes), fear reduction efficacy, and social interaction. Six individual case studies present positive qualitative results demonstrating improved decision-making and sensorimotor processing. The preliminary research trials further indicate that using this virtual-reality music technology system and newly developed protocols produces notable improvements for participants with an ASC. More significantly, there is evidence that the supplemental technology facilitates a reduction in psychological anxiety and improvements in dexterity. The virtual music composition and improvisation system presented here require further extensive testing in different spheres for proof of concept

    Building Effective Responses: An Independent Review of Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Services in Wales

    Get PDF
    Independent researchers from the Connect Centre for International Research on Interpersonal Violence based in the School of Social Work at the University of Central Lancashire were commissioned by the Welsh Government in 2013 to conduct research into violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence services in Wales. The research aimed to inform the forthcoming Ending Violence Against Women and Domestic Abuse (Wales) Bill, implementation of the legislation and future policy more generally, as well as informing future funding decisions. The remit of the review covers: Domestic abuse, including that experienced in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) relationships and elder abuse. Violence against women, including female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriage and honour-based violence. Sexual violence including rape, sexual assault and harassment Sexual exploitation including prostitution and trafficking1 for sexual purposes. Services for women and men who are victims or perpetrators of violence against women, domestic abuse or sexual violence. The review does not encompass criminal justice services or housing services and, with the exception of prevention work, services for children and young people in Wales were also excluded from this study

    Bridging the gap and continuing to develop professionally: A pluralist mixed methods study exploring the impact of continuing professional development (CPD) activity on the practice of therapists working in higher education (HE) settings

    Get PDF
    To date, there is limited research relating to the continued professional development (CPD) of qualified counselling professionals employed within counselling services in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Drawing on five student counselling professionals thematically analysed interviews, and subsequent survey data collected from ninety student counselling respondents, this research elucidates practitioners’ experiences of CPD practice and provision in HEIs. Existing challenges and potential opportunities were identified by participants for continued learning practice in university counselling services (UCS), in line with evolving national CPD strategies for the counselling and allied health care professions. The notable lack of research attending to the experiences of UCS practitioners continues, despite the impact of ongoing context-specific changes such as growing student demand and increased presentations of risk, as well as wider cultural, political, and socio-economic factors. The results from this two-stage sequential mixed methods exploratory design demonstrate participants’ strong commitment to and valuation of CPD activity, with learning needs guided by interest (81%, n=73) and reflection on practice (63%, n=57). 94% of the participants stipulated new knowledge and skills as the learning objective yet only 17% engaged in research-led CPD activity, despite a national directive for a research-led practice. The study further revealed that national recommendations for the use of a supervised personal development plan (27%, n=24), appraisal (18%, n=16) or performance review (2%), to ensure CPD is guided by learning gaps, remains underutilised. Qualitative thematic data showed that whilst therapists are committed to their professional development and engage in a range of learning forums, there remains some concern about the lack of accessible and relevant CPD to support the rising complexity of therapeutic work presenting to UCS. This data provides an opportunity to review existing CPD practices in the sector and develop a continuing education programme that promotes best clinical practice in line with national expectations for the healthcare professions. These findings thereby contribute to an unattended area of clinical practice and provide a practice-based research context to highlight practitioner perspectives, to shape future policy, service delivery, and training provision. Recommendations are made for CPD practice to be the shared responsibility of investors, stakeholders, and partners to ensure that research informed CPD practice is developed and maintained in the sector

    Evaluating service level outcomes from implementing Seddon’s Vanguard Method, a service improvement framework, in an occupational therapy service in England: A single case study

    Get PDF
    Background There is lack of research regarding service improvement and occupational therapy, most research is focussed on clinical intervention improvement to demonstrate service improvement, which is a narrow focus compared to the whole service improvement. This service improvement study applying Seddon’s Vanguard Method to a critical care unit occupational therapy service in England is original research, answering an empirical question that will be of interest to the occupational therapy practice community. Method Research question: How and why are service level outcomes impacted, after implementing Seddon's Vanguard Method, a service improvement framework, to an occupational therapy service in England? Case study methodology was employed as the research is novel, and, exploring the phenomenon (service improvement) in depth in a particular context as it is less known. Furthermore, case study methodology is used when there are how and why questions to be answered in the research question and offers the opportunity to use mixed data to understand the phenomenon from multiple perspectives. Mixed quantitative and qualitative data were collected to provide multiple perspectives regarding service level outcomes impacted by the chosen service improvement framework. The quantitative analysis was carried out using descriptive, one-way ANOVA and Tukey Kramer HSD statistical analyses; and the qualitative data were transcript analysis of interviews using thematic analysis. Findings 1) The research identified themes of the service level factors which formed feedback loops. Four loops that had negative impact (vicious cycles) on service delivery – staff shortages, snowball effect of staff shortages leading to more staff shortages, funding arrangements, bed flow management external to the critical care service, staff concerns and staff challenges not being heard. To interrupt the vicious cycles was a balancing loop representing the staff raising the concerns and barriers to deliver their work. Such feedback loops are related to systems thinking concept. 2) The themes that were identified were also identified to form a developing typology of struggle for the critical care staff to improve the service. The term struggle was identified as there was a power imbalance between the critical care staff and the organisation impacting their agency to improve the service. 3) The descriptive analysis of the quantitative data indicated there were some notable differences: the number of missed occupational therapy sessions between years 2022 and 2021-2019 increased by 2%; the number of days between referral to 1st contact with the patient between years 2022 and 2019, reduced to average of 0.3 days from 4.8 days respectively; counting the number of times the terms occupational therapy vs the abbreviation OT was said within the evaluation transcripts before, during, and after the research implementation period, showed occupational therapy was said 31%, 19% and 74% respectively. 4) Going through the service improvement using Seddon’s Vanguard Method intervention elucidated the challenges for the critical care staff in establishing their professional identity, but also how to improve it. Conclusion The novel contribution from the research, is that in going through the Seddon’s Vanguard Method for service improvement, it has elucidated for the sample critical care occupational therapy staff; a typology of struggle to improve their service, their legitimacy, and jurisdiction in this specialty, and ultimately how to improve their professional identity
    • 

    corecore