School-based drug education in Northeast Scotland: policy, planning and practice.

This research utilised qualitative methods to gain a deeper insight into the policy, planning and practice of school-based drug education than had previously been achieved in Scotland. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with staff in nine Grampian secondary schools together with a case study of one school. The case study involved direct lesson observations as well as in-depth interviews and feedback sessions with stakeholders in drug education including staff and 48 pupils. In both parts of the study schools were selected by theoretical sampling, each interview was transcribed in full and all data were annotated and analysed with the aid of specialist computer software. Validity and reliability were enhanced by constant vigilance in data analysis and by various procedures including reactivity analysis, peer examination,triangulation and consideration of any potential bias on the part of the researcher. The highest standards of ethics were applied throughout the study. Whereas previous studies have revealed the lack of impact of drug education on drugtaking behaviour in young people, this research is unique in attempting to explain this lack of impact. The research findings revealed that teaching and learning processes in drug education were below best practice as defined by the relevant research literature and national guidelines. Four key underlying issues were identified: (1) A lack of clarity and understanding about the goals of drug education;( 2) A lack of time and support for researching, planning and reviewing drug education; (3) A low priority assigned to Personal and Social Education (PSE) in general; (4) A failure to recognise drug education as a broad and complex subject requiring considerable expertise to teach. Fundamental changes to how drug education is approached both locally and nationally would be required to resolve these issues in full. Ihe nature of these changes is discussed in detail in the thesis

Drinking Interventions in Pharmacies Study (DIPS): Development, implementation and evaluation of a pilot project to deliver interventions on alcohol issues in community pharmacies - Final Report

There is increasing concern amongst health professionals, social care professionals and policy makers at the rising level of alcohol consumption in the UK and the overwhelming evidence of the negative impact of excessive alcohol consumption on health. Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of a whole range of illnesses that collectively contribute substantially to the morbidity and mortality of the population as a whole (Alcohol Concern, 2006)

The conversation matters: a qualitative study exploring the implementation of alcohol screening and brief interventions in antenatal care in Scotland

Background Alcohol screening and brief intervention (SBI) in antenatal care is internationally recommended to prevent harm caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy. There is, however, limited understanding of how SBI is implemented within antenatal care; particularly the approach taken by midwives. This study aimed to explore the implementation of a national antenatal SBI programme in Scotland. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with antenatal SBI implementation leaders (N = 8) in eight Scottish health boards. Interviews were analysed thematically and using the ‘practical, robust implementation and sustainability model’ (PRISM) to understand differences in implementation across health boards and perceived setting-specific barriers and challenges. Results In several health boards, where reported maternal alcohol use was lower than expected, implementation leaders sought to optimize enquires about women’s alcohol use to facilitate honest disclosure. Strategies focused on having positive conversations, exploring pre-pregnancy drinking habits, and building a trusting relationship between pregnant women and midwives. Women’s responses were encouraging and disclosure rates appeared improved, though with some unexpected variation over time. Adapting the intervention to the local context was also considered important. Conclusions This is the first study to explore implementation leaders’ experiences of antenatal SBI delivery and identify possible changes in disclosure rates arising from the approach taken. In contrast with current antenatal alcohol screening recommendations, a conversational approach was advocated to enhance the accuracy and honesty of reporting. This may enable provision of support to more women to prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and will therefore be of international interest

A synthesis and analysis of current information and evidence relating to Action 10 of the Smoking Prevention Action Plan (NHS report on youth tobacco cessation and prevention)

The Scottish Government's 2008 document "Scotland's Future is Smoke-Free: A Smoking Prevention Action Plan" (Donnelley RR, 2008) is set within the over-arching policy context of "A Breath of Fresh Air for Scotland" (Scottish Executive, 2004). Both have at their heart an aspiration for a smoke free Scotland. The Smoking Prevention Action Plan sets out a programme of measures and actions with the aim of preventing children and young people from smoking. The main approaches of the action plan are to promote healthy lifestyles and to reduce the attractiveness, availability and affordability of cigarettes to children and young people

Scoping and Review of Resources to Support Alcohol & Health Behaviour Change

This study is concerned with individual health behaviour change (HBC) in the form of brief interventions which are usually based on motivational interviewing. Brief interventions fall into two categories: a shorter, basic one of 3-15 minutes and a more in depth approach lasting 15-40 minutes, utilising motivational interviewing

How healthcare professionals in Scotland develop their communication skills, attitudes and behaviours

The ability to communicate clearly and form effective, productive relationships is essential for the provision of high quality person-centred care and are therefore required skills and behaviours for practitioners in all areas of healthcare. Person-centred care involves placing the patient and their experiences at the heart of care (Coulter et al., 2009) and is one of the quality ambitions of the Healthcare Quality Strategy for NHS Scotland (Scottish Government, 2010)

Supporting Communication Skills and Behaviours in Healthcare Staff: Evaluation of Two Pilots: The CARE Approach and Practice Based Small Group Learning - Summary Report

The ability to communicate effectively and to form productive human relationships is integral to the provision of effective, high quality, person‐centred care. This evaluation of 10 pilot sites across Scotland builds on previous work undertaken by NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and focuses on two approaches that aim to support the communication and human relationship skills of health practitioners and the integration of those skills into routine interactions with patients. The two approaches used were ‘The CARE Approach' (CARE) and Practice‐Based Small Group Learning (PBSGL)

Needs Assessment of Services for Children, Parents and Families affected by Parental Substance Misuse in Edinburgh City - Summary Report

The aim of this needs assessment was to inform the implementation of action to reduce the impact of parental alcohol and drug use on children and young people (Priority 2 of the Edinburgh Alcohol & Drug Partnership (EADP) Children, Young People and Families Action plan). The full report is available on request

A Review of Current Teaching on Hepatitis C in Scottish Educational Establishments

The aim of this research was to ascertain the nature of current teaching on Hepatitis C, including teaching within a broader Blood Borne Virus (BBV) perspective, within Scottish primary and secondary schools and how it is addressed within colleges of further education