Two important legal events that may radically shape the future delivery of dementia care in England and Wales

Letter to the Edito

Micro-skills of group formulations in care settings

This study examines some of the micro-skills associated with the moment-to-moment decisions and actions involved in delivering group formulation sessions in dementia care settings. We discuss the therapeutic framework used by therapists from a number of Challenging Behaviour Services in the UK (Newcastle, Northumberland, South Tyneside, Teesside, Sutton and Merton, Northern Ireland) which is frequently referred to as the Newcastle or Colombo approach. Through a theoretical review and practice illustration, the study pays particular attention to the role of therapists' questions and questioning styles in group formulation sessions, providing a framework which aims to facilitate care staffs' understanding, reflection and empathy regarding their residents who are displaying `challenging behaviours'. The study also provides a potential guide to the training of therapists working in this area and thereby attempts to benefit clinical practices in an area where pharmacological approaches are usually the treatment of choice

Legal implications of restrictive physical interventions in people with dementia

Dementia care environments are now home to thousands of people who have complex mental and physical health needs. Many of these people have lost capacity or have fluctuating capacity to make decisions about their care. There can be occasions when restrictive practices are necessary in order to protect a person’s well-being and to administer necessary treatment and care. However, nurses working in care settings may not be fully aware of their rights and liabilities and those of care staff when restraint is used for therapeutic purposes. This paper seeks to address areas of uncertainty and clarify the legal responsibilities of care teams through exploring the issues raised through a case vignette

Students' participation in collaborative research should be recognised

Letter to the editor