Conflict, compromise and collusion: dilemmas for psychosocially-oriented practitioners in the mental health system

The nature and causes of mental health problems are contested. The dominant approach in services views them as ‘illnesses like any other’. The structure, legislative base and practices of mainstream mental health services are largely predicated on this idea, known variously as the medical, illness, disease or diagnostic model. By contrast, psychosocial theories highlight the role of the events and circumstances of peoples’ lives. The tension between these two approaches can lead to challenges and dilemmas for psychosocially oriented practitioners. Clinical psychologists participated in interviews and a focus group about these challenges and how they managed them. A grounded theory was constructed which suggested that their responses took three forms: openly ‘dissenting’ (conflict), strategically ‘stepping into’ the medical model (compromise), or inadvertently ‘slipping’ into it (colluding). Strategies for managing the challenges included focusing on clients; foregrounding clients’ contexts and understandings; holding the tension between ‘expert’ and ‘not-knowing’ approaches; using ordinary language; forging robust working relationships; being mindful of difference and of constraints on colleagues; recognising one’s power and ability to influence; self-care and work/life balance; taking encouragement from small changes; consolidating a personal philosophy; mutual support and solidarity; drawing on scholarship and finally engaging in activism outside work

New Strategies for Research in Clinical Practice: A focus on self–harm.

This article suggests new ways of approaching clinical-based research in an era of evidence-based practice. Using the example of self-harm, we identify three distinct problems with current dominant approaches to research in this area. These include insufficient clarity about target issues, an overreliance on predetermined outcomes which prioritise behavioural measures (such as self-harm cessation) and an undue focus on treatment techniques. We argue that clinical research requires flexible, user-centred and practice-based methods, informed by a focus on principles instead of techniques. Therefore, we outline key practice-based principles that we argue need to be embedded within clinical research strategies. We then demonstrate how traditional behavioural approaches to research can be enriched with more qualitative cognitive and emotionally based data. We conclude that such strategies provide thickened, meaningful and context-specific research which is more relevant for service commissioners, clinicians and service users

In the eye of the storm : should I stay or should I go? Reflections on the middle phase of a problem-based learning group

Original article can be found at : http://www.tandfonline.com/ Copyright Taylor & FrancisThis paper reports on the middle phase of a problem-based learning (PBL) group undergoing clinical psychology training at the University of Hertfordshire (UH). Trainers and trainees involved in PBL at UH provide some personal reflections on their experiences, highlighting some of the unique characteristics and dilemmas of participating in this middle phase of PBL. We explore themes around the dynamics within the group, the emotional experiences evoked for participants, and some of the strategies used to manage these emotions. We conclude with implications of this type of learning for clinical training.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

The Use of Computational Fluid Dynamics in the Design of a Pharmaceutical Processor

The use of solid oral dosage such as tablets accounts for approximately 60 % of the total frequency of all pharmaceutical dosage forms. In addition to this 90 % of all drugs supplied are in tablet form even if they are presented in other medicinal forms. During tablet production there are a number of processes that are carried out, in what is essentially a batch process. This work describes the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in the design of a new single vessel pharmaceutical processor. Initially a simple model was developed using the computational code STAR-CD. The results of this were compared with tests carried out in a prototype processor. This provided confidence to develop the design. During the design phases of the work all potential design features have been modeled and the final design choices made on the basis of the CFD results. The initial phases of the work were carried out using single-phase models, however all the recent design work has been carried out using a two-phase flow model

The Use of Computational Fluid Dynamics in the Design of a Pharmaceutical Processor

The use of solid oral dosage such as tablets accounts for approximately 60 % of the total frequency of all pharmaceutical dosage forms. In addition to this 90 % of all drugs supplied are in tablet form even if they are presented in other medicinal forms. During tablet production there are a number of processes that are carried out, in what is essentially a batch process. This work describes the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in the design of a new single vessel pharmaceutical processor. Initially a simple model was developed using the computational code STAR-CD. The results of this were compared with tests carried out in a prototype processor. This provided confidence to develop the design. During the design phases of the work all potential design features have been modeled and the final design choices made on the basis of the CFD results. The initial phases of the work were carried out using single-phase models, however all the recent design work has been carried out using a two-phase flow model