Embedding learning as a practice of value:Learning from the experiences of early career social workers in Scotland

Across the Global North, professional learning for social workers has become a matter of concern. Efforts to ‘fix’ the problem have focused narrowly on formal methods of learning and show limited connect with recent research. In this article we report on findings from a mixed-method longitudinal cohort study, which examined early career social workers experiences of learning over the first five years of professional practice. Drawing on a repeat-measure annual online survey, our findings provide an inside-view of how early career social workers in Scotland experience work-based learning over time and how professional learning for social workers can be enhanced. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis and reflexive thematic analysis respectively and integrated using a convergence coding matrix to identify meta-themes. Our findings support an integrative, developmental and ecological approach to professional learning, embedded in a value-led understanding of social work as practice. We invite the profession to embrace and embed learning as a ‘practice of value’, both as an antidote to managerial approaches to practice and learning and as a way of valuing the extraordinary work that social workers do

Ontological (in)security in early career social work during COVID-19:Experiences in Scotland

The impact of COVID-19 on the working lives of professionals has been of much interest. Within social work, the pandemic had increased workload demands, while the way in which work was done had shifted significantly. This article uses data gathered from newly qualified social workers (NQSWs) who began their working lives during the pandemic. These first years in practice are viewed as an extension to social workers’ formal education and as a vital stage in their professional development. Survey (n=124) and interview (n=12) data were gathered from NQSWs across Scotland. Findings were considered through Giddens’ lens of ontological security, to explore NQSW transitions during a context of pandemic disruption and its impacts on NQSWs’ confidence and competence, as well as their sense of self and identity. Consistent with other studies, respondents were most impacted by home working and the associated isolation and separation from colleagues, particularly when engaged in emotionally charged work. Findings uncovered a trichotomy of experience, with variation in the quality and availability of formal and informal support, induction, training and development. Implications for practice include a need to focus on how we support and nurture NQSWs at such a critical stage in their professional socialisation

Clinical Application and Feasibility of Utilizing the PEDI-CAT to Assess Activity and Participation Among Children Receiving Physical Therapy Incorporating Hippotherapy

Background Hippotherapy (HPOT) is a physical therapy (PT) treatment tool using equine movement to improve mobility for children with movement impairments. Although research suggests HPOT improves body structure and function, there is limited evidence regarding its impact on activity and participation outcomes in a clinical setting. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) may be useful in HPOT settings to highlight changes in activity and participation. Purpose 1) Evaluate the PEDI-CAT’s sensitivity to changes in activity and participation among children receiving PT using HPOT; 2) determine feasibility of administering the PEDI-CAT in a HPOT setting; and 3) examine how PEDI-CAT scores influence clinical decision-making. Methods Participants (N = 34) were children who attended weekly PT using HPOT for 6 months. The PEDI-CAT was completed for all participants by a parent or caregiver at initial treatment (T1) and 6 months later (T2). A linear mixed effects model was used to evaluate changes in scores over time. Team meetings occurred monthly to discuss how PEDI-CAT scores impacted treatment. Results There were significant improvements across 3 PEDI-CAT domains between T1 and T2 for all children with small effect sizes and nonsignificant changes noted within two diagnostic subgroups with small-to-medium effect sizes. The PEDI-CAT was completed by all participants without interrupting treatment flow. PEDI-CAT score reports enriched therapist-client conversations increasing shared decision-making. Conclusion PTs who treat children using HPOT may feasibly use the PEDI-CAT to assess changes in activity level outcomes and to assist clinical decision-making

The support needs of people bereaved by suicide in later life : a comparative thematic analysis of older adults and professionals' perspectives

Aim and objectives of the study: Suicide is often a traumatic death that can significantly impact on the mental health and wellbeing of those bereaved. Effective and timely support following a bereavement by suicide can help facilitate coping and adjustment. However, little research has explored the support needs of older people who have been bereaved by suicide in later life. This study aimed to explore and compare the perspectives of older adults and health and social care professionals' (HSCPs) in understanding the support needs of those bereaved by suicide in later life. Method: Participatory methods were adopted and semi-structured interviews were conducted with older adults (n = 24) and HSCPs (n = 14) working in a range of bereavement support and suicide prevention services. Qualitative data was analysed using a reflexive thematic approach to compare older adults and professionals' perspectives. Ethical approval was sought and granted from the University Ethics Committee. Findings: The themes developed were: (1) Acknowledging and validating the traumatic impact of bereavement by suicide, (2) Navigating and struggling through the grief (the importance of support networks), (3) 'It’s not your fault': addressing self-blame, guilt and the need for a compassionate dialogue, (4) A 'it's a hot potato': others perceived as better equipped in meeting older adults' support needs (undervaluing and stereotyping older adults), (5) The need to recognise diverse older adults' experiences of bereavement by suicide (gaps in service provision). Conclusion and impact: Findings highlighted common challenges and support needs with other age groups as well as specific issues in relation to later life, such as feeling less valued compared to younger people, or having fewer opportunities to talk about grief experiences; impacted by factors such as stigma, ageist stereotyping, self-blame, shame and dealing with the taboo of suicide. The need to promote open, honest and compassionate communication about bereavement by suicide in later life is emphasised. Clearer pathways of support need to be established among health and social care organisations to ensure timely psychosocial care and support for those most vulnerable

"It’s like an oak tree growing slowly across a barbed wire fence" : learning from traumatic experience of bereavement by suicide in later life

Bereavement by suicide is a traumatic and life changing experience but we know little about the lived experiences of people bereaved by suicide themselves and their voices are notably absent from current suicide prevention and intervention strategies. Understanding these different individual experiences and pathways arising within suicide research points have potential for developing more service user led social and therapeutic interventions. This qualitative study explored the critical themes and features evident in the meaning making, coping and adaptation needs of people in later life who were bereaved by suicide through the lens of transformational learning. In-depth interviews with 24 people aged 66-92 generated two themes on the centrality of experience, critical reflection and meaning making in later life following suicide trauma; and the journey of discovery and how this interacted with social and political rights in later life. Findings suggest that further research is necessary to generate practice-based evidence which identifies the impact of bereavement by suicide on people in later life; how their needs for support are currently assessed and identified; and how to respond more holistically to people with psycho-social problems which stem from these learning experiences and to build on the knowledge of people with lived experiences

"It's a living experience" : bereavement by suicide in later life

Bereavement by suicide for people in later life is significantly under-researched. Research on ageing and suicide has yet to address the experiences of those bereaved by suicide and how such a devastating loss affects the ageing experience. Objectives: We explored the substantive issues involved in bereavement by suicide and its impact on later life. Methods: This was a co-produced qualitative study. Peer researchers with lived experience conducted in-depth interviews with twenty-four people aged 60-92 years. A phenomenological approach informed data analysis. Main findings: Themes described; 1) moral injury, 2) the rippling effect on wider family and networks, 3) transitions and adaptations of bereaved people and how their ‘living experience’ impacted on ageing. Conclusions: It is important to understand how individual experiences of suicide intersects with ageing and the significance of targeted assessment and intervention for those bereaved by suicide in ageing policies and support

Bereavement by Suicide in Later Life : Project Report

Losing a significant person because of suicide will have a major impact on those left behind. The experiences of people in later life who have been bereaved by suicide is an under-researched area. Given that later life can also be a time of major transition, opportunities and challenges, this study explored: 1. What can we learn about the experiences of being bereaved by suicide from those in later life who have lived experiences? 2. How does the experience of being bereaved by suicide impact on the individual in later life? 3. How do these experiences influence specific support needs and help-seeking in later life? The study was conducted between November 2020 and June 2021. This coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic and this short summative report contains the key messages from the overall research findings and based on these, its ten recommendations