Dr Junkie. The Doctor Addict in Bulgakov’s Morphine: What are the Lessons for Contemporary Medical Practice?

Historical, cultural and professional factors have contributed to stigma and secrecy regarding addiction in the medical profession and there are calls to improve education in this area. This paper argues that physician-penned literature plays an important role in raising awareness of substance misuse in the medical profession. Bulgakov’s short story Morphine documents the decline of Dr Polyakov and illustrates a number of salient professional issues such as self-medication, abuse of authority and risks to patients. Physician-penned literature such as Morphine is of value in medical education as it offers a route into sensitive topics and an authoritative and insider perspective that is attractive to students and physicians alike

'It takes me into another dimension': an evaluation of mental health-themed exhibitions in outdoor urban areas

Background: A variety of cultural activities can be used to raise awareness of mental health issues that provide artistic opportunities for those experiencing mental illness, and for outreach to communities who are less likely to engage with the arts. Method: This study evaluated the impact of two lightbox exhibitions in urban public spaces in London, England, using interlinked cross-sectional surveys. Numerical data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis used to analyse textual data. Results: The findings indicated that the artwork challenged negative attitudes towards mental illness, created empathy with artists and provided a forum for reflection about mental health. Conclusions: This mode of exhibition raises awareness of mental health, reaches an audience that may be marginalized from mainstream cultural activity and helps build resilience and civic pride

Theorising how art gallery interventions impact people with dementia and their caregivers

Dementia refers to a variety of diseases that are characterised by cognitive difficulties and an overall decline in daily living skills. Psychologically-informed arts and health programmes may be particularly beneficial ways of improving the lives of people with dementia and their caregivers. This study sought to better understand how programmes at contemporary and traditional art galleries might play a role in the lives of people with dementia. Participants included 12 people with mild to moderate dementia, their 12 caregivers and 4 gallery facilitators. Those with dementia and their caregivers were engaged in art-viewing followed by art-making over an 8 week period. Data, collected through post-intervention interviews with participants, field notes and extensive written communication between the facilitators and research team, were analysed using grounded theory methodology to theorise how gallery-based interventions affect people with dementia and those who care for them. The emerging theory has four primary components: the art gallery is seen as being a physically-valued place that provides intellectual stimulation and offers opportunities for social inclusion that can change how dementia is perceived. These components coalesced to create positive emotional and relational effects for those with dementia and caregivers. The resulting theory has potential implications for the use of gallery-based programmes in dementia care within public health, healthcare and museum/art gallery policy and practice

The gallery as therapeutic venue: exploring visitor perceptions in a contemporary space

This prospective qualitative study explored the social and psychological impact of an exhibition at a contemporary art gallery. Three focus groups, including 8 people aged 45-69, were held following a guided tour of an exhibition at Nottingham Contemporary gallery. The exhibition Uneven Geographies featured the works of a variety of international artists focussing upon the politics of globalisation through different media including film, installation and photography. Focus group transcripts were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s 6-phase model of thematic analysis. Three themes were identified: 1) ’It’s almost like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle’, 2) Interpreting the Message and 3) Dissolving Social Barriers. Results indicated that the exhibition helped participants make sense of a variety of experiences, art interpretation was a key educational skill, and attending the gallery promoted social inclusion. These findings build on previous studies that indicate the potential for cultural institutions, such as art galleries and museums, to promote education, health and wellbeing at individual and societal levels

Mind the technology gap: A case study of music engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic

People aged 65 and older outnumber children under the age of five across the globe. Data from the United Nations indicates that the growing aging population is not living better. Conditions such as dementia, stroke and Parkinson's disease are increasing with few effective treatments available. Psychosocial approaches to improve care are therefore urgently needed. Use of music in the care of older people is becoming common with a growing evidence base indicating positive outcomes such as reduction in anxiety, elicitation of memories, and improved communication. During the COVID-19 pandemic technology has provided the primary means of communication and service provision. This research used a case study approach to explore the impact of using WhatsApp during the pandemic (March - May 2020) to send daily videos and songs with and without musical accompaniment, plus tutorials for writing and singing songs. 27 people aged 60-87 years in Castellón, Spain took part. Of those, 12 were interviewed using a semi-structured approach. Data was analysed qualitatively using QuestionPro software. The results indicated the importance of musical activity in their lives and the difficulties experienced in using technologies including WhatsApp and GoogleMeet. Whilst participants valued the WhatsApp sessions they were not able to replicate the advantages of performing musical activities in person. In conclusion, technologies can help older people to remain connected to musical activities however training and support is required to facilitate effective engagement. This is likely to be an issue beyond the pandemic, for example for those who are geographically isolated or frail and unable to attend music activities in person. Nevertheless, new technologies support pseudonormality in musical activities for older people, providing an interactive platform when in-person contact is not possible

Mothers experiencing homelessness: implications of stress and coping theory in the development of services

Publications and a commentary on them. List of Publications [1] Tischler, V., Cumella, S., Bellerby, T. and Vostanis, P. (2000) A Mental health Service for homeless children and families. Psychiatric Bulletin 24, 339-341 [2] Vostanis, P. Tischler, V., Cumella, S. and Bellerby, T. (2001) Mental health problems and social supports among homeless mothers and children victims of domestic violence. International Journal of Social Psychiatry 47 (4), 30-40 [3] Tischler, V., Vostanis, P., Bellerby, T. and Cumella, S. (2002) Evaluation of a mental health outreach service for homeless families. Archives of Disease in Childhood 86, 158-163 [4] Tischler, V. and Gregory, P. (2002) A resettlement service for homeless and vulnerable parents. Housing, care and support 5 (4), 33-36 [5] Tischler, V., Karim, K., Rastall, S., Gregory, P. and Vostanis, P. (2004) A Family Support Service for homeless children and parents: users'perspectives and characteristics. Health and Social Care in the Community 12 (4), 327-335 [6] Karim, K., Tischler, V., Gregory, P. and Vostanis, P. (2006) Homeless children and parents: short-term mental health outcome. International Journal of Social Psychiatry 52 (5), 447-458 [7] Tischler, V. and Vostanis, P. (2007) Homeless Mothers: Is there a Relationship between Coping Strategies, Mental Health and Goal Achievement? Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology 17, 85-102 [8] Tischler, V., Rademeyer, A. and Vostanis, P (2007) Mothers experiencing homelessness: mental health, support and social care needs. Health and Social Care in the Community 15 (3), 246-253 [9] Tischler, V. (in press) Resettlement and Reintegration: Mother's Reflections after Homelessness. Community, Work and Family [10] Tischler, V. (under review) I'm not coping, I'm surviving: Understanding coping in vulnerable populations. Qualitative Research in Psycholog

The roving diagnostic unit– art, madness, fun and the potential for change

Mental health issues are common and remain highly stigmatised despite high profile campaigns. In the European Union, the direct and indirect costs of mental health problems including treatments and lost productivity are estimated at €450 billion per year ("European Framework", 2016). Treatment is typically delivered via mental health services led by psychiatrists, and usually dominated by diagnostic labelling and the use of psychoactive medications. Within the field, diagnosis is contested, with a schism between neurological and socially informed approaches. The push towards advances in neuroscience and the increased 'biologising' of mental health means that relationships, meanings and values are demoted, that is, the wider context of a person's life assumes less importance (Bracken et al, 2012; Rapley et al, 2011). This paper considers the concepts of labelling and diagnosis and how they may be explored using arts-based practice, specifically The Roving Diagnostic Project. The potential of this type of project to influence artistic practice is also explored

Resettlement and reintegration: single mothers' reflections after homelessness

Previous research has identified that most families who become homeless are women with dependent children. Homeless families are reported to have a variety of complex needs however little is known about the experiences of families once they are re-housed. The aim of this study was to explore psychosocial issues related to the resettlement experiences of single mothers following a period of homelessness. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from twenty one women living in a UK Midlands city. Thematic analysis was used to draw conclusions from the data. Findings indicated that despite exposure to major stressors most women had begun the process of resettlement by improving their physical surroundings. Women had achieved personal growth as they had managed to escape violence, overcome homelessness, and create new opportunities for themselves and their children. Suggestions are made for future research and improvements to services which would promote resettlement in this population

Mothers experiencing homelessness: implications of stress and coping theory in the development of services

Publications and a commentary on them. List of Publications [1] Tischler, V., Cumella, S., Bellerby, T. and Vostanis, P. (2000) A Mental health Service for homeless children and families. Psychiatric Bulletin 24, 339-341 [2] Vostanis, P. Tischler, V., Cumella, S. and Bellerby, T. (2001) Mental health problems and social supports among homeless mothers and children victims of domestic violence. International Journal of Social Psychiatry 47 (4), 30-40 [3] Tischler, V., Vostanis, P., Bellerby, T. and Cumella, S. (2002) Evaluation of a mental health outreach service for homeless families. Archives of Disease in Childhood 86, 158-163 [4] Tischler, V. and Gregory, P. (2002) A resettlement service for homeless and vulnerable parents. Housing, care and support 5 (4), 33-36 [5] Tischler, V., Karim, K., Rastall, S., Gregory, P. and Vostanis, P. (2004) A Family Support Service for homeless children and parents: users'perspectives and characteristics. Health and Social Care in the Community 12 (4), 327-335 [6] Karim, K., Tischler, V., Gregory, P. and Vostanis, P. (2006) Homeless children and parents: short-term mental health outcome. International Journal of Social Psychiatry 52 (5), 447-458 [7] Tischler, V. and Vostanis, P. (2007) Homeless Mothers: Is there a Relationship between Coping Strategies, Mental Health and Goal Achievement? Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology 17, 85-102 [8] Tischler, V., Rademeyer, A. and Vostanis, P (2007) Mothers experiencing homelessness: mental health, support and social care needs. Health and Social Care in the Community 15 (3), 246-253 [9] Tischler, V. (in press) Resettlement and Reintegration: Mother's Reflections after Homelessness. Community, Work and Family [10] Tischler, V. (under review) I'm not coping, I'm surviving: Understanding coping in vulnerable populations. Qualitative Research in Psycholog

Transdisciplinarity: the future of research?

There is increasing recognition that to find solutions to complex problems we need to work alongside others from different disciplinary backgrounds. Many academics agree to this in principle yet it is difficult to be truly flexible in your thinking and behaviour when you have been trained within a particular discipline. In this presentation I reflect on the benefits and challenges of transdisciplinary working, and my trajectory through health, art and psychological fields, leading to my current appointment as Professor of Arts and Health and Head of Dementia Care at UWL