A Conceptual Framework of the Experience of Future Disorientation in Adults Living With and Beyond Cancer

Background: There has been little research into the area of future disorientation in adults living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis. Research conducted in this area tends to focus on women who have been treated for gynaecological cancer and to be cross-sectional. Therefore, little is known about the impact of future disorientation on other groups of people living with and beyond cancer, including men, and little is known about how the experience may change over time. Aims: This thesis aims to develop a conceptual framework illustrating the experience of future disorientation. This was achieved by exploring what the consequence of future disorientation are, what factors cause participants to experience future disorientation and what factors prevent/reduce the impact of future disorientation. Methods: This study utilised an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach (IPA) which informed all aspects of the data collection and analysis process. Eight patients attending follow up clinics in the North East of England were recruited and were interviewed on two occasions six months apart. The interviews were semi-structured and analysed using an IPA approach. Results: The results of this study have shown that future disorientation can be experienced by men and women living with and beyond cancer, that it can persist over time, and have a number of consequences. A number of factors have been identified which may contribute to the experience of future disorientation such as cancer related fears, and anxiety. Furthermore a number of factors emerged which may protect patients from experiencing future disorientation, such as support networks and making lifestyle adjustments. This thesis constitutes an original contribution to knowledge as no work has previously sought to map out the conceptual framework of future disorientation or how it changes over time

Exploring the inequalities of women with learning disabilities deciding to attend, and then accessing cervical and breast cancer screening, using the Social Ecological Model

Background: Women with learning disabilities are less likely to access cervical and breast cancer screening when compared to the general population. The Social Ecological Model (SEM) was used to examine the inequalities faced by women with learning disabilities in accessing cervical and breast cancer screening in England, UK. Methods: The findings from a qualitative systematic review, and a Q methodology study were triangulated. Framework analysis, in line with the SEM, was used to develop an integrated set of findings. Findings: Women with learning disabilities may lack knowledge of cancer symptoms, and cancer screening, as well as being scared about the process and getting the results. The attitudes of family and paid carers towards screening may influence women with learning disabilities’ decisions as to whether screening is seen as favourable; support and training may ensure unbiased perspectives. Barriers were also associated with how cancer screening programmes are designed, such as postal invitations which assumes an ability to read. In addition, screening staff need to be aware of the general needs of people with learning disabilities, such as the benefits of easy-read documents. Lastly, multidisciplinary working is required so reasonable adjustments can be embedded into cancer screening pathways. Conclusion: This paper highlights multiple methods to reduce the inequalities faced by women with learning disabilities, which can be achieved through reasonable adjustments. Embedding reasonable adjustments can support women with learning disabilities in making an informed decision, and accessing screening if they choose to. This may result in women with learning disabilities getting a timely cancer diagnosis

Psychological Interventions for Alcohol Use Disorder with ADHD Adults: A systematic review

What evidence exists to support the effectiveness of interventions designed or modified for ADHD adults seeking treatment for alcohol dependency or alcohol use disorder?Is there evidence to support efficacy by intervention type or approach

Psychological Interventions for Alcohol Use Disorder with ADHD Adults: A systematic review

What evidence exists to support the effectiveness of interventions designed or modified for ADHD adults seeking treatment for alcohol dependency or alcohol use disorder?Is there evidence to support efficacy by intervention type or approach

Considerations for peer research and implications for mental health professionals: learning from research on food insecurity and severe mental illness

What is known on the subjectPeer research methodologies and methods are increasingly used in research, particularly to benefit from lived experiences.The experiences of peer researchers with severe mental illness are less common, including the impact on them of conducting peer-led research.What the paper adds to existing knowledgeThis paper shares the experience of peer research and suggests in the context of food insecurity, that it is not well understood by some healthcare professionals.What are the implications for practiceImplications include considerations around trauma-informed care and the need for screening for food insecurity in mental healthcare settings. Research implications include providing training for peer research and needing to consider longevity of peer researcher relationships