Browsing by Person "Irvine, Linda"

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Access to Psychological Therapies - DCAQ in NHS Lothian: Phase 2 Report
(Scottish Government, 2013-01) Arbuckle, Paul; Glassborow, Ruth; Denholm, Gail; Frazer, Norman; Graham, Patricia; Irvine, Linda; McKenna, Maureen; Pentland, Duncan; Stoddart, Graeme
The purpose of this document is to report on phase two of the Demand, Capacity, Activity & Queue (DCAQ) work carried out with Midlothian Psychological Therapies Service and East Lothian Psychological Therapies Service between April 2011 and March 2012. The overall project was broken down into two phases and this report is a summary of the work completed in phase two. The phase one report can be accessed at the following web address; http://www.qihub.scot.nhs.uk/media/220541/nhs%20lothian%20dcaq%20phase%201%20report%20vfinal2.doc The phase two report has two main purposes: To provide feedback on the work completed in phase two and to outline the additional service improvement opportunities that might be explored for each service participating; To provide a learning resource for other services interested in applying DCAQ.
Defining the environment to support occupational therapy intervention in mental health practice
(SAGE, 2015-05-01) Harrison, Michele; Angarola, Rocco; Forsyth, Kirsty; Irvine, Linda
More than 450 million people have been estimated to have mental health disorders worldwide with many more experiencing mental health challenges, according to the World Health Organization. People with mental health challenges can find their environments not supportive of their engagement in meaningful daily activities of self-care, work and leisure. While occupational therapists value having an understanding of how the environment impacts on a person's occupational participation, it has been argued that the concept has been poorly defined. The Model of Human Occupation provides a clinically useful definition of the environment. Moreover, the Model of Human Occupation provides clinical assessments and outcome measures that measure how the environment facilitates occupational participation. The Author(s) 2015.
Edinburgh Behaviour Support Service: Secondary Data Analysis
(Queen Margaret University, 2013) Constantinescu, Alexandra C.; Forsyth, Kirsty; Górska, Sylwia; Harrison, Michele; Irvine, Linda; Pentland, Jacqueline M.; Prior, Susan
Edinburgh Older People Mental Health Services: outcomes of the qualitative evaluation
(Queen Margaret University, 2015-01) Forsyth, Kirsty; Górska, Sylwia; Harrison, Michele; Irvine, Linda; Pentland, Jacqueline M.; Prior, Susan
Enabling integrated knowledge acquisition and management in health care teams
(2014-11) Pentland, Duncan; Forsyth, Kirsty; Maciver, Donald; Walsh, Mike; Murray, Richard; Irvine, Linda
Basing treatment, policy and planning decisions on the best available research knowledge remains a central principle in modern health care around the world, yet many health professionals find acquiring and managing published research knowledge challenging. In this paper, we report on a Soft Systems Methodology-based collaborative action research initiative with a specialist mental health service from the United Kingdom's National Health Service. Our objective was to design and implement improvements to their knowledge acquisition and management activities in order to facilitate sustained and effective evidence-based practices. We report on both the factors found to impede effective research knowledge acquisition and management and the development of more integrated knowledge management processes designed to improve the situation.
Exploring nursing perspectives on moving and handling in older people with osteoporosis in acute care settings.
(BioMed Central, 2017-06-27) Smith, Margaret Coulter; Pearson, C.; Tropea, Savina; O'May, Fiona; Irvine, Linda; Rush, Robert; Wilson, R.; Anonymous benefactor
Osteoporosis is highly prevalent worldwide and is associated with increased risk of low trauma fracture (LTF) [1], increased morbidity and mortality [2]. Major advances in diagnosis, management and prevention of secondary fractures have occurred [3] but implications for acute nursing care are less well documented. This project investigated practitioners' experiences of caring for people with osteoporosis, knowledge of the disease, explored implications for moving and handling, reported patients' care experiences, and developed education for frontline staff.
Factors influencing waiting times for diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in children and adults
(Elsevier, 2015-08-26) McKenzie, Karen; Forsyth, Kirsty; O'Hare, Anne; McClure, Iain; Rutherford, Marion; Murray, Aja; Irvine, Linda
Aims: To identify the main factors predicting delays in diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at three stages in the diagnostic process: wait for first appointment; assessment duration, and total wait for diagnosis. Method: Data were gathered from 150 case notes (80 child and 70 adult cases) from 16 diagnosing services across Scotland. Results: Having more information pre-assessment was associated with a reduced duration of the diagnostic process for children. This relationship was partially mediated by a reduction in the number of contacts required for diagnosis. In adults, having more factors associated with ASD (increased risk) reduced the wait time from referral to first appointment, but increased the overall duration of the diagnostic process. The latter relationship was partially mediated by an increase in the number of contacts required for diagnosis. Conclusion: Within children's services, increasing the amount of relevant information available pre-assessment is likely to reduce total duration of the assessment process by reducing number of contacts required. Having a high risk of ASD as an adult appears to result in being seen more quickly following referral, but also to increase the number of contacts needed and assessment duration. As a result, it increases and total duration overall. 2015 Elsevier Ltd.
Family Group Conferencing for People with Dementia. Evaluation of the Midlothian Pilot 2012/2013
(Queen Margaret University, 2013) Forsyth, Kirsty; Górska, Sylwia; Harrison, Michele; Haughey, Peter; Irvine, Linda; Prior, Susan
Family group conferencing in dementia care: an exploration of opportunities and challenges
(Cambridge University Press, 2015-10-02) Górska, Sylwia; Forsyth, Kirsty; Prior, Susan; Irvine, Linda; Haughey, Peter
Background:: The Family Group Conference (FGC) is an approach to partnership working which brings together service users, their support network and care professionals in a family-led decision making forum. Evidence, though limited, indicates that that FGC can enhance outcomes for service providers and their users. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the pilot FGC service, delivered to people with dementia and their families, in terms of the experience of care provision by families and care professionals involved in the project. Methods:: Focus group interviews were conducted with families and professionals participating in the pilot intervention. Results:: FGC was perceived as having the potential to positively impact service users, their families, service providers and the wider culture of care. However, despite an overall positive evaluation the participants identified a number of challenges related to service implementation. Both the opportunities and challenges identified in this study are discussed in the context of the existing international evidence base. Conclusions:: This study contributes to a better understanding of the applicability of FGC as a strategy to support people with dementia and their families. Although promising in terms of potential outcomes for service users and providers, FGC presents challenges which need to be carefully managed in order to secure maximum benefit to all parties. Copyright International Psychogeriatric Association 2015
Key characteristics of knowledge transfer and exchange in healthcare: Integrative literature review
(Wiley Online, 2011-07) Pentland, Duncan; Forsyth, Kirsty; Maciver, Donald; Walsh, Mike; Murray, Richard; Irvine, Linda; Sikora, Simon
Aim. This paper presents the results of a review of literature relating to knowledge transfer and exchange in healthcare. Background. Treatment, planning and policy decisions in contemporary nursing and healthcare should be based on sound evidence wherever possible, but research knowledge remains generally underused. Knowledge transfer and exchange initiatives aim to facilitate the accessibility, application and production of evidence and may provide solutions to this challenge. This review was conducted to help inform the design and implementation of knowledge transfer and exchange activities for a large healthcare organization. Data sources. Databases: ASSIA, Business Source Premier, CINAHL, PsychInfo, Medline and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Review methods. An integrative literature review was carried out including an extensive literature search. English language systematic reviews, literature reviews, primary quantitative and qualitative papers and grey literature of high relevance evaluating, describing or discussing knowledge transfer or exchange activities in healthcare were included for review (January 1990-September 2009). Findings. Thirty-three papers were reviewed (four systematic reviews, nine literature reviews, one environmental scan, nine empirical studies and ten case studies). Conclusion. Robust research into knowledge transfer and exchange in healthcare is limited. Analysis of a wide range of evidence indicates a number of commonly featured characteristics but further evaluation of these activities would benefit their application in facilitating evidence-based practice in nursing. 2011 The Authors. Journal of Advanced Nursing 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Mental health vocational rehabilitation - occupational therapists perceptions of individual placement and support
(Mark Allen Publishing LTD, 2012-04) Baxter, Claire; Prior, Susan; Forsyth, Kirsty; Maciver, Donald; Meiklejohn, Alison; Irvine, Linda; Walsh, Mike
Research purpose: Vocational rehabilitation (VR) has been the focus of recent government policy, which outlines objectives to support individuals with mental illness into work. To provide such support, Individual Placement and Support (IPS) as one approach, is frequently referred to. This has ignited both discussion and research within the occupational therapy (OT) profession to re-examine its contribution to VR and consider IPS as part of its practice. Aim: To explore Occupational Therapists' (OTs) perceptions about their role within mental health (MH) VR and IPS. Method: This qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews. The interview transcripts were subject to thematic framework analysis. Findings: The findings revealed similarities and compatibility with OT and IPS. Participants acknowledged the value of IPS for clients who wish to obtain paid employment but also in line with professional values, recognise the value of all worker roles, paid and unpaid. Conclusion: The findings are congruent with discursive literature regarding OT and VR. Consideration given by OTs to the uniqueness and complexities of work as an occupation reinforces their distinct contribution to VR and could extend to IPS. Further research is needed to verify and extend this study's findings.
Outpatient Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Lothian Wait Times. Retrospective notes analysis
(Queen Margaret University, 2015) Constantinescu, Alexandra C.; Forsyth, Kirsty; Gibson, Amanda; Górska, Sylwia; Harrison, Michele; Irvine, Linda; Murray, Richard; Pentland, Jacqueline M.; Prior, Susan
Perspectives of Those with Lived Experience of Dementia and their Care Givers within the Cultural Context of Midlothian. A Narrative Study.
(Queen Margaret University, 2012) Fairnie, Jane; Flockhart, Janice; Forsyth, Kirsty; Górska, Sylwia; Irvine, Linda; Maciver, Donald; Prior, Susan; Reid, Jenny; Whtehead, Jacqueline
Readiness for Employment: Perceptions of Mental Health Service Users
(Springer, 2013-12-19) Prior, Susan; Maciver, Donald; Forsyth, Kirsty; Walsh, Mike; Meiklejohn, Alison; Irvine, Linda
Work is good for both physical and mental health, and access to work is a basic human right. People with mental health conditions want to work and with the right support can work but are often excluded from the workplace. We explored factors influencing individual's perceptions of their readiness for employment. Participants' narratives focused particularly on personal causation and it's interreactions with other aspects of volition, habituation and the environment and highlight a number of key areas, which are discussed in relation to service provision. Sheltered workshops offer support and some structure and routine but may limit an individual's readiness for employment. Services should be evidence based and focused on real work opportunities which fit with individual's interests and values. Occupational therapy theory offers a unique and valuable perspective in understanding perceptions of readiness for employment and occupational therapists offer valid and useful assessments and interventions for vocational rehabilitation.
Service related needs of older people with dementia: perspectives of service users and their unpaid carers.
(Cambridge University Press, 2013-03) Górska, Sylwia; Forsyth, Kirsty; Irvine, Linda; Maciver, Donald; Prior, Susan; Whitehead, Jacqueline; Flockhart, Janice; Fairnie, Jane; Reid, Jenny
Background: Dementia is a major cause of disability among older people and constitutes one of the greatest challenges currently facing families, and health and social care services in the developed world. In response to trends in dementia prevalence and the impact the condition has on peoples' lives, dementia care has been placed high on the public and political agenda in the UK. However, despite significant public resources being allocated to combat the impact of the disease, recent evidence indicates that numerous challenges in relation to service provision remain. This study aimed to develop a deeper understanding of the lived experience of people with dementia regarding their service related needs. Method: The study made use of data gathered through individual semi-structured, narrative interviews conducted with persons with experience of dementia and their unpaid carers. Results: Although participants were generally satisfied with the services they received, a number of unmet needs related to service provision were identified. In terms of diagnostic procedures the findings of this study indicate the need for early diagnosis delivered through a comprehensive assessment package. The participants also highlighted the need for well co-ordinated post-diagnostic support, greater continuity of care concerning the personnel involved, and enhanced access to non-pharmacological interventions to support identity and social engagement. Conclusion: This study contributes to a better understanding of service related needs of people with dementia in relation to diagnostic procedures and post-diagnostic support.
Services for children with developmental co-ordination disorder: an evaluation against best practice principles
(Taylor & Francis, 2016-01) Pentland, Jacqueline; Maciver, Donald; Owen, Christine; Forsyth, Kirsty; Irvine, Linda; Walsh, Mike; Crowe, Miriam
Purpose: The National Health Service in Scotland published a best practice framework to support occupational therapists and physiotherapists to deliver effective services for children with developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD); however, adherence is variable. To highlight areas for development, this study compared the care pathway within a paediatric DCD service against the NHS Scotland framework. Methods: A partnership of researchers and clinicians based in the United Kingdom conducted a qualitative study with 37 participants (N = 13 interview participants, N = 24 workshop participants). In-depth interviews and/or workshops were used to map the DCD service against the NHS framework. Identified gaps were aligned with four key stages of the care pathway. Qualitative analysis software was used to analyse the data. Results: Core principles to guide future development were identified for each phase of the pathway. These core principles related to the NHS framework and focused on issues such as involving the family, defining clear pathways and enhancing children's participation. Participants identified potential strategies for service improvement such as developing community-based interventions and information provision. Conclusion: Challenges when providing services for children with DCD include confusing service pathways and poor partnership working. It is, therefore, important that clinicians utilise collaborative working strategies that support children's participation.Implications for RehabilitationThere are numerous challenges related to the implementation of best practice principles into the provision of therapy services for children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD).It is important that AHPs seek ways of engaging parents and educational professionals at all stages of the care pathway in order to ensure optimum service provision for the child.Addressing participation is an important aspect and community-based strategies may be particularly beneficial, both as a preventative activity and as an intervention approach. 2015 Informa UK Ltd.
The relation between practice that is consistent with NICE guideline 142 recommendations and waiting times within Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnostic services
(Elsevier, 2016-03-09) McKenzie, Karen; Rutherford, Marion; Forsyth, Kirsty; O'Hare, Anne; McClure, Iain; Murray, Aja L.; Irvine, Linda
Background This study explores the extent to which recommendations from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) 142 guidelines, section 9.2 (relating to identification, assessment and diagnosis) reflected existing routine clinical practice in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosing services in Scotland; and whether there was a significant relation between routine practice which more closely reflected these recommendations and waiting times. Method A cross-sectional, retrospective case note analysis of recently diagnosed adults, in eight ASD services across Scotland. Results The study found that the existing practice of the participating services was consistent with 14 (maximum number) of the included recommendations in at least half of cases analysed (range 37-70 cases) and was not related to increased total waiting time for diagnosis. Conclusion The results, based only on the included recommendations, suggest that the section 9.2 recommendations can be integrated into clinical practice in Scotland with relative ease and that it is unlikely to have a negative impact on waiting times.
The relationship between waiting times and 'adherence' to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network 98 guideline in autism spectrum disorder diagnostic services in Scotland
(SAGE, 2015-06-01) McKenzie, Karen; Forsyth, Kirsty; O'Hare, Anne; McClure, Iain; Rutherford, Marion; Murray, Aja; Irvine, Linda; The Scottish Government
The aim of this study was to explore the extent to which the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network 98 guidelines on the assessment and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder were adhered to in child autism spectrum disorder diagnostic services in Scotland and whether there was a significant relationship between routine practice which more closely reflected these recommendations (increased adherence) and increased waiting times. Retrospective, cross sectional case note analysis was applied to data from 80 case notes. Adherence ranged from a possible 0 (no adherence)to 19 (full adherence). Overall, 17/22 of the recommendations were adhered to in over 50 of the 80 cases and in 70 or more cases for 11/22 of the recommendations, with a mean adherence score of 16 (standard deviation = 1.9). No significant correlation was found between adherence and total wait time for untransformed (r = 0.15, p = 0.32) or transformed data (r = 0.12, p = 0.20). The results indicated that the assessment and diagnostic practices were consistent with the relevant Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network 98 guideline recommendations. Increased adherence to the 19 included recommendations was not significantly related to increased total waiting times, indicating that the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network 98 recommendations have generally been integrated into practice, without a resultant increase in patient waits.
Vocational rehabilitation: facilitating evidence based practice through participatory action research
(Informa Healthcare, 2013-04-15) Maciver, Donald; Prior, Susan; Forsyth, Kirsty; Meiklejohn, Alison; Irvine, Linda; Walsh, Mike; Pentland, Duncan
Background: Improving vocational rehabilitation in line with the current evidence base is an area of considerable interest. Aims: To describe the strategies used by a multidisciplinary team in the initial stages of a participatory action research (PAR) approach to improving a vocational rehabilitation service. Method: A literature review and PAR process were completed. One hundred and fifteen participants engaged in multifaceted data collection and analysis, building consensus around key principles for a new vocational rehabilitation service. Results: A synthesis of our literature review and PAR process was developed into a set of principles for practice which we plan to implement across the service. Conclusions: We have developed methodologies in interdisciplinary collaborations spanning statutory and non-statutory services. We have developed a set of principles for practice and detailed plans for implementation are being drawn up to inform provision in the future.
WeWalk: walking with a buddy after stroke—a pilot study evaluating feasibility and acceptability of a person-centred dyadic behaviour change intervention
(BioMed Central, 2023-01-13) Morris, Jacqui H.; Irvine, Linda; Tooman, Tricia; Dombrowski, Stephan U.; McCormack, Brendan; Van Wijck, Frederike; Lawrence, Maggie
Background: Evidence for benefits of physical activity after stroke is unequivocal. However, many people with stroke are inactive, spending > 80% of waking hours sedentary even when they have physical capacity for activity, indicating barriers to physical activity participation that are not physical. WeWalk is a 12-week person-centred dyadic behaviour change intervention in which a person with stroke (PWS) and a walking buddy form a dyad to work together to support the PWS to increase their physical activity by walking outdoors. This pilot study examined the feasibility of recruiting dyads, explored their perceptions of acceptability and their experiences using WeWalk, to identify required refinements before progression to a clinical trial. Methods: Design: A single-arm observational pilot study with qualitative evaluation. Intervention: WeWalk involved facilitated face-to-face and telephone sessions with a researcher who was also a behaviour change practitioner, supported by intervention handbooks and diaries, in which dyads agreed walking goals and plans, monitored progress, and developed strategies for maintaining walking. Evaluation: Descriptive data on recruitment and retention were collected. Interview data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis, guided by a theoretical framework of acceptability. Results: We recruited 21 dyads comprising community dwelling PWS and their walking buddies. Ten dyads fully completed WeWalk before government-imposed COVID-19 lockdown. Despite lockdown, 18 dyads completed exit interviews. We identified three themes: acceptability evolves with experience, mutuality, and person-centredness with personally relevant tailoring. As dyads recognised how WeWalk components supported walking, perceptions of acceptability grew. Effort receded as goals and enjoyment of walking together were realised. The dyadic structure provided accountability, and participants’ confidence developed as they experienced physical and psychological benefits of walking. WeWalk worked best when dyads exhibited relational connectivity and mutuality in setting and achieving goals. Tailoring intervention components to individual circumstances and values supported dyads in participation and achieving meaningful goals. Conclusion: Recruiting dyads was feasible and most engaged with WeWalk. Participants viewed the dyadic structure and intervention components as acceptable for promoting outdoor walking and valued the personally tailored nature of WeWalk. Developing buddy support skills and community delivery pathways are required refinements. ISCTRN number: 34488928.