Interprofessional supervision among allied health professionals: a systematic scoping review

Clinical supervision typically occurs between clinicians who are trained in the same discipline, and this assumption is present across much of the relevant literature. However, the use of interprofessional supervision (IPS), wherein clinicians do not share the same discipline, has increased in recent years. As IPS increases in usage, it is key that the implications of this approach are explored. In order to map the existing evidence, a scoping review was conducted to explore what is known about the use of IPS across five allied health professions (psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and social work). A systematic literature search of four electronic databases was conducted, with 27 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. The data were analyzed using thematic synthesis. Six key themes were identified relating to factors impacting the appropriateness of IPS, necessary steps in the IPS process, and impacts of IPS for clinicians. Limited application of standardized tools and theoretical frameworks within the existing research was highlighted. The findings identified within this review present a broad overview of the existing research relating to IPS, which can be used to inform future research in this area.

Evaluating the psychometric structure of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression pre- and post-treatment in antidepressant randomised trials: Secondary analysis of 6843 individual participants from 20 trials

BACKGROUND

The 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD-17) is the most popular depression measure in antidepressant clinical trials. Prior evidence indicates poor replicability and inconsistent factorial structure. This has not been studied in pooled randomised trial data, nor has a psychometrically optimal model been developed.

AIMS

To examine the psychometric properties of the HRSD-17 for pre-treatment and post-treatment clinical trial data in a large pooled database of antidepressant randomised controlled trial participants, and to determine an optimal abbreviated version.

METHOD

Data for 6843 participants were obtained from the data repository Vivli.org and randomly split into groups for exploratory (n = 3421) and confirmatory (n = 3422) factor analysis. Invariance methods were used to assess potential sex differences.

RESULTS

The HRSD-17 was psychometrically sub-optimal and non-invariant for all models. High item variances and low variance explained suggested redundancy in each model. EFA failed at baseline and produced four item models for outcome groups (five for placebo-outcome), which were metric but not scalar invariant.

CONCLUSIONS

In antidepressant trial data, the HRSD-17 was psychometrically inadequate and scores were not sex invariant. Neither full nor abbreviated HRSD models are suitable for use in clinical trial settings and the HRSD's status as the gold standard should be reconsidered.

An exploration of family dynamics in adults who self-harm

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to explore how adults who self-harm experience family relationships.

METHODS

A phenomenological design was employed to examine the dynamic relationship between self-harm and family systems. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six female adults who attend a community mental health service and engage in self-harm. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

RESULTS

Four superordinate themes emerged from the data and two subordinate themes emerged within each superordinate theme: family interactive patterns (subordinate themes: enmeshed patterns and culture of 'getting on with it'), searching for meaning (subordinate themes: expressing emotional turmoil and engrained worthlessness), relating to others (subordinate themes: guilt and feeling misunderstood) and journey towards life without self-harm (subordinate themes: acceptance and family support).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings emphasise the role of family systems in understanding self-harm in adults. The study highlights the need for family-based interventions for family members who support adults that self-harm.

'Ageing well': Discursive constructions of ageing and health in the public reach of a national longitudinal study on ageing

Established in 2006, the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) investigates the health, economic and social circumstances of a nationally-representative sample of people aged fifty years and older in a series of biennial data collection waves. Irish newspapers have been reporting the results of TILDA for over a decade and a half, and their texts represent reports of scientific research distilled through the pen of journalists. In their totality, their texts constitute a public discourse on ageing and health. Using critical discourse analysis, we examined the discourse within the texts of a purposive sample of two national daily newspapers. As sites of public discourse, newspapers reflect social life and are influential in forming and legitimating public attitudes. Like other sites of discourse, their language-in-use is contextually located, is rarely neutral and may employ strategies to discursively construct, sustain and privilege particular social identities, including ageing identities. Discursively constructed as 'ageing well', our analysis of newspaper texts revealed a discernible meta-discourse on ageing and health in which ageing was framed as a life course stage that may be cultivated, diligently self-nurtured and exploited for its positive aspects. When considered in light of literature on health and social inequalities, the consequences of this broadly positive ageing discourse can, somewhat perversely, frame older adults in unintended negative ways, including homogenising them and attributing to them capacities for ageing well that they may not possess. Discursively constructing older adults as a social and economic resource can also impose unrealistic expectations on them and may legitimise exploitation and demonstrate how normative ideologies of ageism and ableism are conveyed through legitimising language. Despite these potentially unintended consequences, the available media resources associated with TILDA may represent one of the most important contributions of the study, in terms of informing positive public attitudes towards ageing.

What Are the Psychosocial Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer? A Systematic Review of the Literature

Adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYACs) have become recognized as a unique group in recent years. The unique developmental context and related challenges of being a young person with a cancer diagnosis can lead to a distinct and diverse set of psychosocial issues. Existing research has attempted to explore these psychosocial needs and challenges and to develop appropriate and individualized interventions. However, the needs of this group remain unmet, with ongoing calls for individualized support. This systematic review addressed the research question, "what are the psychosocial needs of AYACs aged 15-24 years?." PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases were searched to identify relevant studies from January 2000 to December 2022 (inclusive). Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods designs were included and 29 studies met inclusion criteria. Findings provide an overview of needs from the existing literature and support the idea of a changing constellation of psychosocial needs for AYACs in areas such as identity, relationships, mental health, autonomy, and occupation. The main implications for theory and future research include the importance of the developmental context and consideration of discrepancies in the age range used within the literature to define this group.

Decision-making in palliative care: patient and family caregiver concordance and discordance-systematic review and narrative synthesis

BACKGROUND

Decision-making in palliative care usually involves both patients and family caregivers. However, how concordance and discordance in decision-making manifest and function between patients and family caregivers in palliative care is not well understood.

OBJECTIVES

To identify key factors and/or processes which underpin concordance and/or discordance between patients and family caregivers with respect to their preferences for and decisions about palliative care; and ascertain how patients and family caregivers manage discordance in decision-making in palliative care.

METHODS

A systematic review and narrative synthesis of original studies published in full between January 2000 and June 2021 was conducted using the following databases: Embase; Medline; CINAHL; AMED; Web of Science; PsycINFO; PsycARTICLES; and Social Sciences Full Text.

RESULTS

After full-text review, 39 studies were included in the synthesis. Studies focused primarily on end-of-life care and on patient and family caregiver preferences for patient care. We found that discordance between patients and family caregivers in palliative care can manifest in relational conflict and can result from a lack of awareness of and communication about each other's preferences for care. Patients' advancing illness and impending death together with open dialogue about future care including advance care planning can foster consensus between patients and family caregivers.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients and family caregivers in palliative care can accommodate each other's preferences for care. Further research is needed to fully understand how patients and family caregivers move towards consensus in the context of advancing illness.

The Oral Symptom Assessment Scale (OSAS): criterion validation with the EORTC QLQ-OH15 and reliability testing

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the criterion validity and reliability of the Oral Symptom Assessment Scale (OSAS) in patients with advanced cancer receiving specialist palliative care.

METHODS

To examine criterion validity, participants completed the OSAS, EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-OH15. Twenty-four hours later participants repeated the OSAS to investigate test-retest reliability.

RESULTS

54 participants were recruited (median age 70; range: 35- 93 years). 51 complete datasets were obtained. Cohen's kappa test was used to evaluate the agreement for the presence / absence of symptoms on the OSAS on the first and second days (test-retest reliability). This analysis showed values of moderate and higher for agreement for all symptoms. All kappa values were statistically significant. The test-retest reliability for symptom severity, frequency and distress was assessed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were used to evaluate agreement between similar questions on the OSAS from day one and the EORTC QLQ-OH15 also on day one to examine criterion validity.

CONCLUSION

This study supports the validity of the OSAS, and provides evidence for the reliability of this novel oral symptom assessment tool, in patients with advanced cancer. Further research is needed to corroborate the findings of this study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

CancerTrials.gov registry registration no.: PM202166.

A comparison of four dementia palliative care services using the RE-AIM framework

BACKGROUND

Living with a life-limiting illness, people with dementia benefit from palliative care which considers the holistic needs of the person and their family. However, little is known about how palliative care may be best provided to people living with dementia at home in the community. We examined four exemplary dementia palliative care services for people with dementia in the community, to see what activities they were providing, what were the commonalities and differences, and what lessons could be learned.

METHODS

A long-list of dementia palliative care services in Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales, was identified through a survey, and four exemplar services were chosen based on criteria including: in operation >six months; provides identifiable activities; availability of routinely collected service data; not exclusively for people with dementia in final hours or days of life. Mixed-methods of data collection included interviews, focus-groups and surveys with service staff, surveys of service users, and routinely collected service data. The RE-AIM framework was used to describe and understand the sample of dementia palliative care services.

RESULTS

The four services had varied organisational structures and were led by different disciplines. However, they all provided common core activities including holistic and person-centred care, early advance care planning with service user involvement, carer support, integrated healthcare services, continuity of care, 24/7 support, bereavement support. All had needs-based referral criteria, accepting any age or dementia sub-type. All supported people with dementia to remain living at home and to have a comfortable, dignified death in their preferred place.

CONCLUSIONS

An effective dementia palliative care service may take different forms. Whether the service is dementia-led or Specialist Palliative Care-led, efficacy is associated with providing a range of key activities and implementing them effectively. The data collected strongly suggests the benefits of the dementia palliative care services to a person with dementia and their families and offers valuable insight into the key factors for the establishment and successful running of such services.

Complicated grief knowledge and practice: a qualitative study of general practitioners in Ireland

OBJECTIVE

Complicated grief is a debilitating condition that individuals may experience after losing a loved one. General practitioners (GPs) are well positioned to provide patients with support for grief-related issues. Traditionally, Irish GPs play an important role in providing patients with emotional support regarding bereavement. However, GPs have commonly reported not being aptly trained to respond to bereavement-related issues. This study explores GPs' current knowledge of and practice regarding complicated grief.

METHODS

A qualitative study adopting a phenomenological approach to explore the experiences of GPs on this issue. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with a purposive sample of nine GPs (five men and four women) in Ireland. Potential participants were contacted via email and phone. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using Braun & Clarke's () model of thematic analysis.

RESULTS

GPs had limited awareness of the concept of complicated grief and were unfamiliar with relevant research. They also reported that their training was either non-existent or outdated. GPs formed their own knowledge of grief-related issues based on their intuition and experiences. For these reasons, there was not one agreed method of how to respond to grief-related issues reported by patients, though participants recognised the need for intervention, onward referral and review.

CONCLUSIONS

The research highlighted that GPs felt they required training in complicated grief so that they would be better able to identify and respond to complicated grief.

The effects of advanced factor analysis approaches on outcomes in randomised trials for depression: protocol for secondary analysis of individual participant data

BACKGROUND

Modern psychometric methods make it possible to eliminate nonperforming items and reduce measurement error. Application of these methods to existing outcome measures can reduce variability in scores, and may increase treatment effect sizes in depression treatment trials.

AIMS

We aim to determine whether using confirmatory factor analysis techniques can provide better estimates of the true effects of treatments, by conducting secondary analyses of individual patient data from randomised trials of antidepressant therapies.

METHOD

We will access individual patient data from antidepressant treatment trials through Clinicalstudydatarequest.com and Vivli.org, specifically targeting studies that used the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) as the outcome measure. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic approaches will be used to determine pre-treatment (baseline) and post-treatment models of depression, in terms of the number of factors and weighted scores of each item. Differences in the derived factor scores between baseline and outcome measurements will yield an effect size for factor-informed depression change. The difference between the factor-informed effect size and each original trial effect size, calculated with total HRSD-17 scores, will be determined, and the differences modelled with meta-analytic approaches. Risk differences for proportions of patients who achieved remission will also be evaluated. Furthermore, measurement invariance methods will be used to assess potential gender differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Our approach will determine whether adopting advanced psychometric analyses can improve precision and better estimate effect sizes in antidepressant treatment trials. The proposed methods could have implications for future trials and other types of studies that use patient-reported outcome measures.

Supporting Social Inclusion in Neighbourhoods of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: Service Providers' Practice Experiences

Deinstitutionalisation has increased the likelihood of adults with intellectual disabilities residing in neighbourhoods either in staff-supported accommodation or in their family home. However, it raises the question of whether national policies on disability have translated into practice actions by service providers that result in positive social inclusion outcomes for individuals. This study examined the practice initiatives supporting social inclusion in neighbourhoods in specialist state-funded service providers for adults with intellectual disabilities. Using a mixed methods design, CEOs/service leaders of 40 organisations completed an online survey. Follow-up interviews were completed with a randomised sample. Shifting towards new service models and strategic links with mainstream organisations were most often mentioned as furthering social inclusion goals. A wide range of service initiatives were reported, with positive outcomes alongside a range of challenges. Service providers play an important role in providing individualised supports that foster local engagement. However, the service context is complex and service leaders have reported many challenges that may impede progress on social inclusion.

The perceived effects of COVID-19 while living with a chronic illness

INTRODUCTION

A diagnosis of chronic illness posed a serious threat to people during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. People with chronic illnesses were faced with increased mortality and reduced access to healthcare. Self-care is the process of maintaining health and managing a chronic illness. Nurses working in specialist services provide healthcare education to people with chronic illnesses. Access to these nurses was decreased during periods of the COVID-19 virus escalation due to the reconfiguration of services and redeployment of nurses. The purpose of the research was to learn from the experiences of people with a chronic illnesses in self-care behaviors and accessing altered healthcare services to inform future practices.

DESIGN

A population survey design.

METHODS

A mixed methods survey was designed, combining validated questionnaires and scales with open-ended questions. A convenience sample was utilized via using social media platforms. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics. Content analysis was used to analyze open-ended responses.

RESULTS

There were 147 responses, with approximately half reporting no changes in face-to-face healthcare contact, 41% reporting decreased contacts and 12% increased contacts. Non-face-to-face contacts were reduced by almost 9%, did not change by almost 60%, while 33% indicated an increase. Participants reported mixed perceptions in contact with healthcare providers during restrictions. In the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care and the Self-Care of Chronic Illness scales, participants scored statistically lower scores than in previous studies. Participants indicated that public health restrictions negatively impacted their confidence, created challenges with re-engaging and that access to care was more difficult.

CONCLUSION

This research highlights the importance of providing continued support to people with chronic illness irrespective of other challenges to healthcare services. A structured approach to virtual self-care education is required.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This research concluded that the experience of access to one healthcare professional as opposed to diverse multidisciplinary input was similar for a number of chronic illnesses groups of people during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was an altered dynamic of virtual contacts with healthcare providers and a lack of confidence interpreting what monitoring was required by people with a chronic illnesses due to a lack of preparedness for virtual healthcare delivery.

Synthesising existing research on complicated grief in intellectual disability: findings from a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Complicated grief has been identified as a phenomenon in the general population, and there is an increasing body of research investigating complicated grief in people with intellectual disability. The aim of this study is to synthesise this existing knowledge from research published between 1999 and 2022.

METHODS

A structured systematic review using PRISMA guidelines was conducted, which searched three commonly used databases (Medline, PsycINFO and CINAHL) for research on the topic of bereavement and intellectual disability. The articles identified in this search were screened to identify those that addressed the issue of 'complicated grief', with all abstracts and subsequent full texts reviewed by two researchers.

RESULTS

In total, 179 abstracts were initially identified, with 34 articles eligible for full text screening and 18 papers reaching criteria for inclusion. Data relating to the studies' objectives were extracted under the headings of definition, defining principles, signs and symptoms, risk factors and treatments for complicated grief in intellectual disability. Thematic analysis of the extracted data was performed to identify key themes.

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlights that people with intellectual disability are likely to experience complicated grief reactions and that complicated grief is both underestimated and a clinically significant condition for people with intellectual disability. Future research should work to clarify diagnostic criteria and identify appropriate interventions.

76 HOW BLOGS SUPPORT THE TRANSFER OF KNOWLEDGE INTO PRACTICE IN THE FIELD OF DEMENTIA PALLIATIVE CARE: FACILITATORS AND BARRIERS

Background

Blogging can help to maximise the impact of one’s work in academia and beyond by making research findings accessible for multiple knowledge users. As part of the knowledge exchange and dissemination activities of the Model for Dementia Palliative Care Project, this study explored stakeholders’ views of blogs as a means to translate research findings in the field of Dementia Palliative care.

Methods

A web-based survey was developed, piloted, and revised. It was distributed electronically via key dementia and palliative care organisations. Complete responses (N=128) were received from healthcare researchers (n=53), healthcare providers (n=46) and others with an interest in healthcare research (n=29). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis

Results

The preferred methods of reviewing research findings were scientific papers, websites and news articles. Respondents read healthcare blogs “sometimes” (39.1%), with <19% reading them “often” or “very often”. Receiving an email notification might increase the likelihood of reading a new blog post for 83% of respondents. Barriers to engaging with blogs included lack of time, preference for other media, lack of awareness regarding available blogs, and concerns about the credibility and source of information. An appropriate length and the author of the blog were key features that encouraged engagement with a blog. Most respondents (37.7 % ‘Yes’ and 23.0% ‘Maybe’) would read Dementia Palliative care blogs by the research team.

Conclusion

Despite respondents choosing a scientific paper as their preferred method to consume research findings, many indicated an openness to reading blogs on their area of interest. Creating concise, relevant, and credible blogs, and suitably promoting them, could increase the impact and reach of healthcare research, such as in the emerging field of dementia palliative care, and thus promote translation of research findings into practice.

75 EVALUATING DEMENTIA PALLIATIVE CARE SERVICES ACROSS IRELAND AND THE UK USING THE RE-AIM FRAMEWORK

Background

Dementia is a life-limiting illness, requiring a Palliative Care (PC) approach from diagnosis. In Ireland, People with Dementia (PwD) and their families rarely receive PC in a timely manner. This study aimed to evaluate five exemplar community-based dementia PC services across Ireland and the UK (as identified by key stakeholders), to inform a new service delivery model.

Methods

Data from semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 29 service providers, and service activity data (n=5), was evaluated using the RE-AIM framework.

Results

‘Reach’ - Caseloads varied significantly between 3-154 active cases. Most services accepted self-referrals; all wanted earlier referrals. Factors influencing reach included co-location, dyadic participation, service flexibility, and others’ awareness of PC appropriateness and the service’s existence.

‘Effectiveness’ - All service users received holistic assessments, person-centred care, advanced care planning, continuity of care, improved service access and ‘care-for-the-carer’. Some services offered complimentary therapies, 24/7 phone support, and bereavement support; these were perceived to improve quality-of-life, comfort, and independence.

‘Adoption’ - Staff were highly invested; some provided their personal numbers to families. Outside staff were more willing to engage (refer/support) if shared governance, training was provided, or already familiar with dementia or the tools. Incentive programmes increased adoption rates.

‘Implementation ’ - All services evolved on an ad-hoc basis, with funding provided by local organisations, and a single ‘driving force’, typically a consultant/nurse. Services heavily relied on volunteers. Perceived “essential” elements included a dyadic approach, MDT involvement, open communication, forming relationships, reflective practices, dedicated staff with problem solving skills, and staff support/training.

‘Maintenance’ - All services continued after initial project funding; three increased their activities/reach over time.

Conclusion

Important features and facilitators of community-based dementia palliative care services have been identified. These results are informing the development of the novel Dementia Palliative Care model for use in Ireland (https://pallcare4dementia.com/).

Smoking cessation for cancer patients through the lens of cancer specialists: challenges & solutions

Background

The benefits of smoking cessation (SC) for cancer patients are widely recognised. However, there has been a limited emphasis on SC in this context and it continues to be a challenge for cancer patients. As part of a larger feasibility study aiming to develop a structured SC pathway for cancer patients in Ireland, this qualitative study explored the SC practices, experiences and opinions of oncology healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 HCPs from lung, breast, cervical, head and neck and general oncology, across 4 specialist adult cancer hospitals in Ireland. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Four key themes emerged:

(1) Frequently ask and advise but infrequently assist: most HCPs ask about smoking and many advise about available supports, but few refer patients to SC services. Where offered, referrals were to hospital SC services and/or nicotine replacement therapy was prescribed; no HCP prescribed varenicline or bupropion. Barriers included lack of time, ill-defined referral pathways and lack of knowledge.

(2) Increased willingness but differing ability to quit: most patients were interested in quitting post diagnosis and had varying support needs, linked to cancer stage, social circumstances and stress levels.

(3) Need for an integrated or parallel service: all HCPs suggested that a structured and defined referral pathway will facilitate SC.

(4) Motivational counselling and pharmacotherapy combination: many HCPs suggested face to face as the best mode of intervention initially, with regular follow ups and ongoing support virtually, started pre-treatment, with an empathetic and empowering approach with provision of both motivational counselling and SC pharmacotherapy.

Conclusions

Smoking post cancer diagnosis has serious implications for cancer treatment and prognosis but is frequently overlooked. These findings will inform the design of a SC pathway for cancer patients.

Key messages

• Despite increased willingness to quit, there is inadequate and inconsistent SC support provision for cancer patients.

• Tailored SC support should be an integral part of comprehensive cancer care.

Examining Attitudes to Psilocybin: Should Candidates for Medical Psilocybin be Required to Pass a Contextual Suitability Test?

Due to increasing evidence of efficacy in treating mental health disorders, psilocybin may become a legal medicinal drug. This study tested the validity of Carhart-Harris and Nutt’s (2017) model of extra-pharmacological (EP) factors. It examined whether such factors should be considered in any psychological suitability test for medicinally prescribed psilocybin. Two hundred nineteen participants (101 self-identified females, 109 males, seven nonbinary people, and two who preferred not to say), in an age range of 18 to 68 years, completed three online measures of personality— Set, Setting, and Intention—and the Attitudes Toward Psilocybin (ATP) scale. The sample was equally divided between those who had used psychedelics (52.1%) and those who had no previous psychedelic use (47.5%). A series of stepwise linear regressions were run to examine whether EP factors predicted ATP scores. The ATP scale was tested for reliability, construct validity, and determinant validity and was deemed an appropriate measure. A model consisting of a positive Set, Openness to Experience, and lower Extraversion significantly predicted ATP scores. These findings supported the EP model and suggested that a suitability test may be a useful tool when determining whether a prescription of psilocybin is an appropriate course of treatment.

How blogs support the transfer of knowledge into practice in the field of dementia palliative care: a survey of facilitators and barriers

Background

Blogging can help to maximise the impact of one’s work in academia and beyond by making research findings accessible for multiple knowledge users, such as healthcare professionals and the public, as well as other researchers. As part of the knowledge exchange and dissemination activities of the Model for Dementia Palliative Care Project, this study explored stakeholders’ views of blogs as a means to translate research findings.

Methods

A web-based survey was developed, piloted, and revised. It was distributed electronically via key dementia and palliative care organisations websites, newsletters, social media platforms, and within the staff mailing lists of five Universities in Ireland. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.

Results

Complete responses were received from 128 participants. The majority of respondents were healthcare researchers (n = 53), followed by healthcare providers (n = 46). The preferred methods of reviewing research findings were scientific papers, websites and news articles. Respondents read healthcare blogs “sometimes” (39.1%), with < 19% reading them “often” or “very often”. Receiving an email notification might increase the likelihood of reading a new blog post for 83% of respondents. Barriers to engaging with blogs included lack of time, preference for other media, lack of awareness regarding available blogs, and concerns about the credibility and source of information. An appropriate length and the author of the blog were key features that encouraged engagement with a blog.

Conclusions

Despite respondents choosing a scientific paper as their preferred method to consume research findings, many indicated an openness to reading blogs on their area of interest. Creating concise, relevant, and credible blogs, and suitably promoting them, could increase the impact and reach of healthcare research, such as in the emerging field of dementia palliative care, and thus promote translation of research findings into practice.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-022-01001-7.

Exploring Models of Care and the Perceived Impact in an Offender Rehabilitation Program

Offender rehabilitation programs incorporating positive psychology interventions such as a strengths-based model can be effective. This study explores the perceived model of service provided by an offender rehabilitation service and the perceived impact that this service has on the lives of its clients. A qualitative methodology was employed in the context of an action research design, using semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis which is an independent and reliable approach to qualitative analysis. The findings suggest that participants perceive the organization to be operating a strengths-based approach and this is perceived as having the potential to have a range of positive effects for clients. Some contrasting views were also identified within the participant groups and these are discussed in this paper. The results of this study complement the existing research and have several implications for future research in this area.

Healthcare utilisation and unmet health needs in children with intellectual disability: a propensity score matching approach using longitudinal cohort data

BACKGROUND

Health disparities for children with intellectual disabilities can be challenging to measure due to many other factors that can impact health and healthcare use. The aim of the current study was to use longitudinal cohort data to compare children with intellectual disability (ID) in Ireland between 2006 and 2014 on healthcare utilisation and unmet need, at ages 9 and 13, using a propensity score matching (PSM) approach.

METHODS

Using data from the Growing up in Ireland study, PSM was used to identify an appropriate control sample to compare with a sample of children with ID (n = 124). Participants were matched on variables that are known to influence healthcare utilisation to reduce the impact of confounding variables between groups so that differences between the groups can be estimated. Logistic regression was used to estimate effects at ages 9 and 13.

RESULTS

Children with ID were no more likely to have visited a general practitioner or emergency department in the past 12 months than children without ID. They did have a greater likelihood of visiting a doctor in a hospital in the past 12 months and of having an overnight stay in hospital by age 9. Primary caregivers of children with ID were more likely to report unmet health needs at ages 9 and 13.

CONCLUSIONS

This approach is a novel means of comparing healthcare use in this population by balancing the impact of other factors that may result in inequities, to which children with ID may be more vulnerable.

How can we know what we don't know? An exploration of professionals' engagement with complicated grief

OBJECTIVE

Research has shown that complicated grief has the potential to adversely affect bereaved individuals, and in this context, understanding how mental health professionals engage with it in practice is of relevance. Gaining an understanding of professionals' knowledge, attitudes, skills and training in relation to complicated grief could provide insights that will inform their training and professional development. The aim of this study was to consider professionals' engagement with complicated grief, as represented by self-reported knowledge, attitudes, skills and training.

METHODS

The study used a three-phase mixed methods design (systematic review, qualitative interviews, and a quantitative survey) with empirical data being collected from psychologists, psychiatrists and counselor/psychotherapists.

RESULTS

Analysis yielded 15 integrated findings across the three phases, which were grouped into two clusters: the first highlighted tension between professionals' reported confidence and competence and the second explored the parameters and contribution of research and training in this area.

CONCLUSION

Professionals' perception of their competence to work with complicated grief seems overstated and research and professional practice are not aligned.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

These findings are positioned to inform empirically supported training that addresses identified deficits in professionals' knowledge, attitudes and skills. It is important therefore that training is reflective of the needs of different professional groups.