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de Vries S, van Oost F, Smaling H, de Knegt N, Cluitmans P, Smits R, Meinders E. Real-time stress detection based on artificial intelligence for people with an intellectual disability. Assist Technol 2024; 36:232-240. [PMID: 37751530 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2023.2261045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
People with severe intellectual disabilities (ID) could have difficulty expressing their stress which may complicate timely responses from caregivers. The present study proposes an automatic stress detection system that can work in real-time. The system uses wearable sensors that record physiological signals in combination with machine learning to detect physiological changes related to stress. Four experiments were conducted to assess if the system could detect stress in people with and without ID. Three experiments were conducted with people without ID (n = 14, n = 18, and n = 48), and one observational study was done with people with ID (n = 12). To analyze if the system could detect stress, the performance of random, general, and personalized models was evaluated. The mixed ANOVA found a significant effect for model type, F(2, 134) = 116.50, p < .001. Additionally, the post-hoc t-tests found that the personalized model for the group with ID performed better than the random model, t(11) = 9.05, p < .001. The findings suggest that the personalized model can detect stress in people with and without ID. A larger-scale study is required to validate the system for people with ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan de Vries
- Research and Development, Mentech Eindhoven, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Fransje van Oost
- Research and Development, Mentech Eindhoven, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Hanneke Smaling
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- University Network for the Care sector Zuid-Holland, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nanda de Knegt
- Prinsenstichting, Care center for people with intellectual disabilities, Purmerend, The Netherlands
| | - Pierre Cluitmans
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Reon Smits
- Research and Development, Mentech Eindhoven, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin Meinders
- Research and Development, Mentech Eindhoven, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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Smeets G, Volkers K, Scherder E, Moonen X. An Individual Music Intervention for Adults With Intellectual Disabilities and Challenging Behavior: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e52497. [PMID: 38324357 PMCID: PMC10882479 DOI: 10.2196/52497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) are more likely to have problems with executive functioning (EF) and challenging behavior (CB), which are negatively linked to well-being. Among clinical populations, music interventions have been shown to improve various outcome measures, such as CB and EF. Until now, no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to examine the effectiveness of an individual music intervention for adults with ID and CB. OBJECTIVE The study aims to identify the effect and feasibility of an individual music intervention compared with care-as-usual for people with ID and CB. METHODS In this study, a 2-group RCT with a pretest, posttest, and follow-up assessment after 8 weeks is presented. Participants of the music intervention condition will receive 16 individual music sessions within 8 to 10 weeks. The music intervention will be guided by a manual for music workers, in which every session will have a different focus (introduction, emotions, different EF, and end performance). Participants receiving care as usual will function as a control group. After the research is finished, they will be offered a budget, which they can spend on musical activities or musical instruments as they wish. Assessments will include caregiver rating scales and self-report questionnaires and tests, which will assess outcome measures of CB, well-being, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and 4 domains of EF. A process evaluation will be conducted after the completion of the study, which entails the analysis of data on multiple aspects of the intervention and the study overall. RESULTS Enrollment commenced in July 2021, and data collection ended in May 2023. A total of 97 participants were recruited, with 44 participants allocated to the intervention group and 53 allocated to the control group. Data will be analyzed after this protocol has been accepted for publication. CONCLUSIONS Because there are currently no published RCTs of an individual music intervention for adults with ID and CB, this study will provide insight into the effectiveness and experiences of an individual music intervention for this target group. TRIAL REGISTRATION International Clinical Trials Registry Platform NL8482; http://tinyurl.com/4565s5pd. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/52497.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karin Volkers
- Philadelphia Care Foundation, Amersfoort, Netherlands
| | - Erik Scherder
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Xavier Moonen
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Groves L, Jones C, Welham A, Hamilton A, Liew A, Richards C. Non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions for the reduction or prevention of topographies of behaviours that challenge in people with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Lancet Psychiatry 2023; 10:682-692. [PMID: 37595996 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(23)00197-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with intellectual disability show a high prevalence of behaviours that challenge. Clinical guidelines recommend that such behaviour should first be treated with non-pharmacological interventions, but research suggests off-label pharmaceuticals are commonly used. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions for topographies of behaviours that challenge drawn from randomised controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and CENTRAL databases for RCT studies assessing an intervention (pharmacological or non-pharmacological) for behaviours that challenge (self-injury behaviour, aggression, destruction of property, irritability, and a composite overall measure) in participants with intellectual disability. The primary aim was to assess the efficacy of non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions on behaviours that challenge. Secondary aims were to evaluate how effects varied over time and whether intervention, methodological, and participant characteristics moderate efficacy. We extracted standard mean difference (SMD) effect sizes (Cohen's d) from eligible studies and meta-analysed the data using a series of random effects models and subgroup analyses. This study was registered with PROSPERO 2021, CRD4202124997. FINDINGS Of 11 912 reports identified, 82 studies were included. 42 (51%) studies assessed non-pharmacological interventions and 40 (49%) assessed pharmacological interventions. Across all studies, 4637 people with intellectual disability aged 1-84 years (mean age 17·2 years) were included. 2873 (68·2%) were male, 1339 (28·9%) were female, and for 425 (9·2%) individuals, data on gender were not available. Data on ethnicity were unavailable. Small intervention effects were found for overall behaviours that challenge at post-intervention (SMD -0·422, 95% CI -0·565 to -0·279), overall behaviours that challenge at follow-up (-0·324, -0·551 to -0·097), self-injury behaviour at post-intervention (-0·238, -0·453 to -0·023), aggression at post-intervention (-0·438, -0·566 to -0·309), and irritability at post-intervention (-0·255, -0·484 to -0·026). No significant differences between non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions were found for any topography of behaviours that challenge (all p>0·05). INTERPRETATION A broad range of interventions for behaviours that challenge are efficacious with small effect sizes for people with intellectual disability. These findings highlight the importance of precision in the measurement of behaviours that challenge, and when operationalising intervention components and dosages. FUNDING Cerebra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Groves
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK; Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Chris Jones
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alice Welham
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Anna Hamilton
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ashley Liew
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Paediatric Neurosciences, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK; Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; CEDAR, University of Warwick, Warwick, UK
| | - Caroline Richards
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Cerebra Network, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Wilson NJ, Barratt M, Jorgensen M, Limbu B, Donley M, Buchholtz M, Smith V, Deb S. Training support workers about the overmedication of people with intellectual disabilities: an Australian pre-post pilot study. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2023; 67:519-530. [PMID: 36880447 DOI: 10.1111/jir.13023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that psychotropic medications are overprescribed and overused to manage behaviours of concern for people with intellectual disabilities. Disability support workers and support staff lack education and training on the administration and safety of psychotropic medication use. This study aimed to test the applicability and preliminary efficacy of SPECTROM, an education programme developed in the UK, in an Australian context. METHODS The training comprises two parts: Module 1 encompasses psychotropic medications, their use and side effects. Module 2 focuses on non-pharmacological interventions for supporting people with behaviours of concern. Thirty-three participants attended the training course and completed pre-training and post-training surveys on the Psychotropic Knowledge Questionnaire and Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale-Revised at four time points: pre-training, 2 weeks, 3 months and 5 months post-training. RESULTS Psychotropic Knowledge Questionnaire scores showed statistically significant post-training improvement at all post-training time points (P < 0.05). Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale-Revised scores were high at pre-training and did not change significantly at any of the post-training survey time points. A 2-week post-training feedback questionnaire reported 80% agreement that the training programme was appropriate, useful and valid. Only 36% of participants completed questionnaires at all time points. CONCLUSIONS SPECTROM training increased staff knowledge of psychotropic medications, yet loss of participants was high. Further refinement of the applicability of the training for the Australian context and evaluation of the feasibility of implementation, clinical and cost-effectiveness of the programme are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Wilson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, Richmond, NSW, Australia
| | - M Barratt
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, Richmond, NSW, Australia
| | - M Jorgensen
- Practice Quality Division, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, Parramatta, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - B Limbu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - M Donley
- Behaviour Intervention and Support, Life Without Barriers, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - M Buchholtz
- Behaviour Intervention and Support, Life Without Barriers, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - V Smith
- Behaviour Intervention and Support, Life Without Barriers, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - S Deb
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Shoumi Deb S, Limbu B, Nancarrow T, Gerrard D, Shankar R. The UK psychiatrists' experience of rationalising antipsychotics in adults with intellectual disabilities: A qualitative data analysis of free-text questionnaire responses. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2023; 36:594-603. [PMID: 36808782 DOI: 10.1111/jar.13083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overprescribing of off-licence psychotropic medications, particularly antipsychotics, for challenging behaviours in people with intellectual disabilities without a psychiatric disorder is a significant public health concern. In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service England launched an initiative in 2016, 'STopping Over-Medication of People with learning disabilities, autism or both (STOMP)', to address this concern. STOMP is supposed to encourage psychiatrists in the United Kingdom and elsewhere to rationalise psychotropic medication use in people with intellectual disabilities. The current study aims to gather UK psychiatrists' views and experience of implementing the STOMP initiative. METHODS An online questionnaire was sent to all UK psychiatrists working in the field of intellectual disabilities (estimated 225). Two open-ended questions allowed participants to write comments in response to these questions in the free text boxes. One question asked about the challenges psychiatrists faced locally to implement STOMP, and the other asked for examples of successes and positive experiences from the process. The free text data were analysed using a qualitative method with the help of the NVivo 12 plus software. RESULTS Eighty-eight (estimated 39%) psychiatrists returned the completed questionnaire. The qualitative analysis of free-text data has shown variation within services in the experience and views of the psychiatrists. In areas with good support for STOMP implementation provided through adequate resources, psychiatrists reported satisfaction in the process with successful antipsychotic rationalisation, better local multi-disciplinary and multi-agency working, and increased awareness of STOMP issues among the stakeholders such as people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers and multidisciplinary teams, and improved quality of life caused by reduced medication-related adverse events in people with intellectual disabilities. However, where resource utilisation is not optimum, psychiatrists seemed dissatisfied with the process with little success in medication rationalisation. CONCLUSIONS Whereas some psychiatrists are successful and enthusiastic about rationalising antipsychotics, others still face barriers and challenges. Much work is needed to achieve a uniformly positive outcome throughout the United Kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoumitro Shoumi Deb
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Truro, Cornwall, UK
| | - Bharati Limbu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Truro, Cornwall, UK
| | - Tom Nancarrow
- University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, Cornwall, UK
| | | | - Rohit Shankar
- Cornwall Intellectual Disability Equitable Research (CIDER), University of Plymouth Peninsula School of Medicine, Truro, Cornwall, UK
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Song M, Rubin BS, Ha JW, Ware RS, Doan TN, Harley D. Use of psychotropic medications in adults with intellectual disability: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2023; 57:661-674. [PMID: 36700564 DOI: 10.1177/00048674221149864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study presents the proportion of adults with intellectual disability using psychotropic medications including antipsychotics, antidepressants, anxiolytics, hypnotics and sedatives, and psychostimulants. METHODS A search was performed in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus up to 31 December 2021. Articles were included if they reported the proportion of adults with intellectual disability using psychotropic medications. Frequency of use was estimated using a random effects meta-analysis. Meta-regression analysis was used to assess the association between study-level characteristics and variability in estimates, when heterogeneity was considerable. RESULTS Twenty-four articles were included in pooled analysis. The pooled prevalence of psychotropic medications was 41% (95% confidence interval: 35-46%). Pooled prevalences of subclasses were as follows: antipsychotics 31% (27-35%), antidepressants 14% (9-19%), anxiolytics 9% (4-15%), hypnotics/sedatives 5% (2-8%), and psychostimulants 1% (1-2%). Heterogeneity was considerable between studies, except for psychostimulants. There was no significant association between assessed characteristics and variability in prevalence estimates. CONCLUSION Two-fifths of adults with intellectual disability were prescribed psychotropic medications. Antipsychotics and antidepressants were used by one-third and one-seventh of adults, respectively. There was considerable variability between studies, and further investigation is required to determine the source of variability. More studies are needed to better characterise prescribed psychotropic medications, including effectiveness and adverse effects, to ensure appropriate use of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghuan Song
- Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability (QCIDD), Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland (MRI-UQ), Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Bryn S Rubin
- Ochsner Clinical School, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Justin Wt Ha
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Robert S Ware
- Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability (QCIDD), Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland (MRI-UQ), Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Tan N Doan
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David Harley
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Deb S(S, Limbu B, Unwin GL, Weaver T. Causes of and Alternatives to Medication for Behaviours That Challenge in People with Intellectual Disabilities: Direct Care Providers' Perspectives. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9988. [PMID: 36011623 PMCID: PMC9408416 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19169988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Behaviours that challenge (BtC), such as aggression and self-injury, are manifested by many people with intellectual disabilities (ID). National and international guidelines recommend non-pharmacological psychosocial intervention before considering medication to address BtC. Support staff play a pivotal role in the prescription process. Using coproduction, we developed a training programme for support staff, called SPECTROM, to give them knowledge and empower them to question inappropriate prescriptions and ask for the discontinuation of medication if appropriate and instead look for ways to help people with ID when they are distressed without relying on medication. We have presented data from two focus groups that we conducted during the development of SPECTROM: one that included support staff, and another that had service managers and trainers. In these focus groups, we explored participants' views on the use of medication to address BtC with a particular emphasis on the causes of and alternatives to medication for BtC. Along with the participants' views, we have also presented how we have addressed these issues in the SPECTROM resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoumitro (Shoumi) Deb
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, 2nd Floor Commonwealth Building, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Bharati Limbu
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, 2nd Floor Commonwealth Building, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Gemma L. Unwin
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, 52 Pritchatts Road, Room 314, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Tim Weaver
- Department of Health & Social Care, School of Health Social Care and Education, Middlesex University, London NW4 4BT, UK
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Deb S, Limbu B. Support staff liaising effectively with family caregivers: Findings from a co-design event and recommendation for a staff training resource. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:977442. [PMID: 36245872 PMCID: PMC9555056 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.977442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A high proportion of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are prescribed psychotropic medications such as antipsychotics, antidepressants etc., outside their licensed indications, primarily for the management of behaviors that challenge (BtC) in the absence of a psychiatric disorder. Examples of BtC are aggression to people and property or self-injury. BtC could be challenging to manage and may cause the person with ID/ASD and their caregivers distress, breakdown of community placement leading to hospitalization, and restrictive practices such as restraint or inappropriate medication use. Caregivers play a pivotal role in the prescribing process. However, many family caregivers feel that they have not been fully involved in the shared decision-making process about the care planning of their relatives with ID/ASD. To address the public health concern regarding the overuse of off-license prescribing in people with ID/ASD, we have recently developed a training programme called SPECTROM (Short-term Psycho-Education for Carers To Reduce OverMedication of people with intellectual disabilities) for direct care staff who support people with ID/ASD within community settings. We used co-production and a modified Experience-Based Co-Design (EBCD) method to develop SPECTROM, which involved a literature review, four focus groups and a co-design event day involving 26 stakeholders. Recommendations from the co-design event day were analyzed by a Programme Development Group (PDG) consisting of 21 stakeholders who made the final recommendations to the project team regarding the contents and the format of SPECTROM, which was finalized after receiving feedback from further 59 stakeholders. SPECTROM has web-based resources introduced through two core modules in face-to-face workshops/training. A small field test found SPECTROM was effective in improving staff's knowledge of psychotropic medications and attitude toward BtC and people with ID (p < 0.05). One of the 14 STOMP modules is "Effective liaison with family carers and advocates". In this paper, we have presented data from the co-design event day recommendations for this particular module. The group recommended ways to improve collaborative working and effective shared decision-making with family caregivers and people with ID/ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoumitro Deb
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bharati Limbu
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Deb S(S, Limbu B, Unwin G, Woodcock L, Cooper V, Fullerton M. Short-Term Psycho-Education for Caregivers to Reduce Overmedication of People with Intellectual Disabilities (SPECTROM): Development and Field Testing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413161. [PMID: 34948772 PMCID: PMC8701820 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
People with intellectual disabilities (PwID) are at a higher risk of developing challenging behaviours (CB). Despite the poor evidence for the effectiveness of medications in managing CB, they are used widely among PwID (50–63%). The aims of our study were to develop a training programme, SPECTROM for support staff to help reduce overmedication in PwID and carry out field testing of SPECTROM including a process evaluation. We developed SPECTROM using the Experience-based co-design method that included four focus groups and a one-day co-design event. Twenty trainees received SPECTROM training. We used the Management of Aggression and Violence Attitudes Scale-Revised-Intellectual Disabilities (MAVAS-R-ID) and the Psychotropic knowledge questionnaire. A semi-structured interview and a feasibility questionnaire were used for process evaluation. SPECTROM website contains 14 modules, resources, and face-to-face training. MAVAS-R-ID scores showed change in staff attitude to ‘medication management’ domain was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Psychotropic knowledge questionnaire showed statistically significant post-training improvement in correct responses (p < 0.05). Process evaluation data showed that SPECTROM was acceptable, applicable, practical, and relevant to staff practice, and helped to improve self-reflection, knowledge, and support to PwID. SPECTROM is a useful training that helps to change the support staff’s attitude toward CB and improve their knowledge of psychotropic medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoumitro (Shoumi) Deb
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK;
- Correspondence:
| | - Bharati Limbu
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK;
| | - Gemma Unwin
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
| | | | - Vivien Cooper
- The Challenging Behaviour Foundation, The Old Courthouse, New Rd Ave, Chatham ME4 6BE, UK;
| | - Michael Fullerton
- Achieve Together, Q4, First Floor, The Square, Randalls Way, Leatherhead KT22 7TW, UK;
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