Clinical supervision in a UK military Department of Community Mental Health

Modernizing Training in Psychotherapy Competencies With Adaptive Learning Systems: Proof of Concept

PURPOSE

This proof-of-concept study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) as a classroom adjunct to improve training bachelor of social work (BSW) students in client engagement strategies.

METHODS

We codeveloped the ITS with 11 undergraduate students and pilot tested it with six BSW students enrolled in a class on telephone-based cognitive behavioral therapy (tCBT). Student competencies in tCBT were assessed by expert review of role-plays. We also examined time spent using ITS and relation with competency.

RESULTS

The majority of students (81.8%) in Wave 1 and all of the students who submitted role-plays in Wave 2 passed the clinical skills role-play. Students advancing through the ITS more quickly had better tCBT competency ratings than those progressing more slowly.

DISCUSSION

One of the most challenging aspects of training is how to competently deliver evidence-based practices. ITS has the potential to streamline and scale such training.

Military psychological trauma and therapy: a review of EMDR treatment and supervision in the UK Ministry of Defence

Psychological injury has been associated with military service, and this can result in a variety of mental health symptoms and disorders. A range of barriers to help-seeking have been identified in the military and mental health services have sought to address such factors through effective and efficient care and consultation. The use of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing forms part of a repertoire of trauma-focused therapies within the UK's Armed Forces. This article will outline the application of this approach within the British military, along with the role of specialist clinical supervision in treating those affected by operational trauma.

Risk and resilience factors affecting the psychological wellbeing of individuals deployed in humanitarian relief roles after a disaster

BACKGROUND

When disasters occur, humanitarian relief workers frequently deploy to assist in rescue/recovery efforts.

AIMS

To conduct a systematic review of factors affecting the psychological wellbeing of disaster relief workers and identify recommendations for interventions.

METHOD

We searched MEDLINE®, Embase, PsycINFO® and Web of Science for relevant studies, supplemented by hand searches. We performed thematic analysis on their results to identify factors predicting wellbeing.

RESULTS

Sixty-one publications were included. Key themes were: pre-deployment factors (preparedness/training); peri-deployment factors (deployment length/timing; traumatic exposure; emotional involvement; leadership; inter-agency cooperation; support; role; demands and workload; safety/equipment; self-doubt/guilt; coping strategies) and post-deployment factors (support; media; personal and professional growth).

CONCLUSIONS

As well as role-specific stressors, many occupational stressors not specific to humanitarian relief (e.g. poor leadership, poor support) present a significant health hazard to relief workers. Humanitarian organisations should prioritise strengthening relationships between team members and supervisors, and dealing effectively with non-role-specific stressors, to improve the psychological resilience of their workforce.