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Gamblin K, McNaughton RJ, Raby P. "I haven't got a clue what policies are in place for this!": physiotherapy students' preparedness to deal with self-harm. Physiotherapy 2024; 124:21-28. [PMID: 38865764 DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2024.01.009] [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] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The prevalence of self-harm and the potential link with suicidal ideation highlights the need to prepare future physiotherapists to deal with the potentially catastrophic outcomes to which a lack of understanding in this area can lead. The aim of this research was to investigate if final year physiotherapy students felt prepared to assess risk of suicide or self-harm following patient disclosure, or showing signs of intention to harm themselves. DESIGN An interpretive phenomenological methodology (IPA) was implemented to aid in the understanding and interpretation of participants' own experiences. In conjunction with the overarching design, semi-structured interviews, via two focus groups, were used to explore participants' views. SETTING Focus groups were conducted via an online platform. PARTICIPANTS Purposive sampling was employed as a sampling method to recruit final year physiotherapy students. The final sample consisted of ten participants. RESULTS Four main themes were identified: Experiences of disclosure; Encountering mental health; Lack of mental health education, and Lack of knowledge regarding policy and procedure. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight a deficit with regards to the preparedness of final year students in dealing with disclosure to self-harm. A lack of both formal education regarding mental illness and of practice experience in the field of mental health contribute to this. Therefore, a more rigorous and directed approach to education regarding mental illness is essential. Furthermore, involvement in mental health practice placements would allow for a greater level of experiential learning and understanding of the issues faced by those living with mental illness. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER Contribution to the evidence: Contribution to knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Gamblin
- Durham and Darlington Occupational Therapy Hub, TEWV NHS Foundation Trust, West Park Hospital, Darlington DL2 2TS, UK
| | - Rebekah Jayne McNaughton
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Centuria Building, Middlesbrough TS1 3BA, UK
| | - Peter Raby
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Centuria Building, Middlesbrough TS1 3BA, UK.
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McGrath RL, Parnell T, Verdon S, Pope R. "People suffer and we see this": a qualitative study of the forms of patient psychological distress encountered by physiotherapists. Physiother Theory Pract 2024; 40:1300-1316. [PMID: 36326008 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2022.2141085] [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] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological distress is a common response to many conditions physiotherapists treat. It is also common for a person's experience of distress to be associated with multiple stressors. OBJECTIVE This qualitative study explored physiotherapists' perceptions of the types of patient psychological distress they encountered in their clinical practice. METHODS A qualitative research approach was adopted. Twenty-three physiotherapists were recruited through purposive maximum variation sampling. To participate, physiotherapists had to self-report having encountered at least one patient they perceived to be experiencing psychological distress in the last 12 months. Data analysis was completed using Iterative Thematic Inquiry. RESULTS Five themes were identified in the study: 1) distress extends beyond physical health issues; 2) fear of the future; 3) the emotional toll of loss; 4) trauma is often part of the story; and 5) losing hope. CONCLUSION The results of this study highlight that patient psychological distress presents in a variety of forms and appears to be multifaceted and multifactorial in nature. As patients' experiences of psychological distress are relevant to physiotherapy practice, mental health capabilities need to be embedded within physiotherapy training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan L McGrath
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia
| | - Tracey Parnell
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia
| | - Sarah Verdon
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia
| | - Rodney Pope
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia
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McGrath RL, Parnell T, Shephard S, Verdon S, Pope R. Physiotherapists often encounter clients disclosing suicidal thoughts and behaviors: a cross-sectional survey of Australian physiotherapists. Physiother Theory Pract 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38461461 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2024.2327516] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND All health professionals have a role in suicide prevention, although little is known about physiotherapists' contact with clients experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to investigate physiotherapists' self-reported frequency of contact with clients who disclose suicidal thoughts and behaviors and to identify potential factors associated with frequency of contact. METHODS Three-hundred and thirty-eight Australian physiotherapists were surveyed using an online questionnaire, with an estimated response rate of 6.1%. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and logistic regression. RESULTS Over half the respondents (52.1%) reported encountering clients at least once a year who disclosed suicidal thoughts, and nearly half (49.4%) reported having received at least one disclosure of a suicide plan at some point in their career. Among those working in the public sector, 67.5% of respondents reported having received a disclosure of a suicide plan, and almost all physiotherapists working in pain management reported having received such a disclosure (93.8%). The binary logistic regression model explained approximately 39.7% of the variance in whether a physiotherapist had a client disclose a plan for suicide at some point in their career or not. CONCLUSION The results highlight that all physiotherapists should receive training in suicide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan L McGrath
- Department of Rural Health, The University of Melbourne, Shepparton, Victoria, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
- Allied Health Education and Research Unit, Goulburn Valley Health, Shepparton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tracey Parnell
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sophie Shephard
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Verdon
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rodney Pope
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
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McGrath RL, Parnell T, Verdon S, Pope R. "We take on people's emotions": a qualitative study of physiotherapists' experiences with patients experiencing psychological distress. Physiother Theory Pract 2024; 40:304-326. [PMID: 36062922 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2022.2116964] [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] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research suggests that physiotherapists frequently engage with patients who experience psychological distress (e.g. feelings of depression and anxiety) and that physiotherapists find supporting these patients challenging. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of Australian physiotherapists with patients they perceived were experiencing psychological distress. METHODS A 'Big Q' qualitative research approach was used. Twenty-three interviews with physiotherapists were conducted. The data were then analyzed using iterative thematic inquiry. RESULTS The analysis produced four interrelated themes: 1) encounters with patients in distress are common and varied; 2) becoming emotionally attuned with their patients meant that distress could invoke empathetic distress; 3) physiotherapists use emotional shields to protect themselves; and 4) physiotherapists found frequent encounters with patient distress to be emotionally exhausting. Viewed together, the themes highlight how patient distress can invoke transient empathetic distress in a physiotherapist; repeated experiences of empathetic distress may lead to empathetic distress fatigue. CONCLUSION While physiotherapists are sometimes viewed as 'physical' health professionals, the experiences of these physiotherapists suggest that patient psychological distress is highly relevant to physiotherapy practice. We recommend future research explores the relationships between patient distress, physiotherapists' empathy, and physiotherapists' wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan L McGrath
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia
| | - Tracey Parnell
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia
| | - Sarah Verdon
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia
| | - Rodney Pope
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia
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McGrath RL, Shephard S, Hemmings L, Verdon S, Parnell T. Preventing Suicide: Time to Mobilize the Physical Therapist Workforce. Phys Ther 2023; 103:pzad116. [PMID: 37622921 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzad116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Each year, approximately 700,000 people, including 46,000 Americans, die by suicide; however, many more people experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Historically, the prevention of suicide has largely been the domain of mental health professionals working within specialist mental health care settings. An issue with this approach is that many individuals who experience suicidal ideation never disclose these thoughts to a mental health professional. The nonprofessional and paraprofessional mental health movement aims to bring suicide prevention to the people who need it, rather than wait for them to seek help. The nonprofessional and paraprofessional mental health movement does so by upskilling people who are not recognized as mental health professionals but may have contact with people experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In this Perspective, we argue that physical therapists are well-positioned to engage in suicide prevention. For example, physical therapists working in pain management are likely to frequently encounter clients experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Physical therapy is also viewed as a physical health profession, meaning that they may have contact with a broad range of populations at high risk of suicide who may be difficult to reach through traditional channels (eg, men from rural communities). Physical therapists will require training on how to provide crisis support, including how to link clients with appropriate mental health services. However, given the size of the physical therapist workforce globally, the impact of mobilizing the physical therapist workforce could be significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan L McGrath
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Rural Health, The University of Melbourne, Shepparton, Victoria, Australia
- Allied Health Education and Research Unit, Goulburn Valley Health, Shepparton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sophie Shephard
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Laura Hemmings
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Verdon
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tracey Parnell
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
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Power L, O'Connor M. Radiographers' experiences and educational needs in relation to caring for suicidal patients during radiology examinations. Radiography (Lond) 2023; 29:1011-1020. [PMID: 37672965 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.08.006] [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] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Researchers have explored the experiences, attitudes, and educational needs of several healthcare professional groups in relation to caring for suicidal patients. However, radiographers have not been included in these studies. Radiographers are likely to encounter these patients when they present for diagnostic imaging following suicide attempts. METHODS An online questionnaire exploring radiographers' experiences and educational needs in caring for suicidal patients was circulated to radiographers working in 23 acute hospitals across Ireland and posted to a Facebook page targeting Irish-based radiographers. Closed-ended questions were used to capture respondents' demographics and five-point Likert scale questions to establish their confidence levels in imaging suicidal patients. Open-ended questions were used to explore their experiences and educational needs. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptives statistics, and qualitative data thematically analysed. RESULTS One hundred and four radiographers responded to the questionnaire, 96% of whom had imaged suicidal patients. Radiographers were confident in justifying and optimising these radiographic examinations, however, less confident in communicating with and caring for these patients. Radiographers reported insufficient patient history on imaging referrals and challenges in communicating with suicidal patients, which many attributed to lack of training. Radiographers expressed interest in further education related to caring for patients who've attempted suicide, which they felt should include an introduction to psychiatry, strategies for communicating with suicidal patients and building resilience. CONCLUSION Radiographers' experiences of imaging suicidal patients have been reported along with several challenges which could be addressed through further education. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Further education in caring for suicidal patients should be offered to radiographers which aligns with their educational needs. Referring clinicians should be reminded of the importance of informing radiographers of patients' suicide attempt when referring them for diagnostic imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Power
- Radiography and Diagnostic Imaging, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M O'Connor
- Radiography and Diagnostic Imaging, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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McGrath RL, Verdon S, Parnell T, Pope R. Australian physiotherapists' perceived frequency of contact with clients experiencing distress: A cross-sectional survey. Physiother Theory Pract 2023:1-18. [PMID: 37128766 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2023.2204962] [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: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research suggests physiotherapists' perceived frequency of contact with clients experiencing psychological distress is common; however, there is significant variation in the frequency of such contact. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to 1) investigate Australian physiotherapists' perceived frequency of contact with clients experiencing various forms of psychological distress; 2) identify potential factors that predict perceived frequency of contact; and 3) explore physiotherapists' beliefs regarding their role and self-reported capability to identify and assess psychological distress. METHODS A nationwide online survey of 340 Australian physiotherapists was conducted, and the data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and regression analysis. RESULTS Physiotherapists' perceived frequencies of contact with psychologically distressed and severely distressed clients expressed as proportions of all clients seen each week were 36.1% and 15.6%, respectively. Factors related to the clinical setting were stronger predictors of the perceived frequency of contact (Cohen's f2 = 0.16) than factors related to the physiotherapists themselves (Cohen's f2 = 0.03). Despite believing that identifying psychological distress was within their scope of practice, the physiotherapists in the study felt that assessing and managing this distress fell outside or on the boundary of their scope of practice. CONCLUSION Australian physiotherapists frequently encounter clients they perceive to be experiencing psychological distress. Future research into physiotherapists' capability to assess and respond to client psychological distress, using non-self-reported measures, is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan L McGrath
- Department of Rural Health, The University of Melbourne, Shepparton, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia
- Allied Health Education and Research Unit, Goulburn Valley Health, Shepparton, Australia
| | - Sarah Verdon
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia
| | - Tracey Parnell
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia
| | - Rodney Pope
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia
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Rukundo GZ, Wakida EK, Maling S, Kaggwa MM, Sserumaga BM, Atim LM, Atuhaire CD, Obua C. Knowledge, attitudes, and experiences in suicide assessment and management: a qualitative study among primary health care workers in southwestern Uganda. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:605. [PMID: 36096787 PMCID: PMC9465925 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04244-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is one of the leading causes of death globally, with over 75% of all suicides occurring in low-and middle-income Countries. Although 25% of people have contact with their health care workers before suicide attempts, most never receive proper suicide assessment and management. We explored primary care health workers' knowledge, attitudes, and experiences in evaluating and managing suicidality in structured primary healthcare services in Uganda. METHODS This was a cross-sectional qualitative study among health workers in southwestern Uganda from purposively selected health facilities. A semi-structured interview guide was used, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS The in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 individuals (i.e., five medical doctors, two clinical officers, two midwives, and nine nurses) from 12 health facilities in the five selected districts. Four themes emerged from the discussions: a) Knowledge and attitudes of primary healthcare workers in the assessment and management of suicidality, b) Experiences in the assessment and management of suicidality, c) challenges faced by primary healthcare workers while assessing and managing suicidality, and d) Recommendations for improving assessment and management of suicidality in PHC. Most participants were knowledgeable about suicide and the associated risk factors but reported challenges in assessing and managing individuals with suicide risk. The participants freely shared individual experiences and attitudes in the assessment and management of suicide. They also proposed possible ways to improve the evaluation and management of suicidality in PHC, such as setting up a system of managing suicidality, regularizing community sensitization, and training health workers. CONCLUSION Suicidality is commonly encountered by primary health care workers in Uganda who struggle with its assessment and management. Improving the knowledge and attitudes of primary health care workers would be a big step towards ensuring equitable services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godfrey Z. Rukundo
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda ,African Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Edith K. Wakida
- African Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, Mbarara, Uganda ,grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Office of Research Administration, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Samuel Maling
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Mark M. Kaggwa
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda ,African Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, Mbarara, Uganda ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Baker M. Sserumaga
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Letizia M. Atim
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Clara D. Atuhaire
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Office of Research Administration, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Celestino Obua
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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