Themes Relating (themes + relating)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


A qualitative investigation of the views and health beliefs of patients with Type 2 diabetes following the introduction of a diabetes shared care service

DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 10 2003
S. M. Smith
Abstract Aims A qualitative research approach was adopted in order to explore the views and health beliefs of patients with Type 2 diabetes who had experienced a new structured diabetes shared care service. Methods Patients from 15 general practices were randomly selected and invited to attend three focus groups. Two independent researchers adopted the ,Framework' technique to analyse the transcribed data and identify key themes expressed by patients. Results Themes relating to diabetes included frustration, victimization and powerlessness in relation to living with diabetes, controlling blood sugar, medication and economic barriers to care. Differences in emphases between patients and healthcare providers emerged. Patients were generally positive about shared care and largely identified it with the nurses involved. Conclusion This research highlights the importance of an in-depth exploration of patients' views during changes in diabetes care delivery to identify service delivery failures and gaps in patient knowledge such as lack of awareness of the extent of macrovascular risk. [source]


A Psychoeducational Group for Men with Intellectual Disabilities Who Have Sex with Men

JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 4 2001
Paul Withers
The sexuality and sexual behaviour of people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) is one of the most complex and unresolved issues faced by service providers. Despite much evidence suggesting the disproportionately high risks faced by men with IDs who have sex with men, no epidemiological research has been conducted on the prevalence of HIV within this population. Current thinking suggests that self-help groups are efficacious in helping participants to develop positive sexual identities and to share information about safer sexual practices. The present study is a qualitative evaluation of a pilot support group for men with IDs who have sex with men. Themes relating to the formation of sexual identity and safety issues were extrapolated using content analysis from a transcript of the final group session. The implications for service delivery are discussed. The evaluation was conducted by a clinical psychologist external to the group and the members of the group. [source]


What determines the management of anxiety disorders and its improvement?

JOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 2 2008
Mirrian Smolders MSc
Introduction, Although anxiety disorders are highly prevalent, lack of correct diagnosis and related concerns about treatment are serious clinical problems. Several factors affect, positively or negatively, management of anxiety and its improvement. A literature review and thematic analysis was executed to obtain an overview of the types of determinants of anxiety care and its improvement. Methods, Literature was identified from electronic database searching (January 1995,March 2006), contact with authors of studies, and searching of websites of organizations concerned with mental health. By using a template analysis approach, a set of strong themes relating to determinants of anxiety care and its improvement was identified. Results, The 15 eligible studies identified 43 factors that impeded or facilitated optimal anxiety care and its improvement. Individual characteristics of both patients (n = 13) and professionals (n = 6) were most frequently reported as determinants of anxiety care and its improvement. A considerable number of factors were related to the organizational context (n = 12), such as practice type and location. Some factors related to the social context (n = 4), the economic context (n = 2), or to the innovation itself (n = 6) were identified. Conclusion, The findings show that there is a multitude of barriers and facilitators to optimal anxiety care and its improvement. Some determinants are modifiable, and thus responsive to interventions. Examples are collaboration within and between organizations, financial resources and assignment of both an opinion leader and responsible staff. The quality of anxiety care can be improved by systematically designing innovation strategies which are tailored to a selection of the determinants identified in this study. [source]


A preliminary analysis of narratives on the impact of training in solution-focused therapy expressed by students having completed a 6-month training course

JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 2 2010
S. SMITH ba (hons) ba pgctlt rmn rnt fhea
Accessible summary ,,Students who participated in a six month training course in SFBT reported significant changes in their relationships with clients. ,,They reported increased trust in clients as people, increased confidence in their own professional role, and increased enthusiasm for working with clients. ,,Students demonstrated an in-depth knowledge and understanding of solution focused principles and practice, enabling them to own their practice and respond creatively to individual clients. ,,It is suggested that substantive training in solution focused brief therapy may help to enhance the professional role and cultural identity of participants, particularly those from a nursing background. Abstract Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a therapeutic approach utilized in a wide variety of settings. Its roots are in systemic and family therapy, and the emphasis in practice is on helping clients identify what their life will be like when they no longer have their problem, and how close they are to experiencing that situation now. The literature suggests that SFBT is at least as effective as other forms of psychotherapy. This pilot-study explored the impact of a training course in SFBT on the nurses who took part. Interviews were carried out with participants (n= 8) and narrative accounts were analysed and grouped according to emerging themes. Three major themes were perceived; Trust in clients, Positivity and Confidence, and these were supported by interconnected minor themes relating to the eclectic use of the approach, the use of language within the approach, and the application of SFBT in wider life. It is argued that training in SFBT may have a positive impact on the therapeutic and professional role of nurses, and that further studies are required to explore the impact of SFBT training on the professional and cultural identity of nurses. [source]