ORCID Profile
0000-0002-5550-0331
Current Organisation
University of South Australia
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In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Behavioural Ecology | Evolutionary Biology | Biological Adaptation
Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity of environments not elsewhere classified | Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences |
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 28-05-2022
DOI: 10.1111/HSC.13449
Abstract: Carers of veterans tend to put their own physical and psychological well-being needs behind the needs of the person they are caring for and often do not seek assistance for their own physical and psychological well-being. Combined, these factors lead to increased risk of acute and chronic illness and mental health issues. It is acknowledged that physical activity independently contributes to improved physical and mental health and may be a driver for mental well-being in carers. The aim of this pilot research was to understand how movement behaviour and health behaviours of carers of veterans in Australia relate to carers' physical and psychological well-being. Assessment occurred between February and July 2019 and included objective, validated measures to examine physical and psychological well-being. To assess the association between physical and psychological factors, correlational analyses were performed. Twenty-eight carers participated in the pilot study (96% female, mean age 61.6 years). Exercise capacity varied, and 84% of carers met the recommended 150 min of physical activity per week, with carers spending 8.6% of their time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and 37.9% of the day sedentary. Psychological health outcomes reflect a population with high distress levels and lower than average mental well-being, but with normal resilience scores. Carers with higher levels of resilience had greater exercise capacity, covering further distance in the 6-min walk test, and as resilience increased, number of sedentary bouts decreased. This research demonstrates that there is a relationship between health behaviours and psychological well-being in carers of veterans and serving personnel. Based on the findings of this pilot study, programmes to support family carers should include information about physical activity, reducing sedentary time, and increasing resilience. Interventions designed to improve physical and psychological well-being should be trialled and evaluated for effectiveness.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-03-2020
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 11-04-2013
Abstract: This survey examines the quantity, quality, and accessibility of recent research that contributes to the evidence-based implementation of a palliative approach to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). An electronic search identified published articles (between September2009 and August 2011) relevant to adults with ESKD (n = 1628). Few articles (n = 136) referred to key themes in a palliative approach to care: life-limiting illness, holistic care, and unit of care. Most of the relevant empirical articles used designs that did not allow a causal variable to be identified, and evaluations of interventions were rare. The literature was dispersed and often in journals unlikely to be regularly accessed by renal clinicians. Literature supporting the implementation of a full evidence-based palliative approach to ESKD is expanding but remains limited and is difficult to identify and access.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2020
DOI: 10.1111/AJR.12618
Publisher: Springer Singapore
Date: 2019
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 20-04-2020
DOI: 10.1111/HSC.12991
Publisher: Science Publishing Group
Date: 2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-05-2021
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.358
Abstract: Suicide rates in rural Australia are almost twice as high as those in urban areas. In rural communities, football clubs are often the ‘hub’ of the community and are being explored as an avenue to deliver mental health and well‐being promotion. The aim of this study was to explore barriers and enablers for programs promoting mental health and well‐being through rural Australian football clubs. This qualitative descriptive study included 12 in iduals of 10 rural clubs affiliated with the South Australian National Football League. Recruitment occurred via emails to club secretaries residents. Semi‐structured telephone interviews explored mental health and well‐being issues experienced in clubs, previous involvement with mental well‐being programs and potential barriers/enablers for future programs. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Thematic analysis identified three themes encompassing barriers and enablers: (1) more than a football club, (2) attitudes towards mental health and (3) what is needed to implement a program. The third theme had subthemes of resources, importance of timing, mental health initiatives and components of a program. Key barriers included difficulty getting people involved due to in idual attitudes towards mental health, and not having the finances/resources to implement a program. Major enablers included the important role the football club serves in the community, the inclusion of speakers with credibility and making the program engaging. This study identifies key factors which may impact on community engagement and program effectiveness for mental health and well‐being programs delivered via rural football clubs.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-03-2014
DOI: 10.3109/11038128.2014.894571
Abstract: This paper presents findings from a larger study that explored losses from mental illness. Losses associated with occupations--a key theme from this participatory action research study--are the focus of this paper. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out with 16 people who had been diagnosed with a mental illness and attended a community mental health centre. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed, guided by processes proposed by Dey. Numerous losses influenced participants' ability to initiate or engage in daily occupations. Some losses perpetuated further loss, at times with profound consequences, such as the loss of a house following a loss of work. Engaging in chosen occupations was often described as a longer-term goal or something participants did infrequently, due to losses such as motivation, energy, or normal sleeping patterns. The desire to work and participate in everyday occupations was emphasized and its benefits highlighted, despite previous difficulties. Implications for occupational therapists include the importance of exploring, validating, and responding to losses when these are shared, and being aware of and striving to support people experiencing losses in the areas of work, motivation, sleep patterns, and energy, which were perceived as especially challenging for participants in this study.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 30-10-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-12-2018
Abstract: Professionals in health and social care have high workloads and are working with erse populations in hierarchical and complicated service delivery systems. There is increasing pressure on new graduates because they are expected to be immediately work ready and may not receive adequate support or supervision. It is well known that there can be issues with satisfaction and retention rates of new graduates due to the challenges they experience. Ethical tensions are an unavoidable part of occupational therapy practice and may contribute to unique challenges for new graduates who may not yet have the personal resources to make sense of these independently. New graduate occupational therapy perceptions of ethical tensions have not yet been explored and this study sought to fill this gap. Exploring the ethical tensions experienced by new graduates can inform appropriate policies, procedures, preparedness and standards. A qualitative study using narrative enquiry was undertaken in which stories were gathered from eight new graduate occupational therapists who had been working for 6-24 months. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to gather data. Transcripts were analysed following narrative analysis guidelines. Member checking, reflexivity and keeping an audit trail of methodological and analytical decisions were employed to strengthen the rigour of the study. Analysis revealed six predominant themes: working in a business model, respecting client choice, dealing with aggression and death, mandatory reporting is hard to do, differing team values, and feeling devalued and unsupported. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the ethical tensions faced by new graduates and of exploring ways to assist new graduates to respond constructively to ethical dilemmas, distress and uncertainties. To address the risk of attrition, graduates need systems in place for accessing support to increase preparedness to respond to ethical tensions when they do arise.
Publisher: Routledge
Date: 07-04-2017
Publisher: University of South Australia Library
Date: 02-09-2021
Abstract: Abstract Aim and Background: Globally, there is movement towards the internationalisation of allied health care. Many universities across the globe are offering international student placements as part of the movement to create therapists equipped to participate in a dynamic, borderless environment. This narrative study sought to contribute to the developing body of knowledge exploring these longer-term impacts. Design and Methods: Seven occupational therapy graduates who completed an international placement as part of their studies were recruited. Narrative data were gathered via in-depth semi-structured interviews, and thematically analysed by coding and grouping similar concepts to develop themes. Results: The overarching themes were the influence of international placement on participants’ paths and practice as therapists. Sub-themes included developing relationships, representing occupational therapy, working with interpreters, cultural sensitivity and empathy, reflective practice, resourcefulness and autonomy. Conclusion: The study identifies ongoing impact of international student placement on occupational therapy practice. Participants gained a rangeof experiences during their time overseas that has influenced their practice as therapists. Future studies would provide further knowledge to inform universities and students of the benefits of undertaking international student placements. Keywords: international educational exchange, professional practice, professional competence
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEALTHPLACE.2019.102190
Abstract: Whilst the geographical, sociological, and ecological roles of community gardens have been explored previously, the meanings associated with community gardening are unclear. This narrative inquiry study aimed to understand the meanings attributed to community gardening from an occupational science perspective. Photo elicitation was used alongside narrative interviewing with eight metropolitan South Australian community gardeners. Narrative analysis highlighted five themes: a sense of community a chance to share an opportunity to grow a therapeutic place ecological contributions. These themes aligned with four dimensions of meaning theorised in the occupational science literature - doing, being, belonging and becoming - with doing and belonging being most evident in our study. Health professionals are encouraged to consider community gardens as places that provide clients with opportunities for enhancing these dimensions of meaning, through engaging in a range of activities, experiencing a sense of belonging and strengthening their identity. By adopting an occupational science lens, these findings provide a new perspective on the importance of engaging in community gardening.
Publisher: Routledge
Date: 25-07-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.APNU.2014.11.007
Abstract: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the nature, scope and consequences of losses resulting from mental illness. This paper presents findings from a key theme of this study-the loss of relationships. Thematic analysis revealed two categories: loss of intimate relationships, which included subcategories of (i) spouses artners, (ii) children arenthood, (iii) family, and (iv) friends and (2) people within the community, such as people at church and support groups. Relationships are seen as one of the most crucial yet challenging elements to recovery and wellbeing for people affected by mental illness.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-07-2010
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-07-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2850.2012.01952.X
Abstract: This paper examines consumer or service user beliefs about the causes of mental illness. It presents a qualitative, participatory action research study involving semi-structured in-depth interviews with 16 people who had been diagnosed with a mental illness and attended a community mental health centre in metropolitan South Australia. Inductive thematic analysis was undertaken, with a range of beliefs about the possible cause of mental illness identified. Findings are organized within two key areas: social or environmental factors and physical or biological factors. The social or environmental category included varied situations, clustered under the subcategories of: stress during childhood, events in adulthood and religious beliefs. Physical or biological factors included beliefs that mental illness was inherited, caused by brain malfunction or chemical imbalance. Of note, one-third of consumer participants who discussed possible causes of mental illness identified multiple potential causes. Implications for service delivery, specifically related to therapeutic trust and engagement, are also considered.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 03-06-2022
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0269012
Abstract: Family carers of veterans have a tendency not to seek support for their own wellbeing concerns. Understanding the barriers and enablers that family carers face in attending to their own wellbeing and in their caring role generally, is key to supporting family carers of veterans. This qualitative study sought to explore family carers’ experiences and perceptions of their caring role, using semi-structured interviews. Questions were designed to capture concepts related to the barriers and enablers family carers face in attending to their own wellbeing. Twenty-two family carers participated in interviews. Thematic analysis facilitated the identification of key themes including the impact of the caring role a perceived lack of recognition or appreciation of the caring role expressed preferences for support and consideration of the family unit. Findings suggest a need for accessible and multi-faceted support services for family carers of veterans, that target the drivers of physical and psychological wellbeing.
Publisher: University of South Australia
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.25954/SY0A-ME06
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 16-10-2018
DOI: 10.1111/HSC.12668
Abstract: Police are increasingly being called upon to respond to people experiencing suicidal crisis. Such incidents are a challenging aspect of modern policing. This paper reports on an integrative review study that aimed to investigate police responses to in iduals displaying suicidal or self-harming behaviours. Six electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles published between 2007 and 2017 relating to police responses to in iduals in suicidal crisis. The review identified 12 studies that met the inclusion criteria. A content analysis was conducted to identify and describe the key characteristics emerging from the literature, which identified four themes: "characteristics of in iduals" "the use of violence and weapons" "contact with police prior to suicide" and, "police officer training". Findings from this study indicate that in iduals involved in incidents of suicidal and self-harm crisis with police are often male, aged between 35 and 40 years, single and/or having relationship issues, with a history of mental health issues and in recent contact with police prior to the incident of suicidal crisis-either as a victim or a perpetrator. The results highlight that large proportions of in iduals in suicidal crisis within a community located incident are likely to present with violent or aggressive behaviour and in many situations are armed with a weapon used to either threaten or injure police and/or bystanders or self-harm. Training and education can have a positive impact from the perspective of police responding to in iduals in suicidal crisis. Limitations in the current evidence are identified and implications for future research are outlined.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-03-2021
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-08-2020
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 07-06-2021
DOI: 10.1177/10497323211017490
Abstract: Eating disorders continue to be viewed as curable diseases, forcing people into predetermined narratives of pathology that shape how they are viewed and treated. Situated in a feminist application of Bakhtin’s sociological linguistics, we were concerned with how participants understood eating disorders, the nature of their experiences, and the causes of their distress. Following a dialogical method, multiple in-depth interviews were conducted with seven women who experienced an eating disorder and who had been sexually abused previously, and participants’ own drawings and poetry were obtained to gain deeper insights into meanings and emotions. We found an eating disorder offered a perception of cleanliness and renewal that was attractive to participants who experienced overwhelming shame. It is critical that researchers use a range of visual and sensory methods to move eating disorder understandings and treatment beyond illness and pathology.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 04-05-2016
DOI: 10.1111/HSC.12241
Abstract: Culturally and linguistically erse (CALD) communities in Australia face significant challenges in terms of reducing barriers to information and support for depression and anxiety. Increased stigma surrounding mental ill-health in some cultures and related concerns about trust and confidentiality all impact upon timely access to information, services and support for consumers and carers from CALD backgrounds. For health services, there is a need to understand how to better engage CALD communities in mental healthcare. The objective of this narrative review was to identify ex les of evidence-based, best practice for what works effectively for engaging with CALD communities to reduce the impact of depression and anxiety. In January 2014, we searched Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Health-Source Consumer Edition, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO (all databases within the EbscoHost platform) and PubMed for peer-reviewed articles published between 1994 and 2014. The search revealed a total of 706 records contained within the EbscoHost platform and 689 records in PubMed 15 matched the inclusion criteria. Six key themes were identified: (i) setting the scene for engagement (ii) cultural values and preferences (iii) language considerations (iv) 'engagers' in the therapeutic process (v) opening out engagement to include others and (vi) engaging through the use of technology and alternative mediums. The literature obtained provides a small body of evidence regarding approaches to engaging CALD communities, with findings highlighting the importance of processes which are tailored to the CALD community of interest and which take into account different cultural explanatory models of mental ill-health. Review findings are also discussed within the framework of intersectionality, in which broader structural inequalities and power imbalances - in areas such as gender and social class - collectively impact on help-seeking and mental health outcomes. This review supports further enquiry into how such societal issues influence engagement - and disengagement - in mental health services for CALD communities.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Date: 2017
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 27-07-2023
DOI: 10.1177/00207640231189424
Abstract: Employment is an important social determinant of health and is associated with positive health outcomes. However, in iduals who have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) are significantly underrepresented in the workforce. Whilst there is an array of evidence based therapeutic interventions, there remains a gap in knowledge regarding the most effective ways to enhance employment outcomes for people with a diagnosis of BPD. To explore employment interventions for people with BPD, map the available evidence and identify key concepts and knowledge gaps. A scoping review was conducted to identify and map the relevant literature. Findings were summarised using a narrative approach. Consultation was provided by a reference group including peer support workers with lived experience of BPD and mental health clinicians. Seven articles met the inclusion criteria, including non-randomised and case study/series designs and a randomised controlled trial protocol, with participant numbers generally low. All programmes combined a psychotherapeutic component with work related goals however, there were notable differences in relation to the conceptual/theoretical approach of the psychotherapeutic component and delivery of the work-related components. Barriers and enablers to programme participation and success are explored. This review provides important insights into the characteristics of vocational rehabilitation interventions for people diagnosed with BPD. The findings will inform the co-production of approaches to support people with BPD to engage in employment.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-12-2020
Abstract: Recovery-oriented practice policies and occupational therapy education accreditation standards require that consumers are engaged in the design, delivery and evaluation of curricula. This consumer involvement (sometimes referred to as service-user involvement or patient involvement in other contexts) should go beyond consumers simply 'telling their stories' to more meaningful collaboration in curricula. This study was designed to map the current patterns of consumer involvement in occupational therapy programs across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. A survey was distributed to all occupational therapy programs across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The survey included questions related to: (a) perceived enablers and barriers to consumer involvement in education (b) organisational structures and support (c) ways in which consumer are involved in the design, delivery and evaluation of curricula (d) access to remuneration for consumers (e) overall ratings of the level of consumer involvement in curricula and (f) academic confidence in working with consumers. Usable responses were received for 23 programs from 19 universities (83% response rate). Every program reported some consumer involvement in the curriculum. Consumer participation tended to be mainly focussed on curriculum delivery with less frequent involvement in curriculum design or evaluation. The most common barrier to consumer involvement in curricula was 'funding/remuneration for consumers' and the most common enabler of consumer involvement was 'positive attitudes of teaching staff'. In comparison to previous reports, consumer involvement in occupational therapy curricula has increased over the past decade. However, ongoing effort is required to support true collaboration in all aspects of curriculum design, delivery and evaluation. While this will require attention and effort from academic teams, changes at a university level to establish systems to engage and effectively remunerate consumers for their involvement (especially in design and evaluation elements) are also required.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 23-08-2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Date: 2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-05-2020
DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2020.1758243
Abstract: We analyzed 10 years of Australian coronial inquest documents on people who died by suicide or suspected suicide following recent contact with the police. We identified 149 cases of suicide or suspected suicides via coronial websites, 34 of which contained recommendations. We developed four themes from these recommendations, the most common of which was for police to change current practices or policies and modify police officer training. Coroners considered effective working relationships with external stakeholders able to assist police an important means of reducing risk of suicide.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2019
DOI: 10.1111/AP.12397
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-09-2008
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 14-09-2017
Abstract: New graduate transition into the workforce is challenging and can involve managing ethical tensions. Ethical tensions cause new graduates to doubt their capabilities due to their lack of experience. To support new graduates, we need to know what these ethical tensions are. To explore the ethical tensions perceived to occur in practice for new graduate health professionals. This qualitative systematic review involved a search of five databases (Medline, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL and Scopus) which resulted in the retrieval of 3554 papers. After the two-phased screening process, eight studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria and had rich data on the review question. Articles were read several times, critically appraised and analysed through thematic analysis. No ethical approval was required for the systematic review. The review was conducted following well-established reporting guidelines enabling transparency and rigour. Studies originated from Australia, United States, Iran and China. One study included speech pathologists and seven were with nurses. Four themes included the following: (1) enduring an unknown workplace culture that generates uncertainty without support for new graduates (2) being vulnerable because of distress from bullying, exclusion and being a scapegoat (3) constraining systems and institutional restrictions that cause dilemmas and (4) experiencing disillusionment from lost ideals about ethical practice. This review has brought to light the vulnerability of new graduates to negative workplace culture and collegial incivility. In addition, new graduates are subjected to ethical tensions created by institutional constraints which can create dilemmas and uncertainties through practice that does not align with what they anticipated. Understanding ethical tensions experienced by new graduates enables provision of informed support. There needs to be considerable cultural change for orientation and socialisation of new graduates to enable them to learn and manage ethical tensions.
Start Date: 05-2012
End Date: 09-2015
Amount: $713,113.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
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