ORCID Profile
0000-0002-6434-7121
Current Organisation
University of Queensland
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Social and personality psychology | Applied sociology program evaluation and social impact assessment | Social psychology |
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.GERINURSE.2015.05.004
Abstract: Loneliness, anxiety and depression are common problems for older adults in long-term care. Reminiscence therapy is a non-pharmacological intervention that may be of some benefit. In comparison to in idual reminiscence therapy, group reminiscence therapy is a preferred option when dealing with the resource constraints of long-term care. The aim of this paper was to systematically review the literature in order to explore the effectiveness of group reminiscence therapy for older adults with loneliness, anxiety and depression in long-term care. Results indicated that group reminiscence therapy is an effective treatment for depression in older adults, however to date, there is limited research support for its effectiveness to treat loneliness and anxiety. Further research and an improvement in methodological quality, such as using qualitative and mixed methods approaches, is recommended to help establish an evidence base and provide better understanding of the effectiveness of group reminiscence therapy.
Publisher: Springer Singapore
Date: 2015
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-05-2015
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-05-2023
DOI: 10.1111/AJAG.13218
Abstract: Driving cessation is a major life transition lack of support in this process may lead to deleterious outcomes in terms of physical, mental and social well‐being. Despite approaches to driving cessation being developed, their integration into ongoing geriatric clinical practice has been slow. Health‐care providers were surveyed about their impressions of the barriers and facilitators to implementing a driving cessation intervention as part of regular clinical services. Methods of funding the intervention were queried. Surveys were sent via professional listserves and a snowballing strategy employed. Twenty‐nine completed surveys were analysed by content analysis. Participants identified that an understanding of driving cessation and optimal driving cessation supports was required. They identified four key approaches to support the implementation of driving cessation support: the need to consider complexity and emotional support needs in clinical contexts knowing and showing the outcomes by clearly communicating the benefits and values to different stakeholders managing systemic barriers included workforce issues, funding models and efforts required for initiating and sustaining an intervention and not doing it alone , but instead developing processes supports to collaboratively provide access to programs. The current study reveals a recognition of unmet needs of older persons and families regarding driving cessation as well as signalling service delivery, costing and workforce needs which act as barriers.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 26-08-2022
Publisher: SLACK, Inc.
Date: 09-2014
DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20140731-01
Abstract: class="ftSection" span class="ftInlineSubsectionTitle" How to Obtain Contact Hours by Reading this Article /span class="ftSection" span class="ftInlineSubsectionTitle" Instructions /span strong .3 /strong contact hours will be awarded by Villanova University College of Nursing upon successful completion of this activity. A contact hour is a unit of measurement that denotes 60 minutes of an organized learning activity. This is a learner-based activity. Villanova University College of Nursing does not require submission of your answers to the quiz. A contact hour certificate will be awarded once you register, pay the registration fee, and complete the evaluation form online at ext-link xmlns:xlink="999/xlink" ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="ev_students.asp?action=browse& main=Nursing+Journals& misc=564" ev_students.asp?action=browse& main=Nursing+Journals& misc=564 /ext-link . To obtain contact hours you must: list list-type="order" li st-item label . /label /list-item /list Read the article, & Multisensory Installations in Residential Aged-Care Facilities: Increasing Novelty and Encouraging Social Engagement Through Modest Environmental Changes& found on pages 20& ndash , carefully noting any tables and other illustrative materials that are included to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the content. Be sure to keep track of the amount of time (number of minutes) you spend reading the article and completing the quiz. list-item label . /label Read and answer each question on the quiz. After completing all of the questions, compare your answers to those provided within this issue. If you have incorrect answers, return to the article for further study. /list-item list-item label . /label Go to the Villanova website listed above to register for contact hour credit. You will be asked to provide your name contact information and a VISA, MasterCard, or Discover card number for payment of the $20.00 fee. Once you complete the online evaluation, a certificate will be automatically generated. /list-item This activity is valid for continuing education credit until August 31, 2016. / class="ftSection" span class="ftInlineSubsectionTitle" Contact Hours /span This activity is co-provided by Villanova University College of Nursing and SLACK Incorporated. Villanova University College of Nursing is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center& rsquo s Commission on Accreditation. / class="ftSection" span class="ftInlineSubsectionTitle" Activity Objectives /span list list-type="order" list-item label . /label Explore the benefits of indoor garden installations in aged-care facilities. /list-item list-item label . /label Describe the study results of indoor garden installations on social engagement. /list-item /list / class="ftSection" span class="ftInlineSubsectionTitle" Disclosure Statement /span Neither the planners nor the authors have any conflicts of interest to disclose. / / class="ftSection" span class="ftInlineSubsectionTitle" The current study examined the effect of an indoor simulated garden installation that included visual, auditory, and olfactory stimuli on resident well-being, compared to the effect elicited by a reminiscence installation and a control no-installation condition. A quasi-experimental ABA design was used (i.e., two intervention conditions plus a wait-list control condition). A survey instrument was administered to nursing home residents ( em N /em = 33) at three time points (pre-, during, and post intervention) over an 8-week period, which measured mood, behavior, health, and social interaction. Additionally, staff reports ( em N /em = 24) were collected. Both the nature-based and non-nature-based installations led to enhanced well-being and significantly more social benefits for residents because of their novel and aesthetic appeal, compared with the control condition. Residents in the nature-based installation condition reported more satisfaction with their living environment during the intervention phase than those in the comparison conditions. The results show that an indoor garden simulation is a relatively inexpensive way to transform a disused indoor area of an aged-care facility for the benefit of residents and staff. [ em Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 40 /em (9), 20& ndash .] /span / class="ftAuthorNotes" Dr. Scott is Postdoctoral Researcher, Dr. Masser is Associate Professor, and Dr. Pachana is Professor, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia. Dr. Pachana is also Co-Director, UQ Ageing Mind Initiative, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise. The authors thank the staff and residents who participated in this study. Address correspondence to Theresa L. Scott, PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia e-mail: theresa.scott@uq.edu.au. / class="ftHistory-received" Received: March 02, 2014 / class="ftHistory-accepted" Accepted: July 01, 2014 br / br / style="text-transform: uppercase padding: 3px 10px border: 1px solid #dddddd width: 273px font-size: 11px " Do you want to Participate in the a href="~/link.aspx?_id=9F2D189677774BA9A16A01338B2FF284& _z=z" span style="text-decoration: none " CNE activity /span /a ? /
Publisher: International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS)
Date: 07-2016
Publisher: International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS)
Date: 07-2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-09-2019
DOI: 10.1111/OPN.12268
Abstract: The ageing population is increasing, and negative attitudes towards older people are all too common and largely overlooked. However, little research has examined how ageist, prejudice, and discrimination, that often occur in healthcare settings, impact the community's perceptions of entering Residential Aged Care (RAC) in the future. In particular, studies have not investigated how contact with RAC influences in iduals' attitudes towards RAC facilities, residents and staff. This study is the first to examine in iduals' resistance towards living in RAC using the contact hypothesis, a theory of prejudice reduction. To explore how positive or negative contact with RAC residents and staff impacts in iduals' behavioural intentions towards entering RAC in the future. To examine whether perceptions of trust, independence and RAC staff mediate the relationship between contact and behavioural intentions towards entering RAC in the future. A cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected via online surveys using contact (positive or negative), trust, independence, perceptions of RAC staff and resistance levels (mild refusal or extreme refusal) measures. Participants (n = 373) from Australia and USA were recruited using social media, word of mouth and Amazons Mechanical Turk. In iduals who experienced negative contact with RAC residents and staff were more likely to report intense resistance to RAC, "I would rather die than enter RAC". Whereas, positive contact with RAC residents and staff was associated with reductions in the adverse appraisal of RAC staff a diminished perception that in iduals lost their independence, and an increased trust in RAC residents, facilities and staff. Participants from USA reported greater levels of resistance towards RAC in comparison with participants from Australia. This study demonstrates how interactions with RAC residents, facilities and staff are critical in shaping attitudes towards RAC. It is recommended that the public are exposed to opportunities where they can experience positive contact with RAC. RAC facilities can promote interaction between the public and RAC residents through encouraging participation in community partnership programs/intergenerational programs.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 27-09-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 18-06-2020
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 2020
Abstract: This study examined relationships between home and community gardening and older adults’ self-reported psychosocial and physical well-being, attitudes to aging relative to gardening activities and benefits of membership to a gardening group. A survey addressing (a) demographic characteristics, (b) gardening interests and sentiments, (c) activities, (d) benefits, (e) self-rated health and quality of life and (f) attitudes to aging was administered online and via mail-out. Participants, 331 gardeners aged 60–95 years from Australia, reported numerous benefits from leisure gardening. According to multiple regression analysis, Restoration and Physical benefits were the strongest explanatory variables of participants’ positive aging self-perceptions. Members of gardening groups reported significantly more social and physical benefits than non-members. The current study provides support for promoting positive aging through gardening. Regardless of ‘doing’ gardening or simply ‘being’ in the garden, having contact with nature was key to attaining positive therapeutic benefits for this s le.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-08-2015
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12148
Abstract: This paper presents findings from a study exploring the mental health inpatient care of people with a dual disability of intellectual disability and mental health issues from the perspective of those people with the dual disability. A mixture of semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews were carried out with nine participants who had been admitted to an inpatient unit for mental health care exploring their experience of care. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using open coding and Leximancer (an online data mining tool) analysis to identify dominant themes in the discourse. Analysis revealed themes around 'Therapeutic and Meaningful Activity', 'Emotion Focussed Care', and 'Feeling Safe?' Participants were able to identify the aspects of inpatient care that worked for them in terms of coping with time in hospital. This research suggests that there are several factors that should be considered in providing effective mental health inpatient care for people with dual disability. A number of strategies and recommendations for responding to their needs are identified and discussed.
Publisher: Routledge
Date: 25-07-2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 22-03-2022
Abstract: Within residential aged care settings, reduced quality of care (QoC), abuse, and neglect have been global phenomena which require urgent intervention. As the reported rate of these problems is much higher in aged care compared to hospital settings, we investigated whether differing job design characteristics between the 2 settings might explain the difference. We used a meta-analysis to compare differences in the relationships between high job demands, low job resources, and job strain with QoC and counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs) across aged care and hospital settings. Data were extracted from 42 studies (n = 55 effects). QoC was negatively correlated with high job demands (ρ¯ = −0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.29, −0.15, k = 7), low job resources (ρ¯ = −0.40, 95% CI: −0.47, −0.32, k = 15), and job strain (ρ¯ = −0.32, 95% CI: −0.38, −0.25, k = 22), CWBs had a positive relationship with job demands (ρ¯ = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.59, k = 3) and job strain (ρ¯ = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.56, k = 6). The association between poor QoC and low job resources was stronger in aged care (r = −0.46, 95% CI: −0.55, −0.36, k = 8) than in hospital settings (r = −0.30, 95% CI: −0.41, −0.18, k = 7). Our findings suggest that relationships between low job resources and poor QoC are exacerbated in residential aged care contexts. To improve care outcomes, stakeholders should improve job resources such as skill discretion, supervisory supports, and increased training and staffing levels in residential aged care.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 03-2011
DOI: 10.1177/1035719X1101100105
Abstract: This article describes the negotiating and planning of an evaluation proposal for a client, a job network agency situated in Northern New South Wales. The evaluand is a training-based Work for the Dole program activity targeted at unemployed youth and overseen by a not-for-profit community organisation. The article begins by examining the social, political and historical context in which the Work for the Dole program is embedded, and considers the potential impact of context on the evaluation process and utilisation of the results. The evaluation proposal itself covers negotiation, ethical issues, key evaluation questions and methodology. The last section of the article provides a critical review of the proposed plan and discusses potential process issues. Throughout, it is emphasised that developing an understanding of the competing values of the many stakeholders involved is fundamental to successful negotiation and planning with all those involved in the evaluation process.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 23-09-2022
Abstract: We adapted the CarFreeMe™-Dementia program created by The University of Queensland for drivers in the United States. CarFreeMe™-Dementia aims to assist drivers living with dementia and their care partners as they plan for or adjust to driving retirement. This semi-structured program focuses on driving retirement education and support. Topics include how dementia affects driving, lifestyle planning, stress management, and alternative transportation options. This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and utility of the CarFreeMe™-Dementia intervention. This pilot phase of the study included 16 care partners and 11 drivers with memory loss who were preparing for or adjusting to driving retirement. Participants completed 4-8 CarFreeMe™-Dementia intervention telehealth sessions. Online surveys (baseline, 1- and 3-month) and post-intervention semi-structured interviews informed evaluation of the intervention program using a mixed methods approach. This study established initial support for CarFreeMe™-Dementia in the United States. Participants indicated the program facilitated dialogue around driving retirement and provided guidance on community engagement without driving. Respondents appreciated the program's emphasis on overall well-being, promoted through lifestyle planning and stress management. They also reported the program offered practical preparation for transitioning to driving retirement. The CarFreeMe™-Dementia intervention, tailored to an American audience, appears to be a feasible, acceptable, and useful support program for drivers with memory loss (and/or their care partners) who are preparing for or adjusting to driving retirement. Further investigations of the efficacy of the CarFreeMe™-Dementia intervention in the United States, as well as other countries and cultural contexts, are warranted.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 20-11-2019
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 25-10-2022
DOI: 10.3390/GERIATRICS7060122
Abstract: Many older adults consider driving a crucial aspect of their daily routine and the prospect of driving cessation to be disruptive to their current lifestyle. Driving cessation is associated with multiple adverse consequences, including poorer health trajectories, and increased depressive symptoms. Research suggests that driving cessation may be disruptive to identity. This study aimed to explore the characteristics that are associated with driver identity and whether identity impacted people’s readiness for mobility changes. Of interest was whether stopping driving was perceived as either a positive or negative event. Participants, (N = 410) older adults recruited via Prolific survey panel between July and November 2021, responded to questions about transport and travel behaviors, driver identity, and perceptions of mobility changes. Driving cessation was generally perceived as a negative change. However, in iduals with self-reported low readiness for mobility change also had higher overall scores for Identity, and for the subscales, Centrality and Ingroup Affect. These findings suggest that people with more concerns for mobility transition may think about and have more of an emotional investment regarding driving. The findings provide novel insight into the psychosocial dynamics of driving and the factors that influence driver identity, however further research, co-designed with older drivers and retired drivers is required.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 07-2023
Abstract: driving disruptions have significant impact on in iduals living with dementia, their care partners and family members. Previous studies show that for older people with dementia, stopping driving is one of the hardest things that they cope with. To date, no studies exist that address the expressed needs and experiences of people living with young onset dementia (YOD) who are adjusting to life without driving, whose needs are not well understood and whose needs might be expected to differ from those of older people with dementia. a multi-perspective, qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach was undertaken. A topic guide was developed in consultation with lived experience experts. In-depth interviews (n = 18) with 10 people with YOD and eight family caregivers were conducted, to elicit lived experiences in relation to changing and cessation of driving. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using a hybrid approach, employing deductive and inductive coding. core findings reflected the impact and coping strategies employed by people with YOD and their care partners across four themes: (i) losses and burdens, (ii) the unique challenges of YOD, (iii) coping and adjustment and (iv) how to meet needs. driving disruptions often come at a time when people living with YOD are likely to have significant financial and family commitments, or they/their partners may be employed or raising a family, negatively impacting in idual’s roles and self-identities. Intervention to support emotional and practical adjustment and reduce social isolation is essential for coping.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 12-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-03-2019
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 20-02-2019
DOI: 10.1017/S1041610218002326
Abstract: This research addresses dementia and driving cessation, a major life event for affected in iduals, and an immense challenge in primary care. In Australia, as with many other countries, it is primarily general practitioners (GPs) who identify changes in cognitive functioning and monitor driving issues with their patients with dementia. Qualitative evidence from studies with family members and other health professionals shows it is a complicated area of practice. However we still know little from GPs about how they manage the challenges with their patients and the strategies that they use to facilitate driving cessation. Data were collected through five focus groups with 29 GPs at their primary care practices in metropolitan and regional Queensland, Australia. A semi-structured topic guide was used to direct questions addressing decision factors and management strategies. Discussions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed. Regarding the challenges of raising driving cessation, four key themes emerged. These included: (i) Considering the in idual (ii) GP-patient relationships may hinder or help (iii) Resources to support raising driver retirement and (iv) Ethical dilemmas and ethical considerations. The impact of discussing driving cessation on GPs is discussed. The findings of this study contribute to further understanding the experiences and needs of primary care physicians related to managing driving retirement with their patients with dementia. Results support a need for programs regarding identification and assessment of fitness to drive, to upskill health professionals and particularly GPs to manage the complex issues around dementia and driving cessation, and explore cost-effective and timely delivery of such support to patients.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-11-2018
DOI: 10.1111/AJAG.12598
Abstract: To explore how older people with loneliness, anxiety and depression experience a spiritual reminiscence therapy (SRT) program and to explore its acceptability within the Malaysian population. Unstructured observations and a focus-group discussion were carried out with 18 participants involved in a six-week SRT program in a residential care facility in Kuala Lumpur. Analysis revealed four themes: (i) Enthusiastic participation (ii) Connections across boundaries (iii) Expressing and reflecting and (iv) Successful use of triggers. The findings suggest that the process of reminiscence, on which the program was based, was enjoyable for the participants and created opportunities to form connections with other members of the group. The use of relevant triggers in the SRT program that related to Malaysian cultures, ethnicities and religions was helpful to engage the participants and was acceptable across the different religions and ethnicities.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2011
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1037/A0034632
Publisher: The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Date: 06-2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 03-05-2019
Abstract: A systematic literature search was conducted across key databases (Cinahl, ASSIA, Cochrane reviews and trials, psycARTICLES, psycINFO, and PubMed) to identify studies measuring anxiety as an outcome for an intervention for older adults living with dementia in nursing homes, up to December 31, 2017. The search yielded a total of 1,925 articles with 45 articles accessed for full article review. A total of 13 articles were included in this review following quality appraisal based on Cochrane methodology with six different anxiety measures used. The studies included were moderate to high-quality randomized control trials although heterogeneity precluded a combined meta-analysis. The most common interventions used to address anxiety in this population were music therapy and activity-based interventions although there was limited evidence for the efficacy of either intervention. Little is known about effective nonpharmacological treatment for anxiety for people living with dementia in nursing homes. Further research using consistent measurement tools and time points is required to identify effective interventions to improve the quality of life for people living with both dementia and anxiety in nursing homes.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 24-08-2022
Abstract: Most people living with dementia in the early-to-middle stages live in the community or in their own homes and engagement in enjoyable activities is fundamental to maintaining quality of life and autonomy. Horticulture-based activities are beneficial for the health and well-being for people living with dementia (“PLWD”) in residential care settings, yet evidence within community settings, where the majority live, has not been comprehensively synthesized. A mixed studies systematic review protocol was registered and a systematic search conducted to June 2022 across MEDLINE, COCHRANE, Web of Science, Embase, Psycnet, CINAHL, PsycINFO databases, using terms relating to dementia and horticulture. Original studies examining group or in idual horticulture-based programs for community-dwelling PLWD were included. Forty-five articles were selected for full review, eight met inclusion criteria and were retained for data extraction. Evidence from three mixed methods, two quantitative, two qualitative, and one case study design, involving a total of 178 community dwelling PLWD, was narratively summarized. Findings revealed that involvement in horticulture-based activities led to positive impacts on engagement, social interactions, and mental and physical well-being in PLWD. No conclusive evidence was found from included studies for improvement in cognitive function. As most studies to date have concentrated on PLWD in long-term care settings, future research should evaluate the effect of these types of activities in a more rigorous intervention design in community settings.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 27-08-2014
DOI: 10.1017/S0144686X14000865
Abstract: Research shows that contact with nature plays a vital role in our psychological wellbeing. Domestic gardening is common among older adults who spend more leisure hours gardening than any other age group. Despite this, few studies have systematically explored the significance of domestic gardens in relation to older adults' health and wellbeing. This study examined the perceived therapeutic benefits of gardening, and the effect of ageing in relation to older gardeners' continued participation in gardening, using quantitative and qualitative data from a survey of Australian older adult gardeners (N=331). The quantitative data, which included frequencies, were analysed using the PASW Statistics 18.0 package. The qualitative data, which included participants' responses to open questions, were analysed by deriving themes via Leximancer, an innovative text analytics software that uses word association information to elicit concepts, extracting the most important and grouping these according to themes. In relation to the reasons for gardening, several themes were identified including valuing the aesthetics of gardens, connecting with nature, achievement, and physical and mental activity. The benefits of gardening, and the variety of ways that respondents had adapted or modified their gardening activities in order to continue, are also reported. Gardening was more than a casual leisure pursuit for these participants, who saw it as critical to their physical and psychological wellbeing.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-06-2021
DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2021.1929630
Abstract: This project investigated experiences of caregivers of people living with dementia during COVID-19. We recorded caregivers' perceptions of care before, during, and moving forward from COVID-19, emphasizing positive experiences, coping strategies, creative care adaptation, strengths demonstrated, and benefits of providing care. Allied health professionals conducted semi-structured interviews with 26 informal caregivers of people living with dementia. We categorized and thematically analyzed responses as before, during or moving forward from COVID-19. A range of themes were derived from the data. Pre-pandemic care: (1) focusing on the person living with dementia and (2) working together. During-pandemic care: (1) respecting personhood (2) connecting with virtues and values (3) improving relationships (4) seeking and receiving support (5) prioritizing self-care (6) being protective and proactive (7) making practical changes. Moving forward from COVID-19: (1) strengthening commitment to the person living with dementia, (2) looking after my own needs, and (3) considering practical requirements. Participants reported positive caregiving experiences in all timeframes, focusing more on their own needs and experiences during and moving forward from COVID-19. This research may highlight informal caregivers' challenges and needs. Enforced isolation produced deeper connections for some caregivers. Caregivers benefit from resources facilitating adaptive care.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 10-09-2019
Abstract: Driving a car meets older people’s needs, providing utility (getting from A to B), psychosocial (providing identity and roles and feelings of independence and normality) and aesthetic (mobility for its own sake) mobilities. Giving up driving is related to poorer health and wellbeing. This paper addresses how older people cope when they give up driving, using Bourdieu’s theory of capital as a way of categorising different barriers and enablers to managing without a car in a hypermobile society. Older people are most likely to mention barriers and enablers to mobility relating to infrastructure capital (technology, services, roads, pavements, finance and economics), followed by social capital (friends, family, neighbourhood and community). Cultural capital (norms, expectations, rules, laws) and in idual capital (skills, abilities, resilience, adaptation and desire and willingness to change) are less important but still significantly contribute to older people’s mobility. Implications for policy and practice suggest that provision for older people beyond the car must explore capital across all four of the domains.
Publisher: Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2016-080
Abstract: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is the most widely used and researched recent variant of cognitive behavioral therapy and has been shown to increase quality of life in people with chronic illnesses, including multiple sclerosis (MS). However, few MS health practitioners are trained in ACT. This study evaluated a 2-day ACT training workshop for Italian psychologists working with people with MS. Data were collected via online questionnaires from 34 psychologists before the workshop, after the workshop, and at 6-month follow-up. Two sets of variables were measured at each assessment: primary outcomes (well-being, negative affect, positive affect, and job satisfaction) and ACT processes (values, mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and cognitive defusion). A separate online workshop evaluation questionnaire and an ACT knowledge examination were administered after the workshop. Most participants (94%) acknowledged the potential beneficial effects of the workshop on their work. Almost all participants reported their intention to apply ACT clinically. More than 90% of participants indicated that the workshop was efficacious. All participants scored higher than 75% on the examination. Mindfulness increased from after the workshop to follow-up however, there were no statistically significant changes in other variables. Correlations suggested beneficial associations between the ACT processes and the primary outcomes. Results suggest that ACT training is personally and professionally helpful for psychologists in the MS field.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 15-10-2020
Abstract: Driving and stopping driving present challenging issues for older people living with memory problems and the family members supporting them. Changes to driving status impact the in idual stopping driving and their family members. CarFreeMe is an existing, effective driving cessation program for older people that may be applicable to older people living with dementia. The purpose of this study was to adapt the program and explore feasibility and key stakeholder perspectives. The Medical Research Council guidelines for conducting research into complex interventions guided the development, acceptability and feasibility piloting. A multidisciplinary approach was taken, and key stakeholders were involved throughout the process. This included an adaptation process, followed by expert reference group feedback and case series pilot study. The background research indicated that some key changes were required to meet the needs of people living with dementia. Aspects of the content, language, format and activities were adapted and an additional module was created for family members – whose involvement was identified as important. A more personalized, flexible approach was recommended. The expert reference group [psychologists ( n = 2), occupational therapists ( n = 3) and dementia behavior consultants ( n = 2)] indicated the program was appropriate and needed, and made recommendations for feasibility. Pilot testing with three families indicated acceptability. A driving cessation program adapted for use with people living with dementia and their families required some changes to meet the needs and situations based on feedback from key stakeholders. Future studies will evaluate implementation outcomes across a range of settings.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-06-2022
DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2021.1933291
Abstract: The aim of the current study was to investigate meaning-making in 57 older predominantly female adults ( Quantitative and qualitative data were collected by telephone interviews and an online survey. Results indicated that most participants valued attending the Clinic, and experienced a number of physical, social and emotional benefits from attending, including a sense of meaning. Specifically, some participants developed social connections, learned to cope more effectively with mental health conditions, and regained strength following stressful or traumatic events through their attendance at the clinic. Throughout the pandemic, most participants retained their resilience and continued to derive meaning from various sources, including their families, careers, interests, and attitude toward life. Older adults may experience enhanced physical, emotional and social health from engaging in community-based programs focused on exercise and overall wellness. Furthermore, meaning-making has the potential to buffer the harmful effects of stress and traumatic events on the physical, emotional and social health of older adults.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-12-2017
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12291
Abstract: This paper presents findings from a study exploring the nurses' experience of caring for adults with intellectual disability and mental health issues in inpatient settings. Semi structured interviews were undertaken with 13 nurses from various regions of New Zealand. Methods suggested by an Appreciative Inquiry methodology were used to explore the nurses' positive experiences of their role. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using open coding and Leximancer (an online data mining tool) analysis to identify dominant themes in the discourse. Analysis revealed themes around 'Contextualising behaviour', 'Communication', 'Confidence to care' and 'Time'. Participants reflected upon their experiences offering personal interpretations in identifying the aspects of nursing that mattered and that worked. What is shown is that nurses were able to describe a range of creative and adaptive ways of nursing in responding to numerous complex factors they faced in their roles. This suggests a strong foundation on which to advance nursing care in this field.
Start Date: 2016
End Date: 2019
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2017
End Date: 2020
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2020
End Date: 2022
Funder: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2024
End Date: 12-2026
Amount: $395,486.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity