ORCID Profile
0000-0002-4885-932X
Current Organisations
St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne Pty Ltd
,
Monash University - Caulfield Campus
,
Monash University
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Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 20-09-2023
Publisher: Routledge
Date: 16-07-2020
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2019
Publisher: Routledge
Date: 16-07-2020
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 05-08-2021
DOI: 10.1071/AH20275
Abstract: Objective A sense of safety and recovery from mental health issues seem to be interrelated concepts but, to date, there has been no review of studies exploring the links between safety and recovery for women accessing mental health programs. This review aimed to identify current knowledge and knowledge gaps regarding the experiences of women and their personal safety when accessing mixed-gender and women’s mental health programs. Methods A scoping review methodology was used. Four electronic databases (Medline, PsycINFO, AMED, and CINAHL) were searched, covering the period from January 2000 to December 2019, to identify relevant peer-reviewed articles, which were screened for inclusion. Key search terms included (‘women’ or ‘female’ or ‘gender’) and (‘recovery’ and ‘mental health programs’) or (‘community mental health’ or ‘community mental health centres/or community mental health centre’) and ‘safety’. Results Twelve studies were identified, 10 of which were from English-speaking countries (five from the UK, three from Australia, two from the US) and two from European countries, indicating there is limited literature directly relevant to women with mental health issues and their personal safety while using mental health services. Safety from assault and harassment and finding safe and supportive connections were commonly reported as crucial to the process of recovery for the women with mental health issues across these studies. Conclusions Based on the identified knowledge gaps, this paper advances the argument for more research to inform gender-specific service provision. What is known about the topic? Service guidelines identify the need for gender-sensitive practices in mental health services, yet women continue to report experiences of sexual or other forms of harassment while in acute and subacute mental health programs. What does this paper add? This study identified the current knowledge regarding the experiences of women when accessing mental health programs. In particular, a sense of feeling safe in services was crucial to the process of recovery for women with mental health issues. What are the implications for practitioners? This study contributes to the body of knowledge informing health professionals who work within these mental health programs and highlights the need to meet women’s needs to feel safe when accessing services.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.APNU.2016.07.015
Abstract: Provision of psychoeducation to families of service users experiencing a first-episode psychosis has been found to assist with relapse prevention and promoting recovery for service users. Psychoeducation also assists families to reduce isolation and gain relevant information and support. This study aimed to clarify the role inpatient staff can best have with families, targeted to the acute phase and early stage of the illness. Family members were provided an inpatient carer psychoeducation meeting and recruited for a feedback interview 6 months later. Findings suggest that family members require information provision and support during the admission, in addition to beneficial psychoeducation groups offered later in the community.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1071/AH16093
Abstract: Objective Although Australia’s service and policy context differs from that of the US, studies have highlighted potential for in idual placement and support (IPS) to support competitive employment outcomes for people with severe and persistent mental illness. The aim of the present study was to explore why the model is not yet widely available. Methods A document analysis was conducted to discern reasons for challenges in implementation of IPS practice principles within the Australian service context. Results The document analysis illustrated that although policy acknowledges the importance of increasing employment rates for people with severe and persistent mental illness, consistent measures, change indicators, direction and time frames are lacking in policy and strategy documentation. Further, IPS principles are not consistently evident in guiding operational documentation that government-funded Disability Employment Services (DES) programs are mandated to adhere to. Conclusions For IPS to be readily implemented, it is necessary for government to offer support to agencies to partner and formal endorsement of the model as a preferred approach in tendering processes. Obligations and processes must be reviewed to ensure that model fidelity is achievable within the Australian Commonwealth policy and service context for programs to achieve competitive employment rates comparable to the most successful international programs. What is known about the topic? The IPS model has been established as the most efficacious approach to support people with severe and persistent mental ill health to gain and sustain employment internationally, yet little is known as to why this model has had very limited uptake in the Australian adult mental health service and policy context. What does this paper add? This paper provides an investigation into the achievability of IPS within DES philosophical and contractual arrangements. What are the implications for practitioners? Mental health practitioners are typically skilled in their understanding of in idual or micro-level challenges faced by consumers in achieving vocational goals: working with symptoms, medication side effects, motivation and anxiety. The present study was designed to offer practitioners an increased understanding of service-level factors, because these present considerable challenges to achieving sustained employment. This paper is a call for greater advocacy towards better integration of employment and mental health service delivery in the Australian policy and practice context.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2011.622673
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the psychosocial precipitating factors of people presenting to the emergency department (ED) due to attempted suicide. Demographic, diagnostic and service use data were collected for a 6-week period. All patients were referred for primary care physician (PCP) management, with a s le followed up for secondary analysis of precipitants to self-harm and follow-up outcomes. Results of the study showed that key psychosocial stressors that triggered suicidality were relationship issues and recent unemployment, with depression present in 92% of cases. While 83% of patients followed attended their first PCP appointment, 50% discontinued by 3 months. The conclusion of this study is that psychosocial crises and depression are key factors in suicide attempts. Assertive crisis intervention, facilitated linkage to community services, and greater monitoring are recommended.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-03-2014
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-10-2013
DOI: 10.1007/S10597-012-9546-6
Abstract: To evaluate group supervision implementation fidelity in the Strengths Model of case management within one adult mental health service. A fidelity audit was undertaken to analyse data across three service settings-residential and community-during the initial three months, utilising instruments developed by Rapp and Goscha (The Strengths Model: Case management with people with psychiatric disabilities, vol 2. Oxford University Press, New York, 2006). Very high fidelity for group supervision was achieved for group interaction (74.8%), client work (77%) and by case managers (90%). A standardised approach to group supervision process and documentation greatly supported fidelity in implementation. The Rapp and Goscha tools had utility as both learning aids and audit instruments.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-09-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-05-2018
Publisher: University of Buckingham Press
Date: 30-09-2014
DOI: 10.5750/EJPCH.V2I3
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 16-03-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-10-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2753.2010.01548.X
Abstract: To evaluate the implementation of clinical practice guidelines in the initial stages of treatment of first episode psychosis, through use of a care pathway within one area mental health service. A fidelity audit was undertaken using data from local Early Psychosis Care Pathway documents, completed for the cohort of clients with early psychosis seen in the first 2 years of an integrated early psychosis programme model, at St Vincent's Mental Health Service, Melbourne, Australia. The utilisation of a care pathway greatly supported both the documentation of clinical process and fidelity to clinical guidelines in early psychosis treatment. Excellent adherence (over 80%) was achieved for therapeutic alliance with the client, conducting a comprehensive bio-psychosocial assessment, medical investigations, reduction of client trauma and increased orientation to the service and the mental health systems of care, and for contact with family. Good adherence (over 70%) was achieved for client re-integration to the community and promotion of carer well-being the service plans to focus on these areas in future service improvement initiatives, along with a focus on physical health assessment and enhancing primary care liaison. The process of formally operationalizing and implementing clinical guidelines utilizing a care pathway within an area mental health service has proved to be an effective way to ensure fidelity with standard agency practices and protocols. The integrated approach, supported by quality assurance initiatives, provides an excellent goodness-of-fit within an established area mental health service.
Publisher: Routledge
Date: 16-07-2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 04-11-2019
DOI: 10.3390/ANI9110918
Abstract: Fifteen oilseed cakes from sunflower, pomegranate, cardoon, tobacco and hemp were characterized with regard to chemical composition, Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) fractionation, in vitro digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and crude protein. All the cakes presented low moisture, rather variable ether extract contents and medium to high levels of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber. The cakes significantly differed in terms of CNCPS partitioning and in vitro digestibility. Tobacco and hemp cakes presented high contents of slow degradable fractions of crude protein and carbohydrate joined to good post-ruminal protein digestibility. Cardoon cakes presented the highest rumen protein degradability. Based on crude protein content and intestinal digestibility of rumen undegraded protein, cakes of tobacco and hemp showed the better potential as alternative protein supplements for ruminants, while pomegranate appears to be the least suitable for ruminant feeding.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 08-05-2014
Abstract: To review the characteristics of all patients presenting with a first episode of psychosis between the ages of 16 and 65 years to an adult area mental health service. The early psychosis programme at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne treats all patients presenting in the early stages of psychosis between the ages of 16 and 65 years. A database was developed to capture the demographic and diagnostic characteristics of the group. The characteristics of those with an onset under 26 years were compared with those with a later onset. A large proportion (55%) of those presenting with first episode psychosis presented after the age of 25 years. There were a higher number of cases of depression with psychotic features in the older onset patients (notably so for those over 40) and a trend towards greater metabolic morbidity. Older patients presenting with a first episode of psychosis are relatively understudied but appear to have certain distinguishing qualities. Understanding the needs of these patients is important in tailoring optimal treatment packages and service responses.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-2013
DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2012.737903
Abstract: There is a striking absence of literature articulating and evaluating clinical social work contributions to suicide prevention, despite considerable practice in this important field. This article reports on a model of assertive brief psychotherapeutic intervention and facilitated linkage to community services utilized in a prospective cohort study of emergency department suicide attempt aftercare. A key outcome measure, the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA), was used with 65 patients to assess psychosocial domains at initial presentation, 4-weeks, 3-months, and 6-months. There were significant improvements in the domains of work, finance, leisure, social life, living situation, personal safety and health by 3 months. There were highly significant correlations between psychosocial improvements and improved depression scores.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 25-02-2013
Abstract: We aimed to identify the baseline prevalence of cardiac dysfunction in patients commencing clozapine, assess adherence with echocardiographic monitoring recommendations, and evaluate the utility and cost of echocardiographic monitoring for the development of clozapine-associated myocarditis and cardiomyopathy. A retrospective longitudinal cohort study was undertaken of 159 consecutive patients from a major tertiary centre commencing clozapine in the period January 2002 to July 2009. Some 73% of patients had a baseline study, and 11% had a six-month follow-up study. Nine patients had abnormal left ventricular function at baseline. Myocarditis was identified in three patients, with all cases occurring within the first month of treatment and suspected on clinical grounds before an echocardiogram was performed. One case of possible cardiomyopathy was identified. The cost of echocardiographic screening in the first year of treatment was estimated at $AUD 209,356 per case of cardiomyopathy detected. The prevalence of cardiac dysfunction in patients commencing clozapine is high, and there are challenges in adhering with the recommended protocol for monitoring. Routine echocardiography is not useful in the detection of clozapine-associated myocarditis. Although cardiomyopathy may be identified, it is rare and associated with significant cost. Recommendations for routine echocardiographic monitoring should be re-examined.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 26-10-2012
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 15-12-2016
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 28-04-2022
DOI: 10.1177/10497315211010950
Abstract: Families experience their own journey in adjusting to the role of carer. The purpose of this review was to understand from the perspective of families and carers which practices, and health system responses meet their needs in supporting people who experience mental health challenges. A systematic evidence mapping review was conducted, through searching five electronic databases to identify peer-reviewed studies, written in English and published between the years 2010 and 2020, that prioritized the perspectives of families. Fifty-five studies met the inclusion criteria and were mapped according to the country of author, year, methodology, who delivered, and intervention mode and format. The review demonstrated a ersity of interventions with growing numbers of studies considering the view and experiences of carers. There is evidence of increasingly active participation of carers in designing, leading, or facilitating interventions, recognizing the importance of coproduction in tailoring family and carer support.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 05-11-2020
DOI: 10.1093/BJSW/BCZ124
Abstract: Compassion is a core value in healthcare. It enables healthcare workers to respond with care and kindness to all patients. The perception of common humanity (CH) has been proposed as the central mechanism of compassion. There have been no empirical studies examining the connection between CH and compassion. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of viewing CH scenarios on compassion. Seventy-five healthcare workers participated and were randomly allocated to two groups. The healthcare workers viewed different CH scenarios and completed pre- and post-test validated scales on perspective-taking, CH and compassion. The authors investigated whether compassion increased after viewing the CH scenarios. A mediation analysis was performed to examine if perspective-taking influences compassion, mediated by CH. Some new CH items were also trialled to help develop a CH scale. The results demonstrated that healthcare workers’ level of compassion increased after viewing the CH scenarios. There was some evidence that perspective-taking influences compassion mediated by CH. CH appears to be a collection of constructs captured by a number of subscales. This study has important implications for supporting healthcare workers to develop and sustain compassion.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 29-12-2022
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to utilise a lived experience (LE) informed/co-designed approach to explore the service-user experience of using the reasons for use package (RFUP) within a youth residential rehabilitation mental health setting. LE researchers (those who have lived through mental illness or distress), Master of social work students, a community of mental health service manager, community of mental health researchers, dual diagnosis service researchers and university-based researchers collaborated on the project. The study used an exploratory, qualitative approach of semi-structured interviews to invite young people's experiences of the resource. The research team conducted a collaborative thematic analysis drawing on the range of perspectives. Through five interviews with young people, key themes identified included: client factors and extra-therapeutic events, relationship factors, technique/model factors/delivery and outcomes/things noticed. The RFUP was a useful clinical tool with the young people in this pilot as it improved awareness of reasons for drug use and impact on mental health, service user to staff relationship, quality of the resource, mode of delivery and participant self-knowledge. Young people valued the supportive role that the RFUP played in facilitating positive relationships with their workers.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-12-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-12-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-12-2021
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 30-04-2019
DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2019.1601651
Abstract: Health services internationally are reconsidering whether current service delivery models are inclusive and responsive to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans* and gender erse, intersex, and/or queer (LGBTIQ+) identifying in iduals. A survey was conducted to establish a baseline needs analysis, as part of an LGBTIQ+ workforce development program, on perceived staff knowledge and confidence in a multi-site public mental health service in Melbourne, Australia. The survey comprising multiple choice, 5-point Likert scale ratings, and short answer sections was administered to mental health staff attending training at their place of work. Workplaces included: community clinics, residential services, acute inpatient services, service development, and research departments. Perceptions of self-confidence and knowledge, and further support needs expressed, were examined through analyzing quantitative and qualitative responses in feedback following the education sessions. The s le comprised 85 respondents the majority female (66%), with a good representation of staff across age brackets. While the majority of staff identified as heterosexual (68%), LGBTIQ+ in iduals were represented. Though 64% of staff surveyed noted that opportunities exist in the workplace to discuss LGBTIQ+ issues, a desire to increase knowledge was expressed by 94% of staff. Staff attitudes, knowledge, confidence, and support needs should be carefully considered at organizational and leadership levels, to ensure health services foster LGBTIQ+ responsive service delivery models and practices.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1111/JPM.12516
Abstract: WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: The admission of a loved one for first episode psychosis can cause considerable distress and confusion for family members. Psychoeducation can enhance family members' knowledge of the disease process and their role in supporting recovery. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE: There is limited research on psychoeducation processes within adult inpatient settings. A Practitioner Narrative found that basic assessment questions can help guide the psychoeducation process. The Stress Vulnerability and Phases of Psychosis Models are valuable and efficient educational tools in answering many typical questions. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Psychoeducation sessions should be offered routinely in the early stage of a first episode psychosis, but must be in idualized to family needs and concerns. The psychoeducation structure also provides an opportunity for family members to "tell their story" to process the events leading up to a first admission and their emotional reactions to the service user's illness. Abstract Aim To clarify how initial psychoeducation, while typically brief, can best be targeted to the needs of families during the acute treatment phase of a first episode of psychosis, when there is often significant distress and confusion. Method Over 6 months of conducting inpatient psychoeducation meetings, with families of in iduals experiencing first-episode psychosis, a senior mental health nurse-as a practice development undertaking-kept a record of needs/issues expressed by families. Thesis The most frequent needs of families during a first episode of psychosis were: 1. Opportunity to discuss events leading to admission 2. Space to share feelings and fears 3. Have practical information concerning current care 4. Education regarding the nature of psychotic symptoms and 5. Information about recovery. Implications for Practice Family members of in iduals experiencing a first episode of psychosis often require an opportunity to process the events leading up to the admission, and their emotional reactions to the in idual's illness and admission. The psychoeducation process can be in idualized and targeted to the needs of families, with active listening to the family's stories. Psychoeducational frameworks that were useful for explaining issues raised were the Stress Vulnerability Model and the Phases of Psychosis.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 10-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.EURPSY.2011.03.004
Abstract: To compare the treatment of patients with early psychosis, 2 years after the introduction of an integrated model of enhanced management within a public adult mental health service, with an historic cohort from the same service. Variables examined in the 2001 cohort were compared with 2008 patients. Computer database review and a file audit were conducted for all patients with early psychosis across the first 2 years of the program. Compared to the historic cohort, patients in the current cohort were 24% less likely to have been admitted ( P = 0.004). There were statistically significant reductions in involuntary status and use of a locked unit. Rates of police involvement in admission and use of seclusion were also reduced, though this trend was not significant. Average length of stay was reduced. Median duration of untreated psychosis was 3 months in both 2001 and 2008 cohorts. The introduction of an integrated model of management within an area mental health service for patients with early psychosis contributed to significant reductions in admissions, involuntary status and use of a locked ward. The data suggests that enhanced treatment of early psychosis patients can be offered within generic services.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.APNU.2017.07.003
Abstract: Over the last two decades, mental health services internationally have shifted towards intervening early in psychosis. The critical period for intervention is estimated to be five-years and many specialised programs target early psychosis. This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate five-year outcomes from an early psychosis program (EPP) that adopted an integrated model, providing nursing and multidisciplinary community mental healthcare to clients aged 16-65years, beyond the typical age range of 16-25years. We examined one routine outcome measure, the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) across episodes of care for clients receiving EPP over a 5year period (n=239), comparing these results with HoNOS outcomes in an Australian national dataset for all public mental health clients. HoNOS improvements were highly significant from intake to discharge and from review to discharge for EPP clients, and these compared well with national outcome performance. There is potential for mental health nurses and other clinicians to significantly improve client symptoms and functioning, in a model of early psychosis treatment beyond a youth focus.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 17-07-2022
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 02-2016
Abstract: For the past 3 decades, mental health practitioners have increasingly adopted aspects and tools of strength-based approaches. Providing strength-based intervention and lifying strengths relies heavily on effective interpersonal processes. This article is a critical review of research regarding the use of strength-based approaches in mental health service settings. The aim is to discuss strength-based interventions within broader research on recovery, focussing on effectiveness and advances in practice where applicable. A systematic search for peer-reviewed intervention studies published between 2001 and December 2014 yielded 55 articles of potential relevance to the review. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies was used to appraise the quality of the studies. Our review found emerging evidence that the utilisation of a strength-based approach improves outcomes including hospitalisation rates, employment/educational attainment, and intrapersonal outcomes such as self-efficacy and sense of hope. Recent studies confirm the feasibility of implementing a high-fidelity strength-based approach in clinical settings and its relevance for practitioners in health care. More high-quality studies are needed to further examine the effectiveness of strength-based approaches.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 26-01-2023
Abstract: Spiritual ersity and the positive role of spirituality in personal recovery have received growing attention in mental health literature. However, the spiritual experiences and views of service users from cultural communities, particularly the Chinese community, are understudied in Australia. This research explores Chinese service users’ spiritual identities and their views and perspectives on the roles of spirituality in their mental health recovery and attempts to provide inspiration for practitioners to engage with service users’ spirituality in non-clinical mental health practice. A qualitative exploratory approach guided this study. Semi-structured interviews were employed with four Chinese participants with spiritual identities, who were recruited through the community Psychosocial Support Service in Victoria. The template analysis method supported the data analysis. The results indicate that spirituality has a positive impact on the mental health recovery of participants, primarily through coping, self-regulatory, and social support mechanisms. The findings also present that Chinese service users’ understanding and approaches to spirituality are shaped by both original and Australian Cultures. These findings suggest that practitioners should provide a creative understanding and cultural awareness when discussing with service users their spiritual identities, perspectives, and spirituality in the wider context. The research fills a gap in the spiritual views and perspectives of service users accessing a non-clinical mental health service from the Chinese community.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-10-2019
DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2018.1498918
Abstract: In iduals experiencing severe and persistent mental illness report a desire to gain and sustain work. In idual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence-based approach to vocational rehabilitation to support competitive employment outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate whether a joint-governance management partnership, between a clinical adult mental health and an employment service, could deliver a sustained IPS program in Australia. The methodology entailed a Clinical Data Mining approach, to examine records from seven years of implementation of IPS in one setting within an Australian public mental health service context. Despite the prevalence of schizophrenia spectrum diagnoses and an older mean age (39 years), indicating that a large proportion of the cohort had experienced serious mental illness for over twenty years, findings were that 46.3% of participants achieved employment. This is an excellent result and is comparable to the only randomised control trial, with adult services, in the Australian context, which found a 42.5% employment rate possible under IPS compared with just 23.5% with referral to external employment services. More extensive trialling of IPS across clinical services is required, in Australia and internationally, including fidelity protocols, for knowledge translation to be achieved.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-03-2017
DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2017.1291464
Abstract: Restrictive interventions such as seclusion may occur during an acute mental health crisis. Such interventions are experienced by people as traumatic and counter to recovery. The current study aimed to investigate the use of seclusion and who was secluded amongst patients presenting with psychotic symptomology. All acute inpatient admissions were examined across a 12-month period January-December 2013. Electronic and paper records were accessed and audited for all 655 admissions. There were 91 admissions that included a seclusion and 200 seclusion events. There were 79 unique patients who experienced seclusion. For those experiencing seclusion: two-thirds were male, 49% were either homeless or had no fixed abode, 32% received case management in the community prior to their inpatient stay, and 56% were unemployed or not in the workforce. The median and mode duration of seclusion was 4 h. By understanding seclusion interventions better, changes can be made to enhance practice. This descriptive research into seclusion has clarified the demographics of who is most likely to experience seclusion, for how long, and the implications for reducing restrictive interventions. How the social work role could contribute to reforms to protect and enhance the rights and well-being of marginalized members of our communities, at their most vulnerable, is considered.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 19-03-2022
DOI: 10.3390/APP12063142
Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of gamma irradiation, applied to different cheese s le sizes (250g and 500 g), against Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, coliforms and aerobic colony counts. The effects on cheese physicochemical and odour properties and all costs involved for the treatment were quantified. The Cobalt-60 γ-irradiator was used at a maximum dose of 5.0 kGy. The values for cheese moisture (28.6%), ash (3.78%), pH (5.1), protein (29.6%), fat (30.7%), salt (1.95%) and water activity (0.92%) were within the acceptable ranges for hard cheese after gamma irradiation treatment. The colour (yellowness, redness, chroma and hue angle) and texture (cohesiveness and springiness) values decreased (p 0.05) with the treatment. Compounds such as safrole, acetylpyrazine, thiophene, 3,5-octadien-2-one and 1-Octen-3-one were present after the treatment, regardless of s le size. The gamma irradiation treatment resulted in 100%, 87.2%, 85.1% and 77.3% reduction in L. monocytogenes, coliforms, E. coli and aerobic colony counts, respectively. The study highlighted the efficacy of irradiation treatment and its affordability for resource-limited producers.
Publisher: Routledge
Date: 16-07-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2018
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 11-05-2020
Abstract: The objective was to explore the efficacy of a dual diagnosis resource—the Reasons For Use Package (RFUP)—to build staff capacity to work with service users and explore service user experiences. A two-state case comparison evaluation was conducted employing a mixed methods action research design, utilizing staff and service user surveys combined with focus groups involving staff trained and mentored in use of the RFUP. Results were that both staff and service users responded positively to the RFUP. Staff self-reported improvements in knowledge and confidence, and service users reported the RFUP assisted them with reflecting on interactions between their mental health and substance use this assisted them with goal planning and improved their working relationship with staff. Implications were that training and mentoring in the RFUP can contribute to building staff knowledge and confidence in dual diagnosis interventions in mental health community services, and benefit service users.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 03-2013
Publisher: Routledge
Date: 16-07-2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-09-2021
Abstract: When graduates of Australian social work courses embark on a career in mental health, the systems they enter are complex, fragmented and evolving. Emerging practitioners will commonly be confronted by the loneliness, social exclusion, poverty and prejudice experienced by people living with mental distress however, social work practice may not be focused on these factors. Instead, in accordance with the dominant biomedical perspective, symptom and risk management may predominate. Frustration with the limitations evident in this approach has seen the United Nations call for the transformation of mental health service delivery. Recognising paradigmatic influences on mental health social work may lead to a more considered enactment of person centred, recovery and rights-based approaches. This paper compares and contrasts influences of neo-liberalism, critical theory, human rights and post-structuralism on mental health social work practice. In preparing social work practitioners to recognise the influence of, and work more creatively with, intersecting paradigms, social work educators strive to foster a transformative approach to mental health practice that straddles discourses.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 19-03-2012
Abstract: Carers play an important role in supporting client adjustment and relapse prevention following a first psychotic episode. The caring experience however is a stressful and demanding one, and carers require support to develop coping strategies and sustain themselves in their role. To evaluate a psychoeducation programme provided within a public adult mental health service, designed for the families of clients experiencing first-episode psychosis. A pre- and post-test questionnaire was administered to quantitatively measure the participants’ changes in perceptions of their knowledge and understanding regarding mental illness and its treatment through attending the group. Qualitative items were included to ascertain other knowledge gained or benefits perceived and any critical feedback. The programme significantly improved carers’ perceptions of their understanding of psychosis, recovery and relapse prevention. Additional feedback replicated previous findings that participants value support and feel less isolated through group attendance, gaining a sense of collective experience and the opportunity to share experiences and feel heard by peers. The evaluation demonstrates the efficacy of such a group and the importance of public mental health services in providing family interventions in first-episode psychosis care.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-04-2014
Publisher: Routledge
Date: 16-07-2020
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 17-09-2020
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 07-09-2022
DOI: 10.1111/HSC.14015
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 24-05-2017
Abstract: The role of family in supporting service users in coping with illness and engaging in relapse prevention in early psychosis is important. Taking on this caring though is stressful and challenging, and it has been found that support and information for carers assists in their coping and reduces isolation. To evaluate the current utility of a psychoeducation group program in a public adult mental health service, for the families of people experiencing early psychosis. A purpose-designed pre- and post-intervention questionnaire was administered to quantitatively measure group participants’ changes in perceptions of their understanding of mental illness and its treatment through attending the group. Additional qualitative items were used to determine other knowledge, benefits and any critical feedback. The group program continues to result in highly significant improvements in family members’ understanding of psychosis, recovery, medications, relapse prevention and substance co-morbidities. Additional feedback reaffirmed previous findings that family members find group peer support valuable and that this reduces isolation and the experience of stigma. The current evaluation, conducted following 10 years of early psychosis group work, found there to be efficacy in family peer support groups and that it is important to provide family interventions in public early psychosis mental health services.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 14-07-2021
DOI: 10.1093/BJSW/BCAB125
Abstract: Recovery-oriented practice (ROP) is being steadily adopted worldwide. The current research examined the perspectives of clinicians about ROP pre-implementation at a clinical mental health service. The method was a survey consisting of fourteen questions regarding implementation of ROP and clinicians reported self-efficacy about work within a ROP framework. The research design was mixed methods couched within a narrative approach. It was exploratory and social constructivist in nature. This article explores quantitative data. Participants were 203 mental health clinicians from multidisciplinary backgrounds—including social work, nursing, occupational therapy, psychiatry, psychology, other medical and other allied health. There were 142 females, 46 males 15 did not specify their sex. Results showed that clinicians perceived their practice was recovery-oriented 83.6 per cent of the time. Overall, 81 per cent chose the most recovery-oriented statement prior to formal training in ROP. This study concludes that clinicians are committed to the implementation of ROP. They do not believe ROP is easy to implement however, they do believe it can be successfully implemented in the clinical treatment setting. With the support of stakeholders, these findings may be used to aid the ongoing implementation of ROP into the study service, and add to social work literature.
Publisher: SensePublishers
Date: 2015
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2020
No related grants have been discovered for Melissa Petrakis.