ObjectivesThe SafeSpace study codesigned and tested a virtual reality (VR) intervention, incorporating relaxation and compassionate mind training to determine acceptability/feasibility in an oncology ...setting and evaluate impact on physical/psychological well-being and quality of life.DesignA two-phase study. Phase I determined key characteristics using an experienced-based codesign approach. Phase II evaluated the intervention using various measures and qualitative interviews in a mixed methods approach. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse measures data and framework analysis to analyse interviews.SettingA specialist cancer centre, UK.Participants11 in phase I and 21 in phase II. Participants were in cancer treatment, recovery or palliative care.Primary and secondary outcomePrimary outcome: acceptability of the intervention, assessed by >60% uptake of three sessions. Secondary outcomes: impact on psychological well-being using EQ-5D/QLQ-C30, Profile of Mood Scale, Warwick and Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, Depression and Anxiety Severity Scale 21, Self-Compassion Scale, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire and a locally developed questionnaire to capture self-compassion post use. Physiological impact was assessed by change in heart rate (HR)/HR variability and electrodermal activity (EDA).ResultsTwenty participants (mean age=48.7 years; SD=16.87); 65% (n=13) completed three sessions. Mental well-being improved following each use and from baseline to after session 3 (VR 1—z=2.846, p≤0.01; VR 2—z=2.501, p≤0.01; VR 3—z=2.492, p≤0.01). There was statistically significant difference in mean scores for EDA at mid-session and post session compared with pre session (F (1.658, 4.973)=13.364, p<0.05). There was statistically significant reduction in stress levels from baseline to post session 3. Participants found the intervention acceptable and highlighted areas for development.ConclusionThe intervention is acceptable and feasible and has shown positive effects on mental well-being/stress in the oncology setting. Larger studies are needed to confirm findings.
To develop and content validate a self-assessment questionnaire on motivational interviewing (MI) practice as the first stages in forming the questionnaire to be used in cross-sectional studies ...involving practitioners conducting the MI-based alcohol screening and brief intervention (ASBI).
A comprehensive mixed methods approach included a literature review, 3 rounds of expert panel (EP) opinions (n=10), cognitive testing (CT) with 10 MI-based ASBI practitioners, and questionnaire piloting with 31 MI-based ASBI practitioners. Based on the EP opinions in the second round, content validity indices (CVIs) and the modified kappa coefficient (k*) were calculated, focusing on the relevance and understandability of questions and comprehensiveness and meaningfulness of the response options. This analysis was performed in 2020, at the conclusion of the national "Together for a Responsible Attitude Towards Alcohol Consumption" ("Skupaj za odgovoren odnos do pitja alkohola", SOPA) project's pilot implementation.
On a scale level, CVI values based on universal agreement for the entire questionnaire were high for 3/4 categories (S-CVI-UA>0.80), and CVI values based on average agreement were high across all categories (S-CVI-Ave>0.90). At the item level, CVI values (I-CVI) were never <0.50 (automatic item rejection), and the modified kappa value (k*) indicated poor validity for two items in the understandability category (k*=0.33). All problematic parts of the questionnaire were further tested and successfully modified based on the results of CT, and accepted in the third round of testing.
The final version of the questionnaire demonstrated appropriate content validity for use in studies among Slovenian MI-based ASBI practitioners and is now ready for further psychometric testing.
Healthcare systems are in the process of reforming themselves to better meet the needs of people with, or at risk of developing, chronic diseases and long term conditions. One goal of these efforts ...is the coproduction of activated, informed, engaged and motivated patients and citizens. The clinical, public health and financial benefits of achieving such a goal may be dramatic. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a proven and practical front-line approach which can help deliver this goal whilst also helping to deliver such policy objectives and intermediate outcomes as increased levels of patient centered care, participatory or shared decision making, evidence-based healthcare and improved clinician-patient relationships. Until now, MI has been passively diffusing through the system as a result of the innovation and early uptake by insightful individuals and organizations. If healthcare systems want to breakthrough to higher levels of performance, investment in the conscious and deliberate implementation of MI into front-line settings may prove helpful.
Background & Aims
Chronic infection with hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV & HCV) is a major contributor to liver disease and liver‐related mortality in Uzbekistan. There is a need to demonstrate the ...feasibility of large‐scale simplified testing and treatment to implement a national viral hepatitis elimination program.
Methods
Thirteen polyclinics were utilized to screen, conduct follow‐up biochemical measures and treat chronic HBV and HCV infection in the general adult population. Task shifting and motivational interviewing training allowed nurses to provide rapid screening and general practitioners (GPs) to treat individuals on‐site. An electronic medical system tracked individuals through the cascade of care.
Results
The use of rapid tests allowed for screening of 60 769 people for HCV and HBV over 6 months and permitted outdoor testing during the COVID‐19 pandemic along with COVID testing. 13%–14% of individuals were lost to follow‐up after the rapid test, and another 62%–66% failed to come in for their consultation. One stop testing and treatment did not result in a statistically increase in retention and lack of patient awareness of viral hepatitis was identified as a key factor. Despite training, there were large differences between GPs and patients initiating treatment.
Conclusions
The current study demonstrated the feasibility of large‐scale general population screening and task shifting in low‐ and middle‐income countries. However, such programs need to be proceeded by awareness campaign to minimize loss to follow up. In addition, multiple trainings are needed for GPs to bolster their skills to talk to patients about treatment.
Acceptance and Commitment-Based Coaching (AC Coaching) is a theory-driven, research-informed coaching approach to help people live their best possible lives, take committed action in line with their ...values and better manage the unwanted, uncomfortable and even painful thoughts and feelings which inevitable show up along the way. In this chapter the author provides an overview of the Acceptance and Commitment-based approach and look at some of the supporting research, before looking at how the approach is delivered in practice and some of the associated tools and techniques to help bring about client change. Core concepts in AC-based coaching include: Private experience; the control agenda; experiential avoidance; and psychological flexibility. The AC coach will use range of tools and techniques to help the client develop psychological flexibility, experience reduced experiential avoidance and take steps towards a more values-based life. Two useful visual, multi-purpose tools or frameworks for delivering AC-based coaching are choice point model and the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy matrix.
Coaches need to be skilful questioners and good listeners. Three conversational skills help coaches get better outcomes, but have been almost universally ignored in the coaching literature: ...Affirmations, reflections and summaries. This chapter looks at each of the three skills in turn and considers how coaches can enhance their use of these skills in their coaching conversations. Affirmations may help to build a client’s feeling of personal agency and control, strength, confidence, self-efficacy and hope. They help to show the client that they have many of the resources and strengths within them to improve and make progress, and they can also induce a mild positive emotional experience which can be important for openness and personal growth. Jonathan Passmore has compared the reflection to a rose, which the coach hands to the client.
OBJECTIVES--To review evidence on the effectiveness of trials of physical activity promotion in healthy, free living adults. To identify the more effective intervention programmes. ...METHODS--Computerised databases and references were searched. Experts were contacted and asked for information about existing work. INCLUSION CRITERIA--Randomised controlled trials of healthy, free living adult subjects, where exercise behaviour was the dependent variable were included. CONCLUSIONS--Ten trials were identified. The small number of trials limits the strength of any conclusions and highlights the need for more research. No UK based studies were found. Previously sedentary adults can increase activity levels and sustain them. Promotion of these changes requires personal instruction, continued support, and exercise of moderate intensity which does not depend on attendance at a facility. The exercise should be easily included into an existing lifestyle and should be enjoyable. Walking is the exercise most likely to fulfil these criteria.
Compassion at Work Anstiss, Tim
The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of the Psychology of Positivity and Strengths‐Based Approaches at Work,
12/2016
Book Chapter
There is a growing interest in the field of compassion: its evolutionary origins; the underpinning neuroscience; its determinants, benefits, and its cultivation. This chapter explores what compassion ...is, why it matters for individuals and organizations, and the evidence that it can be increased. It looks at some of the factors known or thought to be associated with the appearance and unfolding of compassion at work. Research into both compassion and compassion at work is increasing, and we now have a growing understanding of the circumstances in which compassion appears and unfolds in the workplace, the benefits to different stakeholders, and how levels of compassion at work might be increased over time. Finally, the chapter presents some theory driven and evidence‐informed suggestions about how organizations might go about increasing compassion at work, and explore where research into the topic might best focus in the future.
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