• Ten Years of Inspiration and Impact : The RANZCP Psychiatry Interest Forum

  Mcgowan, Sharon; Dipnall, Sam (Cambridge University Press, 2024-08-01)

  Aims To illustrate the scale and impact of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists’ (RANZCP) Psychiatry Interest Forum (PIF) ten years since its inception. Methods Member data from 2013–2023 was analysed alongside recent event and engagement activity survey results, as well as qualitative feedback from medical students and prevocational doctors who took part in PIF engagement activities. Results PIF attracts and inspires the next generation of Australian and New Zealand psychiatrists. It is a stepping stone into the RANZCP Fellowship program, and has a particular focus on increasing interest in rural careers and supporting more First Nations medical students and prevocational doctors into psychiatry. PIF events, sponsorships, scholarships and information achieves this by: • providing a starting point for learning and exploring the specialty of psychiatry • fostering interest in psychiatry among medical students and junior doctors • creating a safe and enabling environment to explore the specialty, create networks, and build connections • challenging common misconceptions about psychiatry and reduce associated stigma • increasing applications to the RANZCP Fellowship program. Established in September 2013 the program now has over 5,100 members. In 2023, the program achieved its highest annual number of new members joining to date, with 1,056 medical students and junior doctors choosing to join PIF. That year, 77% of all new trainees that joined the Fellowship pathway were former PIF members. Survey data from PIF members who took part in the PIF program hosted at the Perth Congress in 2023 demonstrated that: • 100% reported an increase in psychiatry knowledge following Congress. • 82% reported their likelihood of pursuing psychiatry had increased following Congress, and 18% reported ‘no change’, as they reported strong certainty prior to the Congress attendance. • 75% reported that the PIF networking sessions helped clarify misconceptions or stigmas that they previously held about psychiatry following Congress. The voices of PIF members best illustrates the influence that inspirational experiences like these can have on future career directions: ‘My favourite part of the PIF Congress was the ability to interact with likeminded PIF peers and psychiatrists and trainees from all over Australia and New Zealand. Another PIF member had said “I feel like I've found my tribe” which is a comment I particularly resonated with. Conclusion Ten years on, PIF continues to expand its reach and impact to increase the pipeline of psychiatry trainees in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Understanding patients' perspectives of clinical communication within a Major Trauma Centre

  Tanti, Ruth; Cunningham, Roisin; Fisher, Peter (Elsevier, 2024)

  Clinical communication between major trauma patients (MTP) and healthcare professionals is extremely complex. Multiple demands are placed on specialist multi-disciplinary teams (MDT) and patients in all stages of treatment. Patient-staff clinical communication has an integral role in MTP healthcare experiences, supporting them with a range of physical and psychological difficulties post-injury. This study aimed to understand MTP perspectives of clinical communication within a MTC through qualitative semi-structured interviews. Twenty participants were purposively sampled from an outpatient follow-up clinic and interviews were analysed using a pluralistic qualitative approach. Three themes were conceptualised from the data; "Challenges to speaking up" "Conversations left me feeling" and "Strategies need to be clinical but tailored". Patients often found it challenging to speak up due to feelings of vulnerability, confusion, and challenges navigating medical terminology. Patients spoke of not wanting to burden staff and family members playing a role in patient-staff communication, but these challenges require further exploration. Patients highlighted the positive (feel reassured, cared for, and human again) and negative (feeling like an object, angry, confused, and dependent) emotional impact of staff communication. Patients also described the benefits of being provided with written information, clear explanations of injuries and person-centred communication. MTP require multiple options to communicate and address psychological difficulties. Greater training on the emotional impact of conversations, skills to respond to psychological distress and communication guidance for staff, is needed to improve clinical communication with MTP.
• Profile, referral pathways and re-attendance of psychiatric patients attending the emergency department : focus on suicidality and self-harm

  Pandian, Haridha; Kar, Nilamadhab (Cambridge University Press, 2021-06-18)

  Aims The number of patients presenting to Emergency Departments (EDs) in the UK with acute psychiatric issues is a major concern. This project aimed to explore the outcome of patients assessed by Mental Health Liaison Services (MHLS) in a large district general hospital ED in the UK, with a focus on patients with self-harm or suicidality. Method Data were extracted from electronic patient records on 100 consecutive attendees to MHLS in July 2020. Data were collected on demographics, index of multiple deprivation (IMD) by postcode, time and reason for attendance, known ICD-10 diagnoses, self-harm history, alcohol/substance misuse at time of presentation, recent psychosocial stressors and outcome of MHLS assessment. Assessments by MHLS in the preceding 12 months and reattendance to the service within 3 months following this assessment were also recorded. Result The sample included 44 male and 56 female patients, with a mean age of 35.3 years. 80.0% of patients were Caucasian. 67.0% lived in areas classed within the top 30% most deprived in the country, whilst 2.0% had no fixed abode. The majority (79.0%) of patients self-presented; outside of normal working hours (70.0%). The most common reasons for attendance were thoughts/intent of self-harm/suicide (50.0%), overdose (29.0%) and self-harm by laceration (7.0%). The majority (73.0%) of patients had a known psychiatric diagnosis, with the most frequent being depressive disorder (36.0%) and emotionally unstable personality disorder (15.0%). Almost half (48.0%) had a history of self-harm, and 40.0% were under the influence of alcohol/illicit substances upon presentation to ED. The most common psychosocial triggers were conflict with partner (26.0%) and stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic (19.0%). Following assessment, 24.0% of patients were discharged to their General Practitioner, 18.0% to the community mental health team; and 17.0% to the Crisis & Home Treatment Team. A minority (13.0%) were admitted to a psychiatric hospital (10.0% informally, 3.0% under the Mental Health Act 1983). Approximately one in five (21.0%) patients re-attended to MHLS within 3 months. Out of 37 patients that had previously been assessed by MHLS in the preceding 12 months; 37.8% were reassessed within 3 months (p < 0.01). Conclusion In the studied sample, most (90%) of psychiatric patients attended ED for self-harm or suicide, and a significant proportion had repeat attendance. Socioeconomic deprivation, substance misuse, relationship difficulties and stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic were major issues, alongside diagnosed depression and personality disorder. Focussed support for these issues may decrease ED attendance due to self-harm/suicidality.
• Service evaluation of the mental health assessment service (MHAS) in Dudley, West Midlands

  Winchester, Mark; Narula, Amitav; Davis, Rachel; McGowan, Ella (Cambridge University Press, 2021-06-18)

  Aims To assess how well MHAS meets the service specification To ascertain areas of good practice To examine whether the referral form is being used in an appropriate manner To elucidate areas of good communication and whether any improvement can be made Background Launched in 2012, MHAS is the single point of access service for mental health services for patients aged 16–65 years, with a general practitioner (GP) in Dudley, who are not currently open to secondary care. Assessments are completed by a medic, community psychiatric nurse or jointly. It aims to identify the most appropriate care pathway for patients. This audit was a comprehensive assessment of how effective MHAS is at ensuring patients are adequately triaged. Method 10 cases from each month between April 2018 and March 2019 were randomly selected from all 980 anonymised MHAS referrals. A proforma was developed based on current practice, previous audits and service specification. A team of four doctors assisted in the data collection and only electronic health records (EHR) were reviewed. Result 88.3% of referrals were recorded on the EHR. Only 61.7% of referrals used the proforma with the other referrals mostly being in the form of a letter, which often missed out information vital to the triaging process. Only 4.2% of referrals are from Primary Care Mental Health Nurses (PCMHN) with 85.8% arising from GPs. Urgent referrals were not discussed with MHAS via telephone contact in about 60% of cases. The majority of patients had telephone screening completed the same day and were then discussed the next working day at the daily referral meeting. Although a brief summary for the GP was being sent the same day in all cases, over half of the comprehensive assessments were not being sent within the five day timeframe. Conclusion All referrals must be uploaded to the EHR and completed using the service's proforma. PCMHNs may be currently under-utilised or effectively doing their jobs at managing mental health patients in primary care. GPs regularly referring via letter require further training and support to use the proforma. The proforma may require simplification to make it easier to complete. The service specification requires review as it makes unrealistic demands of the service. All referrals must be discussed at the daily referral meeting. Further investigation is required to understand why MHAS is struggling to meet timeframes for appointments and letters.
• Medical prescription and nursing administration of medication in learning disabilities in-patient settings

  Williams, Ellen; Choudry, Ansar; Hussain, Kabeer; Ravi, Praveen; Zahid, Sadia (Cambridge University Press, 2021-06-18)

  Aims The aim of this re-audit was to review whether inpatientprescription cards are completed correctly by doctors and administered by nurses, and to compare the results with the previous audit. Background We carried out a re-audit of Medical Prescription and Nursing Administration of Medication in Learning Disabilities In-patient Settings. Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is committed to managing medicines safely, efficiently and effectively as a key part of delivering high quality patient centred care. In BCPFT medications are recorded by doctors on paper prescription cards and administered by registered nurses. Method This audit compared results against the standards for prescribing medication in BCPFT Medicines Policy.Prescription charts were retrospectively reviewed against 22 standards for all LD inpatients as outlined in the LD trust policy across all 3 of the Learning Disabilities in-patient units during May 2019 as long as they were still inpatients during this month. 27 prescription cards were reviewed in total. Result 100% of prescription cards had patients full names , address , ward name, were fully legible , written in black ink, route of administration, approved abbreviation for route, date of prescription, signature of prescriber , prescription labelled as 1of 1 /2, frequency of prn meds and indication . Whereas only 96% had generic drug names, clearly documented doses and time of administration along with acceptable abbreviation and appropriate code for omission. 85% drugs had a stop date once drug was stopped and 85% had allergies recorded in red and had a line drawn through once drug was omitted. Conclusion The re- audit was highlighted to inpatient managers, nursing staff, The Medicines Management Committee (MMC) anddoctors in the Learning Disability division. Prescribers werereminded of the importance of documenting a stop date for the prescriptions and signing off once drug is crossed out. It was discussed in MMC to consider removing the standard for recording allergies in red ink as the box is already red in colour. The PRN section for medication does not have an area to sign when the drug is cancelled and this in particular is the case when PRN medication is re-written. It was discussed to limit this standard to regular medication and to be taken in consideration if the current drug chart requires redesigning in the future. We also recommended a re- audit in 2 years’ time.
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  Identifying the Black Country’s top mental health research priorities using a collaborative workshop approach : community connexions

  Morrissey, Hana; Benoit, Céline; Ball, Patrick A.; Ackom-Mensah, Hannah; Consultant Pharmacist, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Nottingham, UK; Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, UK; School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga, NSW, Australia; Underserved Populations Community Development & Community Connexions, Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHFT), Research and Innovation, Dudley, UK; (MDPI, 2024-12)

  Background: The Black Country (BC) is an area of the United Kingdom covering Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, and Wolverhampton. The area is ethnically, culturally and religiously diverse. One-fifth of the total population is in the lowest socioeconomic quintile, with an uneven distribution of wealth. The area manifests unmet needs and as perceived underserved community groups. Objectives and Methods: To better understand the situation and inform future provision, listening events were organised across the BC to engage with local underserved communities. A mixed-methods design was employed, using collaborative workshops. The workshops enabled stakeholders to explore priorities, perceived barriers and solutions to mental health services’ access within the BC. Results: Sixty participants verbally consented and signed in to attend the three workshops. There were nine groups that provided 247 statements on the topic, yielding a total of 12 codes and six themes (priorities). The top identified priorities were inappropriate periodisation of accessible funded healthcare needs (n = 42, 18.03%), barriers to appropriate healthcare (n = 49, 21.03%) and limited resources for training, health promotion, preventative care and support networks (n = 62, 26.61%). Conclusions: Addressing the identified priorities will require location and community-specific solutions to establish those communities’ trust and engagement. Cultural stigma should not be viewed as the only barrier to access healthcare but should be considered in combination with the population’s reluctance to reach out to healthcare services due to loss of trust between community groups and lack of co-design of culturally and religiously appropriate services for the community.
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  Citalopram and escitalopram in older adults and associated QTc prolongation : a clinical audit

  Kar, Shreyan; Prasanna, Aparna; Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Geriatric Care and Research Organisation (GeriCaRe), 2024)

  Background: Citalopram and escitalopram are commonly used serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for the treatment of depression and anxiety; which are known to cause corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation. Methods: In a sample of patients in older adult psychiatry who were prescribed citalopram or escitalopram, the doses, history of QTc prolongation, concurrent medications that may prolong QTc, electrocardiogram (ECG) reviews, and any discussion about the risk were audited. Results: The sample consisted of 17 older adult patients aged 65 years or more. Most of the patients (94.1%) were prescribed citalopram and only one patient was on escitalopram. Citalopram was prescribed commonly at 20mg (64.7%), and two (1.8%) patients were above the recommended dose for older adults. Escitalopram was within the recommended dose. There was no history of QTc prolongation in any patient. Concurrent medications that could prolong QTc were identified in 35.3% of the patients; all of these were antipsychotics. A small proportion (11.8%) of the patients had documentation stating QTc prolongation and arrhythmia risks for citalopram or escitalopram. A review of ECG when initiating or adjusting treatment was noted in only one patient. Conclusion: Although citalopram and escitalopram dosages were within the recommended limit, a considerable proportion of patients had concurrent medications with an additional risk of prolonging QTc. It is essential for health professionals to discuss and provide written information about the cardiac risk associated with citalopram and escitalopram with older patients and their caregivers.
• Providing evidence that impacts on patient care

  Campbell, Andrew; Dhanda, Kal; Johnson, Emily; Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (CILIP, 2017-07)

  Andrew Campbell, Kal Dhanda and Emily Johnson explain how the pharmacy team at an NHS mental health trust use library services to provide evidence that impacts on patient care.
• Collaborating to use iPads as a therapeutic resource

  Dhanda, Kal; Johnson, Emily; Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (CILIP, 2016-12)

  A collaborative project to introduce iPads as a therapeutic resource at Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership highlights the valuable role that library services can play alongside clinical and non-clinical departments, explain Kal Dhanda and Emily Johnson.
• ICU memories and patient outcomes in a low middle-income country : a longitudinal cohort study

  Tripathy, Swagata; Kar, Nilamadhab; Acharya, Swati P; Singh, Santosh Kumar (Lippincott, Williams, 2021-10-01)

  OBJECTIVES: To study memories of ICU following discharge, their associations, and impact on mental health and quality of life in a low- and middle-income country. DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort; data on memories (pain, fear, nightmare, factual), clinical and demographic variables, anxiety-depression, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and quality of life were collected 0, 7, 14, 30, 90, and 180 days post discharge. Home visits for assessment minimized loss to follow-up. Linear mixed-models and regression analyses were used to estimate adjusted effects of memories controlling for age, sex, time, and severity of illness. SETTING: Twenty-five bedded ICU of a tertiary care center in East India. PATIENTS: Adult ICU survivors between January 2017 and July 2018 able to communicate their memories. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Final sample consisted of 322 patients who completed 180 days follow-up. Pain, fear, factual, and nightmare memories dropped from 85%, 56%, 55%, and 45% at discharge to less than or equal to 5% at 180 days. Patients with gaps in ICU memory had worse anxiety-depression, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and quality of life at all follow-up points. Sedation (odds ratio, 0.54; CI, 0.4–0.7), steroids (odds ratio, 0.47; CI, 0.3–0.8), benzodiazepines (odds ratio, 1.74; CI, 1–3.04), and mechanical ventilation (odds ratio, 0.43; CI, 0.2–0.8) were independently associated with gaps in memory. Non-ICU factor such as substance addiction (odds ratio, 5.38; CI, 2–14) was associated with memories affecting mental health and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Gaps in memory and various memory types were common after ICU admission, whose prevalence waned over time. Compared with nightmares and fearful memories, gaps in memories were most strongly associated with poor mental health and quality of life. Identifying patients with gaps in memories might be an objective way of planning interventions to improve their long-term outcomes.
• Changing patient profile in a psychiatric hospital during COVID pandemic : a comparison with pre-COVID state

  Kar, Nilamadhab; Jiwanmall, Stephen (Cambridge, 2022-06-20)

  Aims COVID-19 pandemic has a massively adverse mental health impact and people with pre-existing psychiatric illnesses are one of the most severely affected groups. We intended to study the changes in the patient profile in a psychiatric hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing it to the period just before the pandemic. Methods Consecutive patients (n = 210) admitted to psychiatric ward under one team during COVID-19 pandemic (February 2020 to January 2022) were compared with patients (n = 234) admitted in the immediate pre-pandemic period (January 2017 to January 2020). Demographic (age, gender, and ethnicity) and clinical variables (diagnosis, admission days, Mental Health Act status, risk to self and others) were collected from the electronic patient records and analysed. Results During the pandemic monthly admission rates have gone up by 38.1% over the base rate of 6.32/month. There was no difference in the mean age at admission; or the proportion of patients aged 18–40 years or above in the pre-pandemic and pandemic groups. Similarly the gender composition of patients in the two periods was comparable. Proportion of patients from Asian background increased from 7.7% to 16.8% during pandemic period (p < 0.05). The number of hospital days decreased from 31.97 ± 45.8 days in the pre-pandemic period to 22.44 ± 25.1 days during pandemic (p < 0.05). Along with increased admission rates, it suggested a rapid flow of the admission and discharge during the pandemic. Considering diagnostic composition between pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods, psychotic (27.8% v 26.7%) and mood disorders (18.8% v 23.3%) were the predominant; and substance related disorders (20.5% v 16.7%) were the most common comorbidities. Risk to self was associated with 84.3% admissions during the pandemic compared to 78.6% in the pre-pandemic period; however, risk to others was noted in 13.8% v 22.2% (p < 0.01) respectively. There was no difference in proportions getting admitted under Mental Health Act or being discharged with Community Treatment Order. Interestingly, proportions of patients getting discharged under the care of Home Treatment Team decreased from 31.1% pre-pandemic to 16.5% during pandemic period (p < 0.005). Conclusion There is an increase in admission rate and decrease in the number of admission days, suggestive of increased demand of clinical resources during pandemic. This could be reflective of the stressful situation and adverse impact on mental health in the pandemic period. As the impact on mental health is expected to continue, there is a need for greater resources both in community and inpatient psychiatric services.
• Worry and media use behavior during COVID-19 pandemic

  Kar, Nilamadhab; Kar, Shreyan; Kar, Brajaballav (Horizon Journals, 2022)

  Background: Information seeking occurs to reinforce existing information, to solve problems, construct meaning, and as a response to alienation. The continual information uncertainty related to COVID-19 pandemic impacted life, livelihood and triggered worry. Information seeking from multiple sources became necessary to allay anxiety and verify authenticity. This research investigated the various sources of information, and its influence on their level of worry.Methods: An online survey required respondents to indicate their sociodemographic details, different information sources used, awareness of rumors, the ability to check the authenticity of the information, sources, and COVID-19 related experiences. The lowest and highest for worry scale was 1—10. Results: The median worry during the period was seven, and the number of media accessed was five. Overall worry correlated significantly with other worries (personal and family health, income, job, and lack of growth). Worry differed significantly among age groups, education, occupation, and marital status but not across gender and economic status. Individuals, who self-isolated, experienced issues with rumors, feared infection and death reported significantly more worry. Awareness, fear of infection, and rumors influenced significantly more number of media use.Conclusions: The extent of worry and the number of information sources showed complex and non-linear ‘U’ shaped relationship with the lowest at six sources. The article extends the information-seeking behavior literature by indicating that the use of a higher number of media sources is counterproductive. Understanding information exchange and information sources can help address public worry
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  Connecting with NHS staff to promote core services and resources through an online library newsletter

  Lawson, Lisa J.; Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, 2024-06)

  The annual BCHFT (Black Country Healthcare Foundation Trust) Knowledge and Library Services (KLS) survey (May 2023) highlighted demand* for a targeted newsletter aimed at BCHFT staff. Respondents told us they wanted an online format showcasing: physical and online resources, with direct access links, core services such as evidence searching and training, and reading for pleasure resources.
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  The West Midlands Evidence Repository (WMER) : a consortium project to connect NHS staff and the public with NHS research (presentation)

  Toft, Suzanne; Moore, Gavin; Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust; George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust; (Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustSouth Warwickshire University NHS Foundation TrustGeorge Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, 2024-06)

  The West Midlands Evidence Repository (WMER) represents a project which has connected a group of NHS libraries in a consortium. Prior to its establishment, four members of the consortium, from four Black Country Trusts, were part of the British Library national repository project aimed at NHS Trusts, which unfortunately was unsuccessful. Another Trust, from Birmingham, already had its own institutional repository, but this had come up for renewal. The WMER project was therefore established in 2022 to replace these repositories and create a new joint resource. This project represents a new endeavour for the now nine consortium libraries who have come together, requiring new learning and new ways of working. This presentation initially outlines how the consortium was formed, through to the establishment of managing WMER as business as usual and looking to take on new members. But what is WMER? Firstly, WMER is an institutional repository. It stores metadata and, depending on the individual Trust, full text of research outputs in electronic format. This can include formal journal articles, books, and book chapters, as well as grey literature which otherwise is often lost, such as reports, innovation projects, and conference proceedings. As an institutional repository, therefore, WMER allows for the collation of each organisation’s research in one place and archiving of full text of that research where applicable. However, WMER also allows access to that metadata and full text by sharing it publicly online. As a tool to connect people to research, the repository acts within the individual Trusts and the consortium as a knowledge mobilisation and staff awareness tool. Notably, it helps staff to connect to research both internally within their own Trust and externally to research from other organisations. In addition, WMER also enables staff to connect with fellow researchers. This has the potential to foster local and regional research cultures, and lead to collaborative research both within and across organisations. Furthermore, WMER allows the general public to connect with the research conducted within the consortium organisations. This means there is accountability for how public money is spent, but also means the consortium Trusts’ research can be seen and used easily throughout the world, increasing its overall impact, and the reputation of the Trusts as research organisations. In this regard, WMER as an institutional repository is also essential for the organisations to engage with modern research practices embodied by open scholarship or open science and specifically the open access agenda. WMER and the consortium are continuing to grow. More research is being added each day, an additional Trust has recently joined, and six more Trusts have expressed an interest in joining.
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  The West Midlands Evidence Repository (WMER) : a consortium project to connect NHS staff and the public with NHS research (poster)

  Toft, Suzanne; Moore, Gavin; Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust; George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust (Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustSouth Warwickshire University NHS Foundation TrustGeorge Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, 2024-06)

  Background: The NHS is an organisation that not only utilises research in its day-to-day activities, but also produces a great deal of research itself. Unlike research produced within higher education (HE) institutions however, the ability of people to connect with research created within the NHS is not always as easy. This project is about the development and implementation of a system, an institutional repository, to support people to connect with our research. These systems are commonplace in HE, but relatively less common in the NHS. The implementation of this system and this project however has a distinctly NHS approach, which looks not only to develop connections between research and its audience, but also other connections as well.
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  Bridging staff and research : collaborating with the R & I team

  Toft, Suzanne; Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, 2024-06)

  The Knowledge and Evidence Specialist-Lead (KES-Lead) approached the newly expanded Research and Innovation (R & I) Team at Black Country Healthcare (BCHFT), to offer support with connecting Trust staff to research. ‘BCHFT Research and Innovation Inspiring you…’ event Writing for Publication sessions R & I Coffee Mornings
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  Black Country Healthcare Foundation Trust (BCHFT) Reading Group

  White, Helen; Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, 2024-06)

  BCHFT Reading Group was formed June 2023. Meet online alternating months. Discuss a fiction book chosen by members. Members have access to the Teams Chat permanently enabling them to interact. Members can add book suggestions to a shared padlet
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  Empowering communication : a joint effort

  Toft, Suzanne; White, Helen (Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, 2024-06)

  The Knowledge and Library Service (KLS) have been working in conjunction with the Speech and Language Therapy Team (SLT) for over a year, often advising them on Health Literacy and Copyright. The SLT Team approached the KLS asking for our advice with their latest project, which involved creating a series of YouTube videos.
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  Community Connexions engagement handbook : engaging with underserved communities

  Benoit, Céline; Ackom-Mensah, Hannah; Burt, Christine; Zakia, Fatmia; Siddiqi, Urfan; Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Aston University; (Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, 2023)

  This handbook has been created by the Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, the Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Aston University as a result of the Community Connexions project. We are grateful to the Clinical Research Network West Midlands (CRN WM) for funding the Community Connexions programme. Community Connexions is a patient and public engagement programme that seeks to capture the lived experiences of underserved communities in Birmingham and the Black Country – Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Walsall and Dudley – to adapt our healthcare services to better meet local needs and inform future health research. The programme, led by the Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust (BCHC) and Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHFT), is funded by CRN WM. Aston University acts as a key partner.
• COVID-19 and the experience of mothers in perinatal psychiatry services : an explorative study in the UK

  Almas, Saima; Kar, Nilamadhab; Kennedy, Vanathi (Wolters Kluwer, 2023-07)

  Background/Objective: As the health services were reorganized during the COVID-19 restricting access to family caregivers, we explored the experience of women in the perinatal period, attending a specialist perinatal mental health service. Methods: Patients (n = 38) in the outpatient list for review were assessed over phone based on a predesigned, semi-structured questionnaire, comprising both quantitative (demographic, clinical variables) and qualitative open-ended questions regarding their experience of services during COVID-19. Results: The responses provided insight into how the pandemic affected the experience of pregnancy of mentally ill women and the impact of changes in perinatal mental health services. The main concerns centered around reduced support from close family members during the perinatal period due to the lockdown, anxiety regarding COVID transmission, absence of a supporting persons in antenatal clinics, difficulty accessing support from midwives, and health visitors as well as the use of virtual clinics for mental health consultations. Conclusions: The results suggested possible methods of improving perinatal mental health support during challenging times, which included ensuring in-person consultations, access to family even remotely, increasing accessibility through alternative means; providing and close monitoring of additional psychosocial support when needed.

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