Donna Doherty - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Donna Doherty
The Internet Journal of Mental Health, 2010
Objective: The use of psychotropic medication has increased over the years and there are concerns... more Objective: The use of psychotropic medication has increased over the years and there are concerns about the inappropriate use and prescribing of such medication. The objective of this study was to compare the characteristics of users and non-users of prescribed psychotropic medication among individuals who report mental health problems. Method: Data from the 2006 Health Research Board, National Psychological Wellbeing and Distress Survey (HRB NPWDS) was used to compare users and nonusers of prescribed psychotropic medication among 382 individuals who reported mental health problems. The HRB NPWDS was carried out between December 2005 and April 2006. Results: One-third of respondents who had experienced a mental health problem in the past 12 months had used prescribed psychotropic medication. The majority of the respondents had their medication prescribed by the general practitioner (GP). Those who had used psychotropic medication in the previous year had also used more supports than those who had not used medication. Users were also more likely to have lower weekly income, attend the GP more often and have lower perceived mental health status. Users were not more willing to disclose distressing information and did not have higher levels of psychological distress. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of the GP in the treatment and care of common mental health problems. Furthermore, the findings highlight the gap in treatment for those who are experiencing mental health problems.
Spirituality and Health International, 2004
This article is a report of a research project examining the effectiveness of an approach to heal... more This article is a report of a research project examining the effectiveness of an approach to healing known as Therapeutic Touch (TT) in dementia care. TT is widely used but has been little researched in the field of dementia, and the study also aimed to explore the impact of TT on staff who learned the technique. Touch is considered to be a core aspect of giving care, a primary means by which people can feel connected to others, and loved and valued. Using touch to help and heal has been at the core of many religious and spiritual traditions. Touch is a way of communicating when all else may fail, and the use of touch in the context of TT requires the compassionate presence of the practitioner, with the intention focused on the wellbeing and healing of the other. The study indicates benefits to both patients and practitioners from TT. An explanation of the study methodology, results and conclusions are provided in this summary.
Dementia, 2009
Mapping the patient journey is a way of investigating the experiences of people using older peopl... more Mapping the patient journey is a way of investigating the experiences of people using older people’s mental health services, particularly those with a dementia. It is a useful concept for patients and their families and enables them to tell their stories in a way which carries the potential for improving and developing the service. Similarly it is a useful concept for health and social care professionals in giving them the opportunity to understand, and reflect on, how their services work in practice for users and carers and how they might be improved. The collaboration between patients, carers and professionals may itself bring about broader benefits and changes in culture for the individuals and services involved. The West Midlands Older People’s Mental Health Collaborative has encouraged the use of mapping by Collaborative teams in order to identify areas for improvement work.
Dementia, 2011
Dementia is a common illness that is increasing in frequency and set to challenge the resources a... more Dementia is a common illness that is increasing in frequency and set to challenge the resources and expertise of health and social care services over the coming years. Increasingly, there has been interest in the management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), as they are both common and associated with a range of negative outcomes. BPSD are associated with the admission of people with dementia to care homes. Limited resources and lack of knowledge in permanent care settings often lead to BPSD being managed with antipsychotic medications, which are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There is evidence for the benefits of exercise within care home settings, although only a few studies include those with cognitive impairment. Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise combining relaxed physical movement and
British Journal of Nursing, 2004
This article is the second of a two-part series based upon a research project to evaluate the imp... more This article is the second of a two-part series based upon a research project to evaluate the impact of a specialist nurse role in reducing the incidence of hip fracture within care homes. The first article (Vol 13(21): 1242–48) described the background and methods of the study, and presented the findings relating to resident and staff experiences of using hip protectors as a preventive measure within the homes. This article focuses on staff experiences of the nurse specialist role as a mechanism for raising awareness of hip fracture prevention strategies and implementing evidence-based practice in this area. Findings suggest that specialist nurses have the potential to encourage evidence-based practice within care homes, while also improving staff morale and job satisfaction.
British Journal of Nursing, 2004
Hip protectors have been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of hip fracture among ol... more Hip protectors have been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of hip fracture among older people living in care homes (Parker et al, 2004). However, there are problems with compliance. This article reports findings from a survey of 138 staff from 23 care homes about experiences and perceptions of using hip protectors. The survey was complemented by qualitative case studies involving staff, to be linked to compliance with wearing hip protectors including comfort, acceptability to the resident and appearance. Few practical difficulties in using hip protectors were identified. Staff and residents' perceptions and experiences of using hip protectors vary and are likely to influence compliance.
Spirituality and Health International, 2006
The spirituality of people with late-stage dementia: a review of the research literature, critica... more The spirituality of people with late-stage dementia: a review of the research literature, critical analysis and some implications for person-centred spirituality and dementia care.
Nursing Older People, 2009
Nursing Older People, 2007
Nursing Older People, 2010
Nursing Older People, 2011
Nursing Older People, 2011
Nursing older people, 2014
ALL NURSES and healthcare professionals working with people who have dementia will find much of r... more ALL NURSES and healthcare professionals working with people who have dementia will find much of relevance to practice in this book, namely the chapters on exploring living well with specific types of dementia; communication; decision making, capacity and advocacy; assistive technology; dementia-friendly communities; and built environments. Staff working in care homes should find the information on leisure activities particularly useful.
Nursing older people, 2002
Nursing Older People, 2014
THIS SHORT nursing and health survival guide contains multiple sections that are the cornerstones... more THIS SHORT nursing and health survival guide contains multiple sections that are the cornerstones of good dementia care. It opens with an overview exploring person-centred approaches and prevalence data. The various national dementia strategies are discussed as are other useful guidelines and websites.
Nursing Standard, 2008
To examine the work and perceived impact of a dedicated specialist care homes support team. A con... more To examine the work and perceived impact of a dedicated specialist care homes support team. A constructivist methodology was adopted. Data were collected in the form of semi-structured interviews and focus groups with staff, telephone interviews with managers, observation of meetings and teaching sessions, and analysis of documents. This study was unable to demonstrate statistically the effectiveness of the care homes support team, but the narrative evidence demonstrates the impact the team had during the study. The perceived importance of sharing knowledge and experiences was mentioned repeatedly by participants. The study showed that the care homes support team had made an impact by: empowering participating care home staff; promoting more rapid access to services for care home residents; improved quality of life for residents; promoting changes in organisational and professional culture in the participating homes; and supporting staff in the systematic management of long-term conditions. Initiatives such as a dedicated specialist care homes support team demonstrate the potential for developing new ways of working to provide multiprofessional healthcare services to care homes. Such services could be cost effective, while helping older people to maintain their health, functional ability and quality of life.
Nursing older people, 2006
Touch is considered a core aspect of care provision and therapeutic relationships. Therapeutic to... more Touch is considered a core aspect of care provision and therapeutic relationships. Therapeutic touch allows nurses to facilitate healing and forge therapeutic relationships through touch or non-touch and maintain channels of communication often lost in dementia as the disease progresses. This article reports the findings of a research project to examine the effectiveness of therapeutic touch in dementia care.
Nursing Older People, 2009
This article provides a selective review and discussion of the literature focusing on educational... more This article provides a selective review and discussion of the literature focusing on educational issues for adult health nurses caring for people with dementia in general hospital settings. The term 'adult health nurses' refers to registered nurses (adult) and registered general nurses (RGNs).
British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
The Internet Journal of Mental Health, 2010
Objective: The use of psychotropic medication has increased over the years and there are concerns... more Objective: The use of psychotropic medication has increased over the years and there are concerns about the inappropriate use and prescribing of such medication. The objective of this study was to compare the characteristics of users and non-users of prescribed psychotropic medication among individuals who report mental health problems. Method: Data from the 2006 Health Research Board, National Psychological Wellbeing and Distress Survey (HRB NPWDS) was used to compare users and nonusers of prescribed psychotropic medication among 382 individuals who reported mental health problems. The HRB NPWDS was carried out between December 2005 and April 2006. Results: One-third of respondents who had experienced a mental health problem in the past 12 months had used prescribed psychotropic medication. The majority of the respondents had their medication prescribed by the general practitioner (GP). Those who had used psychotropic medication in the previous year had also used more supports than those who had not used medication. Users were also more likely to have lower weekly income, attend the GP more often and have lower perceived mental health status. Users were not more willing to disclose distressing information and did not have higher levels of psychological distress. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of the GP in the treatment and care of common mental health problems. Furthermore, the findings highlight the gap in treatment for those who are experiencing mental health problems.
Spirituality and Health International, 2004
This article is a report of a research project examining the effectiveness of an approach to heal... more This article is a report of a research project examining the effectiveness of an approach to healing known as Therapeutic Touch (TT) in dementia care. TT is widely used but has been little researched in the field of dementia, and the study also aimed to explore the impact of TT on staff who learned the technique. Touch is considered to be a core aspect of giving care, a primary means by which people can feel connected to others, and loved and valued. Using touch to help and heal has been at the core of many religious and spiritual traditions. Touch is a way of communicating when all else may fail, and the use of touch in the context of TT requires the compassionate presence of the practitioner, with the intention focused on the wellbeing and healing of the other. The study indicates benefits to both patients and practitioners from TT. An explanation of the study methodology, results and conclusions are provided in this summary.
Dementia, 2009
Mapping the patient journey is a way of investigating the experiences of people using older peopl... more Mapping the patient journey is a way of investigating the experiences of people using older people’s mental health services, particularly those with a dementia. It is a useful concept for patients and their families and enables them to tell their stories in a way which carries the potential for improving and developing the service. Similarly it is a useful concept for health and social care professionals in giving them the opportunity to understand, and reflect on, how their services work in practice for users and carers and how they might be improved. The collaboration between patients, carers and professionals may itself bring about broader benefits and changes in culture for the individuals and services involved. The West Midlands Older People’s Mental Health Collaborative has encouraged the use of mapping by Collaborative teams in order to identify areas for improvement work.
Dementia, 2011
Dementia is a common illness that is increasing in frequency and set to challenge the resources a... more Dementia is a common illness that is increasing in frequency and set to challenge the resources and expertise of health and social care services over the coming years. Increasingly, there has been interest in the management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), as they are both common and associated with a range of negative outcomes. BPSD are associated with the admission of people with dementia to care homes. Limited resources and lack of knowledge in permanent care settings often lead to BPSD being managed with antipsychotic medications, which are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There is evidence for the benefits of exercise within care home settings, although only a few studies include those with cognitive impairment. Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise combining relaxed physical movement and
British Journal of Nursing, 2004
This article is the second of a two-part series based upon a research project to evaluate the imp... more This article is the second of a two-part series based upon a research project to evaluate the impact of a specialist nurse role in reducing the incidence of hip fracture within care homes. The first article (Vol 13(21): 1242–48) described the background and methods of the study, and presented the findings relating to resident and staff experiences of using hip protectors as a preventive measure within the homes. This article focuses on staff experiences of the nurse specialist role as a mechanism for raising awareness of hip fracture prevention strategies and implementing evidence-based practice in this area. Findings suggest that specialist nurses have the potential to encourage evidence-based practice within care homes, while also improving staff morale and job satisfaction.
British Journal of Nursing, 2004
Hip protectors have been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of hip fracture among ol... more Hip protectors have been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of hip fracture among older people living in care homes (Parker et al, 2004). However, there are problems with compliance. This article reports findings from a survey of 138 staff from 23 care homes about experiences and perceptions of using hip protectors. The survey was complemented by qualitative case studies involving staff, to be linked to compliance with wearing hip protectors including comfort, acceptability to the resident and appearance. Few practical difficulties in using hip protectors were identified. Staff and residents' perceptions and experiences of using hip protectors vary and are likely to influence compliance.
Spirituality and Health International, 2006
The spirituality of people with late-stage dementia: a review of the research literature, critica... more The spirituality of people with late-stage dementia: a review of the research literature, critical analysis and some implications for person-centred spirituality and dementia care.
Nursing Older People, 2009
Nursing Older People, 2007
Nursing Older People, 2010
Nursing Older People, 2011
Nursing Older People, 2011
Nursing older people, 2014
ALL NURSES and healthcare professionals working with people who have dementia will find much of r... more ALL NURSES and healthcare professionals working with people who have dementia will find much of relevance to practice in this book, namely the chapters on exploring living well with specific types of dementia; communication; decision making, capacity and advocacy; assistive technology; dementia-friendly communities; and built environments. Staff working in care homes should find the information on leisure activities particularly useful.
Nursing older people, 2002
Nursing Older People, 2014
THIS SHORT nursing and health survival guide contains multiple sections that are the cornerstones... more THIS SHORT nursing and health survival guide contains multiple sections that are the cornerstones of good dementia care. It opens with an overview exploring person-centred approaches and prevalence data. The various national dementia strategies are discussed as are other useful guidelines and websites.
Nursing Standard, 2008
To examine the work and perceived impact of a dedicated specialist care homes support team. A con... more To examine the work and perceived impact of a dedicated specialist care homes support team. A constructivist methodology was adopted. Data were collected in the form of semi-structured interviews and focus groups with staff, telephone interviews with managers, observation of meetings and teaching sessions, and analysis of documents. This study was unable to demonstrate statistically the effectiveness of the care homes support team, but the narrative evidence demonstrates the impact the team had during the study. The perceived importance of sharing knowledge and experiences was mentioned repeatedly by participants. The study showed that the care homes support team had made an impact by: empowering participating care home staff; promoting more rapid access to services for care home residents; improved quality of life for residents; promoting changes in organisational and professional culture in the participating homes; and supporting staff in the systematic management of long-term conditions. Initiatives such as a dedicated specialist care homes support team demonstrate the potential for developing new ways of working to provide multiprofessional healthcare services to care homes. Such services could be cost effective, while helping older people to maintain their health, functional ability and quality of life.
Nursing older people, 2006
Touch is considered a core aspect of care provision and therapeutic relationships. Therapeutic to... more Touch is considered a core aspect of care provision and therapeutic relationships. Therapeutic touch allows nurses to facilitate healing and forge therapeutic relationships through touch or non-touch and maintain channels of communication often lost in dementia as the disease progresses. This article reports the findings of a research project to examine the effectiveness of therapeutic touch in dementia care.
Nursing Older People, 2009
This article provides a selective review and discussion of the literature focusing on educational... more This article provides a selective review and discussion of the literature focusing on educational issues for adult health nurses caring for people with dementia in general hospital settings. The term 'adult health nurses' refers to registered nurses (adult) and registered general nurses (RGNs).
British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)