Katrina Forbes-Mckay | Robert Gordon University (original) (raw)

Papers by Katrina Forbes-Mckay

The European health psychologist, 2016

Background: Although women’s experience of miscarriage is individual, up to 50% suffer some form ... more Background: Although women’s experience of miscarriage is individual, up to 50% suffer some form of psychological morbidity, which can be enduring. Given this impact and the possible deleterious effects socially, psychologically and on future pregnancies, it is important to understand how wellbeing can be enhanced over time. The objective of the research was to determine predictors of higher mental wellbeing amongst women 13-months post-miscarriage, to include health locus of control, coping style, and resilience. Method: Forty-nine women participated in a 13-month prospective study, with assessment by standardised questionnaires including: Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (Tennant et al. 2007); Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (Wallston et al. 1978); Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (Connor and Davidson 2003) and Coping Style Questionnaire (Endler and Parker 1990) at baseline, 6 and 13-months post-miscarriage. Pearson correlation and multiple-regression were u...

Neuropsychologia, 2005

This study examined differences in the characteristics of words produced by healthy elderly contr... more This study examined differences in the characteristics of words produced by healthy elderly controls and by patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a semantic fluency task (generating words from the categories of animals and fruit). Ninety-six AD patients (MMSE 13-29) and 40 controls matched for age and socio-cultural background completed a semantic fluency task. Length, frequency, typicality and age of acquisition (AoA) values were obtained for each word generated. In comparison with controls, AD patients generated fewer items, and their items were higher in frequency, shorter in length, more typical and earlier in AoA. Discriminant function analysis showed that AoA was the best predictor of group membership (patient/control). The mean AoA of words generated correctly classified 95% of controls and 88% of patients.

Neurological Sciences, 2005

The objective was to collect normative data for a simple and a complex version of a picture descr... more The objective was to collect normative data for a simple and a complex version of a picture description task devised to assess spontaneous speech and writing skills in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and to test whether some aspects of spontaneous language can discriminate between normal and pathological cognitive decline. Two hundred and forty English-speaking healthy volunteers were recruited to participate in this normative study. Thirty patients with a clinical diagnosis of minimal to moderate probable AD were also recruited. Age and education influenced some aspects of spontaneous oral and written language whereas sex had no influence on any of the variables assessed. A high proportion (>70%) of AD patients performed below cutoff on those scales that measured semantic processing skills. Deficits were detected even amongst those in the very early stage of the disease when the complex version of the task was used. Prospective assessment of spontaneous language skills with a picture description task is useful to detect those subtle spontaneous language impairments caused by AD even at an early stage of the disease.

with details. The item will be removed from the repository while the claim is investigated. S c h... more with details. The item will be removed from the repository while the claim is investigated. S c h o o l o f A p p l i e d S o c i a l S t u d i e s , F a c u l t y o f H e a l t h a n d S o c i a l C a r e T h e R o b e r t G o r d o n U n i v e r s i t y

This thesis aimed to extend knowledge of the perceived motivationally-relevant influences of coac... more This thesis aimed to extend knowledge of the perceived motivationally-relevant influences of coaches, parents and peers during athlete development in sport. In doing so this thesis addressed existing limitations in research to date exploring social agent motivationally-relevant influences. The thesis employed a mixed-methods methodology, whereby the findings from all studies contributed to answering the thesis’ aims. Study 1 retrospectively explored perceptions of coach, parent and peer motivational influence across athlete development. Four investment stage football players (M age = 18.5 years, SD = 0.6) with an average of 13 (SD = 1.4) years footballing experience, and four of their parents, were interviewed to investigate their perceptions of coach, parent and peer motivationally-relevant influence during the athletes’ sampling, specialising and investment stages of development. Inductive analysis of the interview transcripts identified five categories of perceived social agent m...

Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2021

Expectant parents' perspectives on the influence of a single antenatal relaxation class: A qualit... more Expectant parents' perspectives on the influence of a single antenatal relaxation class: A qualitative study Aim This study explores the perspectives of expectant parents on the influence of a single antenatal class incorporating education on childbirth physiology and relaxation techniques. Method The data for this qualitative descriptive study were collected via in-depth interviews with six women and three birth partners. Findings An enhanced understanding of childbirth physiology formed a 'different way of thinking' about childbirth, 'inspired and motivated' the exertion of the learnt relaxation techniques which led to a 'deep sense of calmness' associated with increased confidence and reduced fear. However, reaching such sense of calmness during childbirth required a 'space for relaxation' which was influenced by birth attendants. An overarching theme of 'a positive outlook' towards childbirth was identified. Conclusion Including education on childbirth physiology and a range of relaxation techniques may reduce fear, empower prospective parents and positively influence their experiences of pregnancy and childbirth.

Community pharmacists are well-situated to offer proactive and opportunistic support and advice t... more Community pharmacists are well-situated to offer proactive and opportunistic support and advice to the homeless. The aim of this research was to investigate pharmacists' training, experiences and behaviours in managing homeless patients. A questionnaire using both open and closed questions was developed, based on existing literature, researcher expertise and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) - a synthesis of behaviour change theory. The TDF outlines fourteen individual domains perceived to influence behaviour, including knowledge, skills, beliefs about capabilities and social influences. The questionnaire was reviewed and piloted with fifty pharmacists, and NHS RD these guidelines should include advice on the pharmacist's role in supporting homeless medicine management and providing signposting to appropriate social services.

Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 2021

(2021): A retrospective investigation of the perceived influence of coaches, parents and peers on... more (2021): A retrospective investigation of the perceived influence of coaches, parents and peers on talented football players' motivation during development, Journal of Applied Sport Psychology,

Health & Social Care in the Community, 2019

Self-care, which refers to what people do to prevent disease and maintain good health, can allevi... more Self-care, which refers to what people do to prevent disease and maintain good health, can alleviate negative health consequences of people experiencing homelessness. The aim of the study was to apply a theoretically informed approach in exploring engagement of people experiencing homelessness in selfcare and to identify factors that can be targeted in future health and social care interventions. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 participants opportunistically recruited from a specialist homelessness healthcare centre (SHHC) of North East Scotland, United Kingdom (UK). An interview schedule was developed based on the theoretical domains framework (TDF). Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Six aspects of self-care were explored including (i) self-awareness of physical and mental health, (ii) health literacy including health seeking behaviour, (iii) healthy eating, (iv) risk avoidance or mitigation, (v) physical activity and sleep, and (vi) maintaining personal hygiene. Thematic analysis was conducted by two independent researchers following the Framework Approach. Participants described low engagement in self-care. Most barriers to engagement in self-care related to TDF domain 'environmental context and resources'. Participants often resorted to stealing or begging for food. Many perceived having low health literacy to interpret health related information. Visits to churches and charities to get a shower or to obtain free meals were commonplace. Participants expressed pessimism that there was 'nothing' they could do to improve their health and described perceived barriers often too big for them to overcome. Alienation, lack of social support, and the perception that they had done irreversible damage to their health prevented their involvement in self-care. The theme of 'social circle' held examples of both enabler and barriers in participants' uptake of risky

BMJ Open, 2019

ObjectivesThis study aimed to use a theoretical approach to understand the determinants of behavi... more ObjectivesThis study aimed to use a theoretical approach to understand the determinants of behaviour in patients not home self-administering intravenous antibiotics.SettingOutpatient care: included patients were attending an outpatient clinic for intravenous antibiotic administration in the northeast of Scotland.ParticipantsPatients were included if they had received more than 7 days of intravenous antibiotics and were aged 16 years and over. Twenty potential participants were approached, and all agreed to be interviewed. 13 were male with a mean age of 54 years (SD +17.6).OutcomesKey behavioural determinants that influenced patients’ behaviours relating to self-administration of intravenous antibiotics.DesignQualitative, semistructured in-depth interviews were undertaken with a purposive sample of patients. An interview schedule, underpinned by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), was developed, reviewed for credibility and piloted. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribe...

International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, 2019

Background Community pharmacists can be an accessible source for advice and support for the peopl... more Background Community pharmacists can be an accessible source for advice and support for the people who are homeless, given their utilisation of a variety of currently available services such as dispensing of medicines, drugs and alcohol services. Objective To determine community pharmacists' training, experiences and behavioural determinants in counselling and management of homeless population. Setting UK community pharmacies. Method A questionnaire based on literature and theoretical domains framework was mailed to randomly sampled community pharmacies in England and Scotland (n = 2000). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Main outcome measures Pharmacists' perspectives, pharmacists' training, pharmacists' experiences and behavioural determinants. Results A total of 321 responses (RR 16.1%) were received. Respondents indicated lack of knowledge, skills, intentions as well as contextual factors such as lack of guidelines impacted on their counselling and management of homeless patients. Less than a third (n = 101, 32.2%) indicated that they knew where to refer a homeless patient for social support. Broaching the subject of homelessness was outside their comfort zone (n = 139, 44.3%). Only four (1.2%) respondents could correctly answer all knowledge assessment questions. Conclusions Community pharmacist identified lack of education, training opportunities and guidelines in counselling and management of homeless patients. Targeting community pharmacists' knowledge, skills and intention to provide care to the homeless patients may enable addressing health inequality through community pharmacy.

International journal of clinical pharmacy, Jan 13, 2018

Background Multi-compartment compliance aids (MCAs) are promoted as a potential solution to medic... more Background Multi-compartment compliance aids (MCAs) are promoted as a potential solution to medicines non-adherence despite the absence of high quality evidence of effectiveness of MCA use impacting medicines adherence or any clinical outcomes. Furthermore, there is a lack of qualitative research which focuses on the perspectives of older people receiving MCAs. Objectives To describe experiences and beliefs surrounding very sheltered housing (VSH) residents' use of MCAs with emphasis on issues of personalisation, reablement, shared decision-making, independence and support. Setting VSH in north east Scotland. Methods Qualitative, face-to-face interviews with 20 residents (≥ 65 years, using MCA > 6 months) in three VSH complexes. Interviews focused on: when and why the MCA was first introduced; who was involved in making that decision; how the MCA was used; perceptions of benefit; and any difficulties encountered. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed and analysed using a...

The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 2018

The relocation of formerly homeless patients eligible to transfer from a specialist homeless heal... more The relocation of formerly homeless patients eligible to transfer from a specialist homeless healthcare centre (SHHC) to mainstream general practices is key to patient integration in the local community. Failure to transition patients conferring eligibility for relocation may also negatively impact on SHHC service delivery. To explore barriers and facilitators of relocation from the perspectives of formerly homeless patients and healthcare staff involved in their care. Qualitative semi-structured face-to-face and telephone interviews conducted in the north east of Scotland. Participants were patients and healthcare staff including GPs, nurses, substance misuse workers, administrative, and local community pharmacy staff recruited from one SHHC, two mainstream general practices, and four community pharmacies. Interview schedules based on the 14 domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) were drafted. Transcripts of the interviews were analysed by two independent researchers us...

Midwifery, 2017

Objective International guidelines recommend the promotion and, protection of breastfeeding for t... more Objective International guidelines recommend the promotion and, protection of breastfeeding for the substance exposed mother and baby. Yet few studies have explored the facilitators, moderators and barriers, to successful breastfeeding for women enrolled on opiate maintenance, treatment, or suggested targeted support strategies. The aim of this, study was to explore the views of women with opiate dependence on, proposed elements for inclusion in a breastfeeding support intervention.Design: a qualitative study using think aloud technique. Setting: tertiary maternity hospital in the NorthEast of Scotland. Interviews conducted between November 2013 and March 2014. Participants: 6 opiate dependent women within 6 months of giving birth. Participants were enrolled on opiate medication treatment during their pregnancy, had initiated breastfeeding and accessed in-hospital breastfeeding support. Findings an intervention founded on practical, informational and environmental elements was endorsed as supportive of continued breastfeeding of an infant at risk of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Opiate dependent women were more receptive to strategies promoting a person-centered approach that were specific to their individualized infant feeding needs and delivered within an emotionally supportive environment. Barriers to the acceptability of breastfeeding advice included discouraging, prescriptive and judgemental healthcare actions and attitudes. Key Conclusions there are distinct facilitators, modifiers and barriers to breastfeeding within the context of opiate exposure. Using this awareness to underpin the key features of the design should enhance maternal receptiveness, acceptability and usability of the support intervention.

European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, 2016

Family Practice, 2016

Background. Suitably qualified non-medical healthcare professionals may now prescribe medicines. ... more Background. Suitably qualified non-medical healthcare professionals may now prescribe medicines. Prescribing decision-making can be complex and challenging; a number of influences have been identified among medical prescribers but little appears to be known about influences among non-medical prescribers (NMPs). Objective. To critically appraise, synthesize and present evidence on the influences on prescribing decision-making among supplementary and independent NMPs in the UK. Methods. The systematic review included all studies between 2003 and June 2013. Included studies researched the prescribing decision-making of supplementary and independent NMPs practising in the UK; all primary and secondary study designs were considered. Studies were assessed for quality and data extracted independently by two researchers, and findings synthesized using a narrative approach. Results. Following duplicates exclusion, 886 titles, 349 abstracts and 40 full studies were screened. Thirty-seven were excluded leaving three for quality assessment and data extraction. While all studies reported aspects of prescribing decision-making, this was not the primary research aim for any. Studies were carried out in primary care almost exclusively among nurse prescribers (n = 67). Complex influences were evident such as experience in the role, the use of evidencebased guidelines and peer support and encouragement from doctors; these helped participants to feel more knowledgeable and confident about their prescribing decisions. Opposing influences included prioritization of experience and concern about complications over evidence base, and peer conflict. Conclusion. While there is a limited evidence base on NMPs' prescribing decision-making, it appears that this is complex with NMPs influenced by many and often opposing factors.

The Patient - Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, 2016

A case study investigation into the use of multi-compartment compliance aids in older people resi... more A case study investigation into the use of multi-compartment compliance aids in older people resident in very sheltered housing. 2016

Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 2009

In a study of the effects of normal and pathological aging on semantic-related brain activity, 29... more In a study of the effects of normal and pathological aging on semantic-related brain activity, 29 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 19 controls subjects (10 young and 9 older controls) performed a version of the Pyramids and Palm Trees Test that had been adapted for use during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Young and older controls activated the left inferior and middle frontal gyri, precuneus and superior parietal lobule. Right frontal and left temporal cortices were activated only in the young. The AD group activated only the left prefrontal and cingulate cortex. Separate analyses of high- and low-performing AD subgroups showed a similar pattern of activation in the left frontal lobe, although activiation was more widespread in low performers. High performers significantly deactivated anterior midline frontal structures, however, while low performers did not. When the older adult and AD groups were combined, there was a significant positive correlation between left frontal and parietal activation and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score (covarying for age), suggesting a disease effect. A significant negative correlation between activation in the left temporal cortex and age (covarying for MMSE score) reflected a possible age effect. These differential effects suggest that semantic activation paradigms might aid diagnosis in those cases for whom conventional assessments lack the necessary sensitivity to detect subtle changes.

The European health psychologist, 2016

Background: Although women’s experience of miscarriage is individual, up to 50% suffer some form ... more Background: Although women’s experience of miscarriage is individual, up to 50% suffer some form of psychological morbidity, which can be enduring. Given this impact and the possible deleterious effects socially, psychologically and on future pregnancies, it is important to understand how wellbeing can be enhanced over time. The objective of the research was to determine predictors of higher mental wellbeing amongst women 13-months post-miscarriage, to include health locus of control, coping style, and resilience. Method: Forty-nine women participated in a 13-month prospective study, with assessment by standardised questionnaires including: Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (Tennant et al. 2007); Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (Wallston et al. 1978); Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (Connor and Davidson 2003) and Coping Style Questionnaire (Endler and Parker 1990) at baseline, 6 and 13-months post-miscarriage. Pearson correlation and multiple-regression were u...

Neuropsychologia, 2005

This study examined differences in the characteristics of words produced by healthy elderly contr... more This study examined differences in the characteristics of words produced by healthy elderly controls and by patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a semantic fluency task (generating words from the categories of animals and fruit). Ninety-six AD patients (MMSE 13-29) and 40 controls matched for age and socio-cultural background completed a semantic fluency task. Length, frequency, typicality and age of acquisition (AoA) values were obtained for each word generated. In comparison with controls, AD patients generated fewer items, and their items were higher in frequency, shorter in length, more typical and earlier in AoA. Discriminant function analysis showed that AoA was the best predictor of group membership (patient/control). The mean AoA of words generated correctly classified 95% of controls and 88% of patients.

Neurological Sciences, 2005

The objective was to collect normative data for a simple and a complex version of a picture descr... more The objective was to collect normative data for a simple and a complex version of a picture description task devised to assess spontaneous speech and writing skills in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and to test whether some aspects of spontaneous language can discriminate between normal and pathological cognitive decline. Two hundred and forty English-speaking healthy volunteers were recruited to participate in this normative study. Thirty patients with a clinical diagnosis of minimal to moderate probable AD were also recruited. Age and education influenced some aspects of spontaneous oral and written language whereas sex had no influence on any of the variables assessed. A high proportion (>70%) of AD patients performed below cutoff on those scales that measured semantic processing skills. Deficits were detected even amongst those in the very early stage of the disease when the complex version of the task was used. Prospective assessment of spontaneous language skills with a picture description task is useful to detect those subtle spontaneous language impairments caused by AD even at an early stage of the disease.

with details. The item will be removed from the repository while the claim is investigated. S c h... more with details. The item will be removed from the repository while the claim is investigated. S c h o o l o f A p p l i e d S o c i a l S t u d i e s , F a c u l t y o f H e a l t h a n d S o c i a l C a r e T h e R o b e r t G o r d o n U n i v e r s i t y

This thesis aimed to extend knowledge of the perceived motivationally-relevant influences of coac... more This thesis aimed to extend knowledge of the perceived motivationally-relevant influences of coaches, parents and peers during athlete development in sport. In doing so this thesis addressed existing limitations in research to date exploring social agent motivationally-relevant influences. The thesis employed a mixed-methods methodology, whereby the findings from all studies contributed to answering the thesis’ aims. Study 1 retrospectively explored perceptions of coach, parent and peer motivational influence across athlete development. Four investment stage football players (M age = 18.5 years, SD = 0.6) with an average of 13 (SD = 1.4) years footballing experience, and four of their parents, were interviewed to investigate their perceptions of coach, parent and peer motivationally-relevant influence during the athletes’ sampling, specialising and investment stages of development. Inductive analysis of the interview transcripts identified five categories of perceived social agent m...

Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2021

Expectant parents' perspectives on the influence of a single antenatal relaxation class: A qualit... more Expectant parents' perspectives on the influence of a single antenatal relaxation class: A qualitative study Aim This study explores the perspectives of expectant parents on the influence of a single antenatal class incorporating education on childbirth physiology and relaxation techniques. Method The data for this qualitative descriptive study were collected via in-depth interviews with six women and three birth partners. Findings An enhanced understanding of childbirth physiology formed a 'different way of thinking' about childbirth, 'inspired and motivated' the exertion of the learnt relaxation techniques which led to a 'deep sense of calmness' associated with increased confidence and reduced fear. However, reaching such sense of calmness during childbirth required a 'space for relaxation' which was influenced by birth attendants. An overarching theme of 'a positive outlook' towards childbirth was identified. Conclusion Including education on childbirth physiology and a range of relaxation techniques may reduce fear, empower prospective parents and positively influence their experiences of pregnancy and childbirth.

Community pharmacists are well-situated to offer proactive and opportunistic support and advice t... more Community pharmacists are well-situated to offer proactive and opportunistic support and advice to the homeless. The aim of this research was to investigate pharmacists' training, experiences and behaviours in managing homeless patients. A questionnaire using both open and closed questions was developed, based on existing literature, researcher expertise and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) - a synthesis of behaviour change theory. The TDF outlines fourteen individual domains perceived to influence behaviour, including knowledge, skills, beliefs about capabilities and social influences. The questionnaire was reviewed and piloted with fifty pharmacists, and NHS RD these guidelines should include advice on the pharmacist's role in supporting homeless medicine management and providing signposting to appropriate social services.

Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 2021

(2021): A retrospective investigation of the perceived influence of coaches, parents and peers on... more (2021): A retrospective investigation of the perceived influence of coaches, parents and peers on talented football players' motivation during development, Journal of Applied Sport Psychology,

Health & Social Care in the Community, 2019

Self-care, which refers to what people do to prevent disease and maintain good health, can allevi... more Self-care, which refers to what people do to prevent disease and maintain good health, can alleviate negative health consequences of people experiencing homelessness. The aim of the study was to apply a theoretically informed approach in exploring engagement of people experiencing homelessness in selfcare and to identify factors that can be targeted in future health and social care interventions. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 participants opportunistically recruited from a specialist homelessness healthcare centre (SHHC) of North East Scotland, United Kingdom (UK). An interview schedule was developed based on the theoretical domains framework (TDF). Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Six aspects of self-care were explored including (i) self-awareness of physical and mental health, (ii) health literacy including health seeking behaviour, (iii) healthy eating, (iv) risk avoidance or mitigation, (v) physical activity and sleep, and (vi) maintaining personal hygiene. Thematic analysis was conducted by two independent researchers following the Framework Approach. Participants described low engagement in self-care. Most barriers to engagement in self-care related to TDF domain 'environmental context and resources'. Participants often resorted to stealing or begging for food. Many perceived having low health literacy to interpret health related information. Visits to churches and charities to get a shower or to obtain free meals were commonplace. Participants expressed pessimism that there was 'nothing' they could do to improve their health and described perceived barriers often too big for them to overcome. Alienation, lack of social support, and the perception that they had done irreversible damage to their health prevented their involvement in self-care. The theme of 'social circle' held examples of both enabler and barriers in participants' uptake of risky

BMJ Open, 2019

ObjectivesThis study aimed to use a theoretical approach to understand the determinants of behavi... more ObjectivesThis study aimed to use a theoretical approach to understand the determinants of behaviour in patients not home self-administering intravenous antibiotics.SettingOutpatient care: included patients were attending an outpatient clinic for intravenous antibiotic administration in the northeast of Scotland.ParticipantsPatients were included if they had received more than 7 days of intravenous antibiotics and were aged 16 years and over. Twenty potential participants were approached, and all agreed to be interviewed. 13 were male with a mean age of 54 years (SD +17.6).OutcomesKey behavioural determinants that influenced patients’ behaviours relating to self-administration of intravenous antibiotics.DesignQualitative, semistructured in-depth interviews were undertaken with a purposive sample of patients. An interview schedule, underpinned by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), was developed, reviewed for credibility and piloted. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribe...

International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, 2019

Background Community pharmacists can be an accessible source for advice and support for the peopl... more Background Community pharmacists can be an accessible source for advice and support for the people who are homeless, given their utilisation of a variety of currently available services such as dispensing of medicines, drugs and alcohol services. Objective To determine community pharmacists' training, experiences and behavioural determinants in counselling and management of homeless population. Setting UK community pharmacies. Method A questionnaire based on literature and theoretical domains framework was mailed to randomly sampled community pharmacies in England and Scotland (n = 2000). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Main outcome measures Pharmacists' perspectives, pharmacists' training, pharmacists' experiences and behavioural determinants. Results A total of 321 responses (RR 16.1%) were received. Respondents indicated lack of knowledge, skills, intentions as well as contextual factors such as lack of guidelines impacted on their counselling and management of homeless patients. Less than a third (n = 101, 32.2%) indicated that they knew where to refer a homeless patient for social support. Broaching the subject of homelessness was outside their comfort zone (n = 139, 44.3%). Only four (1.2%) respondents could correctly answer all knowledge assessment questions. Conclusions Community pharmacist identified lack of education, training opportunities and guidelines in counselling and management of homeless patients. Targeting community pharmacists' knowledge, skills and intention to provide care to the homeless patients may enable addressing health inequality through community pharmacy.

International journal of clinical pharmacy, Jan 13, 2018

Background Multi-compartment compliance aids (MCAs) are promoted as a potential solution to medic... more Background Multi-compartment compliance aids (MCAs) are promoted as a potential solution to medicines non-adherence despite the absence of high quality evidence of effectiveness of MCA use impacting medicines adherence or any clinical outcomes. Furthermore, there is a lack of qualitative research which focuses on the perspectives of older people receiving MCAs. Objectives To describe experiences and beliefs surrounding very sheltered housing (VSH) residents' use of MCAs with emphasis on issues of personalisation, reablement, shared decision-making, independence and support. Setting VSH in north east Scotland. Methods Qualitative, face-to-face interviews with 20 residents (≥ 65 years, using MCA > 6 months) in three VSH complexes. Interviews focused on: when and why the MCA was first introduced; who was involved in making that decision; how the MCA was used; perceptions of benefit; and any difficulties encountered. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed and analysed using a...

The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 2018

The relocation of formerly homeless patients eligible to transfer from a specialist homeless heal... more The relocation of formerly homeless patients eligible to transfer from a specialist homeless healthcare centre (SHHC) to mainstream general practices is key to patient integration in the local community. Failure to transition patients conferring eligibility for relocation may also negatively impact on SHHC service delivery. To explore barriers and facilitators of relocation from the perspectives of formerly homeless patients and healthcare staff involved in their care. Qualitative semi-structured face-to-face and telephone interviews conducted in the north east of Scotland. Participants were patients and healthcare staff including GPs, nurses, substance misuse workers, administrative, and local community pharmacy staff recruited from one SHHC, two mainstream general practices, and four community pharmacies. Interview schedules based on the 14 domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) were drafted. Transcripts of the interviews were analysed by two independent researchers us...

Midwifery, 2017

Objective International guidelines recommend the promotion and, protection of breastfeeding for t... more Objective International guidelines recommend the promotion and, protection of breastfeeding for the substance exposed mother and baby. Yet few studies have explored the facilitators, moderators and barriers, to successful breastfeeding for women enrolled on opiate maintenance, treatment, or suggested targeted support strategies. The aim of this, study was to explore the views of women with opiate dependence on, proposed elements for inclusion in a breastfeeding support intervention.Design: a qualitative study using think aloud technique. Setting: tertiary maternity hospital in the NorthEast of Scotland. Interviews conducted between November 2013 and March 2014. Participants: 6 opiate dependent women within 6 months of giving birth. Participants were enrolled on opiate medication treatment during their pregnancy, had initiated breastfeeding and accessed in-hospital breastfeeding support. Findings an intervention founded on practical, informational and environmental elements was endorsed as supportive of continued breastfeeding of an infant at risk of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Opiate dependent women were more receptive to strategies promoting a person-centered approach that were specific to their individualized infant feeding needs and delivered within an emotionally supportive environment. Barriers to the acceptability of breastfeeding advice included discouraging, prescriptive and judgemental healthcare actions and attitudes. Key Conclusions there are distinct facilitators, modifiers and barriers to breastfeeding within the context of opiate exposure. Using this awareness to underpin the key features of the design should enhance maternal receptiveness, acceptability and usability of the support intervention.

European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, 2016

Family Practice, 2016

Background. Suitably qualified non-medical healthcare professionals may now prescribe medicines. ... more Background. Suitably qualified non-medical healthcare professionals may now prescribe medicines. Prescribing decision-making can be complex and challenging; a number of influences have been identified among medical prescribers but little appears to be known about influences among non-medical prescribers (NMPs). Objective. To critically appraise, synthesize and present evidence on the influences on prescribing decision-making among supplementary and independent NMPs in the UK. Methods. The systematic review included all studies between 2003 and June 2013. Included studies researched the prescribing decision-making of supplementary and independent NMPs practising in the UK; all primary and secondary study designs were considered. Studies were assessed for quality and data extracted independently by two researchers, and findings synthesized using a narrative approach. Results. Following duplicates exclusion, 886 titles, 349 abstracts and 40 full studies were screened. Thirty-seven were excluded leaving three for quality assessment and data extraction. While all studies reported aspects of prescribing decision-making, this was not the primary research aim for any. Studies were carried out in primary care almost exclusively among nurse prescribers (n = 67). Complex influences were evident such as experience in the role, the use of evidencebased guidelines and peer support and encouragement from doctors; these helped participants to feel more knowledgeable and confident about their prescribing decisions. Opposing influences included prioritization of experience and concern about complications over evidence base, and peer conflict. Conclusion. While there is a limited evidence base on NMPs' prescribing decision-making, it appears that this is complex with NMPs influenced by many and often opposing factors.

The Patient - Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, 2016

A case study investigation into the use of multi-compartment compliance aids in older people resi... more A case study investigation into the use of multi-compartment compliance aids in older people resident in very sheltered housing. 2016

Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 2009

In a study of the effects of normal and pathological aging on semantic-related brain activity, 29... more In a study of the effects of normal and pathological aging on semantic-related brain activity, 29 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 19 controls subjects (10 young and 9 older controls) performed a version of the Pyramids and Palm Trees Test that had been adapted for use during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Young and older controls activated the left inferior and middle frontal gyri, precuneus and superior parietal lobule. Right frontal and left temporal cortices were activated only in the young. The AD group activated only the left prefrontal and cingulate cortex. Separate analyses of high- and low-performing AD subgroups showed a similar pattern of activation in the left frontal lobe, although activiation was more widespread in low performers. High performers significantly deactivated anterior midline frontal structures, however, while low performers did not. When the older adult and AD groups were combined, there was a significant positive correlation between left frontal and parietal activation and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score (covarying for age), suggesting a disease effect. A significant negative correlation between activation in the left temporal cortex and age (covarying for MMSE score) reflected a possible age effect. These differential effects suggest that semantic activation paradigms might aid diagnosis in those cases for whom conventional assessments lack the necessary sensitivity to detect subtle changes.