Deborah Davys | University of Salford (original) (raw)

Papers by Deborah Davys

Research paper thumbnail of Siblings of adults who have a learning disability : personal wishes, reality and parental expectations for future support

Sibling relationships are significant in the lives of people who have a learning disability. They... more Sibling relationships are significant in the lives of people who have a learning disability. They usually form a major part of their social network and there is an expectation at government, social and family level that siblings will provide some degree of support in the event of parental decline. A mixed methodological approach was taken, utilizing a survey in Stage one and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) at Stage two. In the latter, 15 face to face semi-structured interviews were conducted to support the research aim of listening to the voices of adult siblings of people who have a learning disability, regarding their personal wishes or preferences in relation to a future support role. Three overarching themes were identified from nine superordinate themes: impact of learning disability, services, and sibling needs and recommendations. Key messages raised were that learning disability has a significant impact upon sibling lives throughout the life course; although t...

Research paper thumbnail of Men as caregivers : implications for occupational therapy

There is an increasing demand upon families to provide care in a context of reduced resources and... more There is an increasing demand upon families to provide care in a context of reduced resources and budgetary constraint. Occupational therapists are called upon not only to work with individuals but to collaborate with families and communities (World Federation of Occupational Therapists 2010) and to develop effective partnerships with service users and their carers (College of Occupational therapists 2010). This paper will present data drawn from the existing literature and emergent themes from doctoral and post doctoral studies for which ethical approval was gained from the relevant universities. One study focused upon the siblings of people who have an intellectual disability and the other upon the experience of widowers who had been carers. Both studies utilised semi-structured interviews to collect data and applied a form of thematic analysis to the findings. Emergent themes arising from both studies include the care role of men within society and gender issues. From the finding...

Research paper thumbnail of Fathers of adults who have intellectual disability - presentation for the Disability and Participation Research Seminar Series (invited presentation)

Research paper thumbnail of Peer observation workshop for National Association of Palliative Care Educators Conference (Invited presentation)

Peer observation is endorsed by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an example of a... more Peer observation is endorsed by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an example of a work-based learning activity that is suitable for continuing professional development. It was originally advocated as a means of monitoring and improving the quality of teaching within higher education but has equal relevance for those working in the health and care professions. The objective of peer observation is to identify strengths and development needs, and to devise an action plan for further improvement. Beneficial to the observed and observer, it can be a useful tool for clinicians, educators, managers and those involved in research. The process can help to eliminate ritualistic practice, direct self-development and to support the delivery of a safe, effective and high quality service. The aim of this workshop is to encourage participants to consider some of the practical issues that surround the implementation of peer observation within their own practice setting including the...

Research paper thumbnail of Occupational therapy and older people : assessment and evaluation of health and wellbeing

Given the increasing numbers of older people within the population, occupational therapists have ... more Given the increasing numbers of older people within the population, occupational therapists have a significant role across the spectrum of practice in the promotion of health, well being and perceived quality of life for this client group (Horowitz and Chang 2004) The Health Professions Council (2007) directs that occupational therapists need the skills to select and use appropriate assessment techniques in order to establish effective interventions (HPC 2007). Additionally, occupational therapists are expected to provide interventions that are current, effective and based on the best available evidence (College of Occupational Therapists Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 2005). This is endorsed by the Health Professions Council (2007) who also states that occupational therapists should be able to evaluate research and other evidence to inform their practice. The aims of this workshop are to consider the role of OT regarding the health and well being of older people, to presen...

Research paper thumbnail of A feasibility study of enhanced occupational therapy for children and young people with central nervous system tumours – outcomes for the families and for occupational therapy

A two-year feasibility study was conducted to explore harmonisation of occupation-focused practic... more A two-year feasibility study was conducted to explore harmonisation of occupation-focused practice between two UK children’s cancer centres. The Short Child Occupational Profile (SCOPE) identified occupational needs of children with brain tumours to inform goal-setting, treatment-planning and intervention. A professional decision-making log was developed to focus reflection and to enhance communication of clinical decisions. The impact of a range of personal and environmental factors on participation beyond performance components was considered, enabling the occupational therapists to incorporate the child’s strengths to overcome daily occupational challenges. Twenty-four children aged 3-14 years with central nervous system tumours received enhanced occupational therapy for six months which families perceived as being helpful in rehabilitating children to participate in life and equipping them with better coping strategies for the future. Individual occupational needs of children we...

Research paper thumbnail of Older parents of people who have a learning disability: perceptions of future accommodation needs

British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 2008

The aim of this qualitative study was to provide an insight into the perceptions of older parents... more The aim of this qualitative study was to provide an insight into the perceptions of older parents of learning disabled people on the future accommodation needs of their adult children. Semi-structured interviews were used to seek parental awareness of residential options available, concerns in relation to future accommodation and the preferred accommodation options for their offspring. Four couples who shared the family home with an adult who has a learning disability took part in the study and data was analysed using a step by step form of content analysis as described by Burnard (1991). Emergent themes from transcripts were then organised into main categories The results of this study suggest that older parents are dissatisfied with both statutory and private services, that they have concerns for their non-disabled children and their own ageing. Being a parent to a person who has a learning disability is seen to be a difficult 3 task and yet parents may want to provide support at home for as long a possible. Of the parents who participated in this study, three couples wanted to maintain their adult child at home for as long as possible and the parents who were actively seeking accommodation outside the family home expected to be involved in all aspects of their daughter's care for the long term future.

Research paper thumbnail of Factors that impact on the sibling relationship where one person has a learning disability

Title: Siblings of People who have a Learning Disability–Factors that impact on the Sibling Relat... more Title: Siblings of People who have a Learning Disability–Factors that impact on the Sibling Relationship Background: Sibling relationships are significant in the lives of people who have a learning disability. They usually form a major part of their social network and provide ongoing support after parental incapacity. Services and policy planners need to support siblings so that they in turn are able to provide support. The government acknowledges the significance of family members in the care of learning disabled people (DoH, 2008) ...

Research paper thumbnail of Adult siblings of people with a learning disability–future plans and concerns

Background Acknowledgement exists at governmental and societal level of the important role that m... more Background Acknowledgement exists at governmental and societal level of the important role that many family members have in the care of LD people. When parents die, a sibling is often considered next of kin with the expectation of providing support. Methods Following ethical approval 1: 1 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 adult siblings of learning disabled people. Interviews were audio-taped and questions related to the impact of growing up in a LD family and expectations for future care. All interviews were ...

Research paper thumbnail of A systematic review into the effectiveness of occupational therapy for improving function and participation in activities of everyday life in adults with a diagnosis of depression

Journal of Affective Disorders

Research paper thumbnail of Occupational therapy, loneliness and social isolation: a thematic review of the literature

International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation

Background/Aims Loneliness and social isolation are thought to have a negative impact on health a... more Background/Aims Loneliness and social isolation are thought to have a negative impact on health and wellbeing. There is little literature that provides an explicit focus on loneliness and social isolation in occupational therapy practice. The aim of this study was to explore themes related to loneliness and social isolation in occupational therapy-related literature and consider the implications for practice. Methods CINAHL, Medline, Pub Med, AMed, PsycINFO, TRIP Database, and Science direct and Web of science databases were used to identify articles pertaining to occupational therapy, loneliness and social isolation. Results A total of 20 articles were included and three themes were identified: loneliness and social isolation are detrimental to health and wellbeing; factors associated with increased loneliness and social isolation; factors that protect against the impact of loneliness and social isolation. Conclusions Loneliness and social isolation have a significant impact on the...

Research paper thumbnail of Supportive strategies for men who perform a care role: an occupational perspective

International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation

Background/aims Health and social care practitioners often work alongside caregivers. This study ... more Background/aims Health and social care practitioners often work alongside caregivers. This study aimed to consider commonality in the experience of male caregiving using secondary analysis of research related to fathers of an adult child with intellectual disability and to older widowers. Methods Secondary analysis of findings arising from two qualitative studies of men who have experience of a caregiving role (fathers of an adult child with intellectual disability and older widowers) was applied using a triangulation approach to illuminate, develop and enrich inter-study findings. Results Overarching themes across the two studies included ‘aspects of a care role’ and ‘supportive mechanisms’. The findings demonstrate that men from these specific groups are actively involved in care and that there are varied aspects to a care role. Factors that support men include the provision of appropriate and timely information, time spent pursuing leisure activities and support from family, frie...

Research paper thumbnail of Fathers of adults who have a learning disability: Roles, needs and concerns

British Journal of Learning Disabilities, Oct 4, 2017

 This study asked fathers of adults who have a learning disability about their experiences, what... more  This study asked fathers of adults who have a learning disability about their experiences, what helps them and any worries they may have.  Fathers reported different experiences of being a father to an adult with a learning disability and talked about things that were helpful, such as their wives, grandparents, having information and hobbies.  Fathers were worried about the person who has a learning disability in the future.  Fathers can be important in supporting people who have a learning disability throughout their lives.

Research paper thumbnail of Futures planning, parental expectations and sibling concern for people who have a learning disability

Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 2010

The aim of this questionnaire was to explore the existence of future plans, parental expectation ... more The aim of this questionnaire was to explore the existence of future plans, parental expectation and sibling concern regarding people who have a learning disability. A questionnaire was sent via email to siblings of people who have a learning disability. 21 completed questionnaires were returned and responses were anaylsed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Research paper thumbnail of Adult siblings of people with a learning disability–future plans and concerns

Background Acknowledgement exists at governmental and societal level of the important role that m... more Background Acknowledgement exists at governmental and societal level of the important role that many family members have in the care of LD people. When parents die, a sibling is often considered next of kin with the expectation of providing support. Methods Following ethical approval 1: 1 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 adult siblings of learning disabled people. Interviews were audio-taped and questions related to the impact of growing up in a LD family and expectations for future care. All interviews were ...

Research paper thumbnail of Ageism within occupational therapy?

Research paper thumbnail of Older parents of learning disabled people and barriers to social inclusion

Research paper thumbnail of Older parents of adults who have a learning disability and service providers

Research paper thumbnail of Factors that impact on the sibling relationship where one person has a learning disability

Title: Siblings of People who have a Learning Disability–Factors that impact on the Sibling Relat... more Title: Siblings of People who have a Learning Disability–Factors that impact on the Sibling Relationship Background: Sibling relationships are significant in the lives of people who have a learning disability. They usually form a major part of their social network and provide ongoing support after parental incapacity. Services and policy planners need to support siblings so that they in turn are able to provide support. The government acknowledges the significance of family members in the care of learning disabled people (DoH, 2008) ...

Research paper thumbnail of Adult siblings of people with a learning disability–future plans and concerns

Background Acknowledgement exists at governmental and societal level of the important role that m... more Background Acknowledgement exists at governmental and societal level of the important role that many family members have in the care of LD people. When parents die, a sibling is often considered next of kin with the expectation of providing support. Methods Following ethical approval 1: 1 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 adult siblings of learning disabled people. Interviews were audio-taped and questions related to the impact of growing up in a LD family and expectations for future care. All interviews were ...

Research paper thumbnail of Siblings of adults who have a learning disability : personal wishes, reality and parental expectations for future support

Sibling relationships are significant in the lives of people who have a learning disability. They... more Sibling relationships are significant in the lives of people who have a learning disability. They usually form a major part of their social network and there is an expectation at government, social and family level that siblings will provide some degree of support in the event of parental decline. A mixed methodological approach was taken, utilizing a survey in Stage one and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) at Stage two. In the latter, 15 face to face semi-structured interviews were conducted to support the research aim of listening to the voices of adult siblings of people who have a learning disability, regarding their personal wishes or preferences in relation to a future support role. Three overarching themes were identified from nine superordinate themes: impact of learning disability, services, and sibling needs and recommendations. Key messages raised were that learning disability has a significant impact upon sibling lives throughout the life course; although t...

Research paper thumbnail of Men as caregivers : implications for occupational therapy

There is an increasing demand upon families to provide care in a context of reduced resources and... more There is an increasing demand upon families to provide care in a context of reduced resources and budgetary constraint. Occupational therapists are called upon not only to work with individuals but to collaborate with families and communities (World Federation of Occupational Therapists 2010) and to develop effective partnerships with service users and their carers (College of Occupational therapists 2010). This paper will present data drawn from the existing literature and emergent themes from doctoral and post doctoral studies for which ethical approval was gained from the relevant universities. One study focused upon the siblings of people who have an intellectual disability and the other upon the experience of widowers who had been carers. Both studies utilised semi-structured interviews to collect data and applied a form of thematic analysis to the findings. Emergent themes arising from both studies include the care role of men within society and gender issues. From the finding...

Research paper thumbnail of Fathers of adults who have intellectual disability - presentation for the Disability and Participation Research Seminar Series (invited presentation)

Research paper thumbnail of Peer observation workshop for National Association of Palliative Care Educators Conference (Invited presentation)

Peer observation is endorsed by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an example of a... more Peer observation is endorsed by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an example of a work-based learning activity that is suitable for continuing professional development. It was originally advocated as a means of monitoring and improving the quality of teaching within higher education but has equal relevance for those working in the health and care professions. The objective of peer observation is to identify strengths and development needs, and to devise an action plan for further improvement. Beneficial to the observed and observer, it can be a useful tool for clinicians, educators, managers and those involved in research. The process can help to eliminate ritualistic practice, direct self-development and to support the delivery of a safe, effective and high quality service. The aim of this workshop is to encourage participants to consider some of the practical issues that surround the implementation of peer observation within their own practice setting including the...

Research paper thumbnail of Occupational therapy and older people : assessment and evaluation of health and wellbeing

Given the increasing numbers of older people within the population, occupational therapists have ... more Given the increasing numbers of older people within the population, occupational therapists have a significant role across the spectrum of practice in the promotion of health, well being and perceived quality of life for this client group (Horowitz and Chang 2004) The Health Professions Council (2007) directs that occupational therapists need the skills to select and use appropriate assessment techniques in order to establish effective interventions (HPC 2007). Additionally, occupational therapists are expected to provide interventions that are current, effective and based on the best available evidence (College of Occupational Therapists Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 2005). This is endorsed by the Health Professions Council (2007) who also states that occupational therapists should be able to evaluate research and other evidence to inform their practice. The aims of this workshop are to consider the role of OT regarding the health and well being of older people, to presen...

Research paper thumbnail of A feasibility study of enhanced occupational therapy for children and young people with central nervous system tumours – outcomes for the families and for occupational therapy

A two-year feasibility study was conducted to explore harmonisation of occupation-focused practic... more A two-year feasibility study was conducted to explore harmonisation of occupation-focused practice between two UK children’s cancer centres. The Short Child Occupational Profile (SCOPE) identified occupational needs of children with brain tumours to inform goal-setting, treatment-planning and intervention. A professional decision-making log was developed to focus reflection and to enhance communication of clinical decisions. The impact of a range of personal and environmental factors on participation beyond performance components was considered, enabling the occupational therapists to incorporate the child’s strengths to overcome daily occupational challenges. Twenty-four children aged 3-14 years with central nervous system tumours received enhanced occupational therapy for six months which families perceived as being helpful in rehabilitating children to participate in life and equipping them with better coping strategies for the future. Individual occupational needs of children we...

Research paper thumbnail of Older parents of people who have a learning disability: perceptions of future accommodation needs

British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 2008

The aim of this qualitative study was to provide an insight into the perceptions of older parents... more The aim of this qualitative study was to provide an insight into the perceptions of older parents of learning disabled people on the future accommodation needs of their adult children. Semi-structured interviews were used to seek parental awareness of residential options available, concerns in relation to future accommodation and the preferred accommodation options for their offspring. Four couples who shared the family home with an adult who has a learning disability took part in the study and data was analysed using a step by step form of content analysis as described by Burnard (1991). Emergent themes from transcripts were then organised into main categories The results of this study suggest that older parents are dissatisfied with both statutory and private services, that they have concerns for their non-disabled children and their own ageing. Being a parent to a person who has a learning disability is seen to be a difficult 3 task and yet parents may want to provide support at home for as long a possible. Of the parents who participated in this study, three couples wanted to maintain their adult child at home for as long as possible and the parents who were actively seeking accommodation outside the family home expected to be involved in all aspects of their daughter's care for the long term future.

Research paper thumbnail of Factors that impact on the sibling relationship where one person has a learning disability

Title: Siblings of People who have a Learning Disability–Factors that impact on the Sibling Relat... more Title: Siblings of People who have a Learning Disability–Factors that impact on the Sibling Relationship Background: Sibling relationships are significant in the lives of people who have a learning disability. They usually form a major part of their social network and provide ongoing support after parental incapacity. Services and policy planners need to support siblings so that they in turn are able to provide support. The government acknowledges the significance of family members in the care of learning disabled people (DoH, 2008) ...

Research paper thumbnail of Adult siblings of people with a learning disability–future plans and concerns

Background Acknowledgement exists at governmental and societal level of the important role that m... more Background Acknowledgement exists at governmental and societal level of the important role that many family members have in the care of LD people. When parents die, a sibling is often considered next of kin with the expectation of providing support. Methods Following ethical approval 1: 1 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 adult siblings of learning disabled people. Interviews were audio-taped and questions related to the impact of growing up in a LD family and expectations for future care. All interviews were ...

Research paper thumbnail of A systematic review into the effectiveness of occupational therapy for improving function and participation in activities of everyday life in adults with a diagnosis of depression

Journal of Affective Disorders

Research paper thumbnail of Occupational therapy, loneliness and social isolation: a thematic review of the literature

International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation

Background/Aims Loneliness and social isolation are thought to have a negative impact on health a... more Background/Aims Loneliness and social isolation are thought to have a negative impact on health and wellbeing. There is little literature that provides an explicit focus on loneliness and social isolation in occupational therapy practice. The aim of this study was to explore themes related to loneliness and social isolation in occupational therapy-related literature and consider the implications for practice. Methods CINAHL, Medline, Pub Med, AMed, PsycINFO, TRIP Database, and Science direct and Web of science databases were used to identify articles pertaining to occupational therapy, loneliness and social isolation. Results A total of 20 articles were included and three themes were identified: loneliness and social isolation are detrimental to health and wellbeing; factors associated with increased loneliness and social isolation; factors that protect against the impact of loneliness and social isolation. Conclusions Loneliness and social isolation have a significant impact on the...

Research paper thumbnail of Supportive strategies for men who perform a care role: an occupational perspective

International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation

Background/aims Health and social care practitioners often work alongside caregivers. This study ... more Background/aims Health and social care practitioners often work alongside caregivers. This study aimed to consider commonality in the experience of male caregiving using secondary analysis of research related to fathers of an adult child with intellectual disability and to older widowers. Methods Secondary analysis of findings arising from two qualitative studies of men who have experience of a caregiving role (fathers of an adult child with intellectual disability and older widowers) was applied using a triangulation approach to illuminate, develop and enrich inter-study findings. Results Overarching themes across the two studies included ‘aspects of a care role’ and ‘supportive mechanisms’. The findings demonstrate that men from these specific groups are actively involved in care and that there are varied aspects to a care role. Factors that support men include the provision of appropriate and timely information, time spent pursuing leisure activities and support from family, frie...

Research paper thumbnail of Fathers of adults who have a learning disability: Roles, needs and concerns

British Journal of Learning Disabilities, Oct 4, 2017

 This study asked fathers of adults who have a learning disability about their experiences, what... more  This study asked fathers of adults who have a learning disability about their experiences, what helps them and any worries they may have.  Fathers reported different experiences of being a father to an adult with a learning disability and talked about things that were helpful, such as their wives, grandparents, having information and hobbies.  Fathers were worried about the person who has a learning disability in the future.  Fathers can be important in supporting people who have a learning disability throughout their lives.

Research paper thumbnail of Futures planning, parental expectations and sibling concern for people who have a learning disability

Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 2010

The aim of this questionnaire was to explore the existence of future plans, parental expectation ... more The aim of this questionnaire was to explore the existence of future plans, parental expectation and sibling concern regarding people who have a learning disability. A questionnaire was sent via email to siblings of people who have a learning disability. 21 completed questionnaires were returned and responses were anaylsed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Research paper thumbnail of Adult siblings of people with a learning disability–future plans and concerns

Background Acknowledgement exists at governmental and societal level of the important role that m... more Background Acknowledgement exists at governmental and societal level of the important role that many family members have in the care of LD people. When parents die, a sibling is often considered next of kin with the expectation of providing support. Methods Following ethical approval 1: 1 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 adult siblings of learning disabled people. Interviews were audio-taped and questions related to the impact of growing up in a LD family and expectations for future care. All interviews were ...

Research paper thumbnail of Ageism within occupational therapy?

Research paper thumbnail of Older parents of learning disabled people and barriers to social inclusion

Research paper thumbnail of Older parents of adults who have a learning disability and service providers

Research paper thumbnail of Factors that impact on the sibling relationship where one person has a learning disability

Title: Siblings of People who have a Learning Disability–Factors that impact on the Sibling Relat... more Title: Siblings of People who have a Learning Disability–Factors that impact on the Sibling Relationship Background: Sibling relationships are significant in the lives of people who have a learning disability. They usually form a major part of their social network and provide ongoing support after parental incapacity. Services and policy planners need to support siblings so that they in turn are able to provide support. The government acknowledges the significance of family members in the care of learning disabled people (DoH, 2008) ...

Research paper thumbnail of Adult siblings of people with a learning disability–future plans and concerns

Background Acknowledgement exists at governmental and societal level of the important role that m... more Background Acknowledgement exists at governmental and societal level of the important role that many family members have in the care of LD people. When parents die, a sibling is often considered next of kin with the expectation of providing support. Methods Following ethical approval 1: 1 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 adult siblings of learning disabled people. Interviews were audio-taped and questions related to the impact of growing up in a LD family and expectations for future care. All interviews were ...