David Nilsson

Psycho-social problems faced by "frequent flyers" in a pediatric diabetes unit.

SUMMARY This article describes an exploratory study of psychosocial factors common to, and associated with, frequently readmitted pediatric patients diagnosed with Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM). This practice-based study was undertaken by a social worker providing clinical services within a tertiary health-care pediatric diabetes unit at the Royal Childrens Hospital, Melbourne (RCH), Australia and utilises available data obtained through retrospective record review in order to better inform service delivery. The study identified thirteen psychosocial factors having multiple occurrences within a small, but resource intensive, sub-population of the diabetes unit. The author discusses the possible contribution of each of these factors to poor metabolic control and frequent read-mission to hospital, as well as the potential implications for future targeted prevention and treatment programs.SUMMARY This article describes an exploratory study of psychosocial factors common to, and associated with, frequently readmitted pediatric patients diagnosed with Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM). This practice-based study was undertaken by a social worker providing clinical services within a tertiary health-care pediatric diabetes unit at the Royal Childrens Hospital, Melbourne (RCH), Australia and utilises available data obtained through retrospective record review in order to better inform service delivery. The study identified thirteen psychosocial factors having multiple occurrences within a small, but resource intensive, sub-population of the diabetes unit. The author discusses the possible contribution of each of these factors to poor metabolic control and frequent read-mission to hospital, as well as the potential implications for future targeted prevention and treatment programs.

Applying a Theory of Expertise in Health Social Work Administration and Practice in Australia

Abstract Social workers in health care have been urged to identify the nature of their expertise and to articulate profession specific roles (Peckuconis et al., 2003). This paper reports on the use of a theory of professional expertise (Fook, Ryan, & Hawkins, 2000) in management and clinical practice within two Australian hospital social work settings. This theory, directly applicable to social work, was applied within these hospitals to differentiate levels in social work industrial awards, in staff selection, in supervision and continuing professional development. Specific and broader implications for application of this theory are discussed.

Outcomes from the Mount Sinai Social Work Leadership Enhancement Program: Evaluation and extrapolation.

Summary This article presents an overview of outcomes from the Mount Sinai Leadership Enhancement Program as identified by previous program participants from Melbourne, Australia. These are categorised into: (1) Personal/professional, (2) Intra-organisational, (3) Inter-organisational, and (4) International outcomes. Two illustrative examples are provided of international outcomes demonstrating how the ongoing commitment of Professor Epstein has extended and embedded the principles of practice-based research in Melbourne, and how the over-riding principles of the program have been applied by participants in establishing collaborative relationships with colleagues in our neighbouring South-East Asian region.Summary This article presents an overview of outcomes from the Mount Sinai Leadership Enhancement Program as identified by previous program participants from Melbourne, Australia. These are categorised into: (1) Personal/professional, (2) Intra-organisational, (3) Inter-organisational, and (4) International outcomes. Two illustrative examples are provided of international outcomes demonstrating how the ongoing commitment of Professor Epstein has extended and embedded the principles of practice-based research in Melbourne, and how the over-riding principles of the program have been applied by participants in establishing collaborative relationships with colleagues in our neighbouring South-East Asian region.

An analysis of Ofsted inspection reports for children's social care services in England

Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, UK Department of Social Work and Social Care, Kingston University and St Georges, University of London, London, UK Correspondence Rick Hood, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University and St Georges, University of London, Kingston Hill, Kingston upon Thames KT2 7LB, UK. Email: rick.hood@sgul.kingston.ac.uk

Experiences of older people dying in nursing homes: a narrative systematic review of qualitative studies

Objectives To identify and synthesise qualitative research from 2001 investigating older people’s (65+ years) experiences of dying in nursing and care homes. Methods and outcomes Eight electronic databases (AMED, ASSIA, CINAHL Plus, Embase, HMIC, Medline, PsychINFO and Scopus) from 2001 to July 2017 were searched. Studies were included if they were qualitative, primary research and described the experiences of dying in nursing or care homes from the perspectives of the older people themselves, their families or staff. Study quality assessment was undertaken to systematically assess methodological quality, but no studies were excluded as a result. Results 1305 articles were identified. Nine met the inclusion criteria. North American studies dominated. Most used a mixture of observations and interviews. All the included studies highlighted the physical discomfort of dying, with many older people experiencing potentially avoidable symptoms if care were to be improved. Negative psychosocial experiences such as loneliness and depression were also often described in addition to limited support with spiritual needs. Conclusions More qualitative research giving a holistic understanding of older people’s experiences of dying in residential care homes is needed. Undertaking research on this topic is challenging and requires great sensitivity, but the dearth of qualitative research from the perspectives of those most closely involved in older people’s deaths hampers service improvement.