Kathryn Kinmond

An observation-based intervention for stroke rehabilitation: experiences of eight individuals affected by stroke

Purpose. To explore eight individuals’ experiences and responses to taking part in a personalised observation-based intervention for stroke rehabilitation. Methods. Eight participants who had experienced a cerebrovascular accident were recruited to a 16-week observation-based intervention. Participants were interviewed face-to-face to explore their responses to, and experiences of, taking part in the intervention. A list of topics, derived from the intervention process and earlier studies provided a provisional structure for the interview. All interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed using inductive content analysis to explore the impact of the observational intervention for these participants. Results. Three main themes emerged: physical function, behaviour change and DVD content. Lower order themes were also identified. These included: interaction with the physiotherapist; ability to complete tasks; and increased motivation to (re)engage in activities of everyday living. Conclusion. The findings suggest that a programme of action observation, linked to individualised and meaningful motor behaviours can provide a valid intervention for individuals affected by stroke by serving as a motivating agent to (re)engage in activities which they had believed they could not perform following their stroke. There was also evidence for positive affect on psychological wellbeing and motor function.

Observation of meaningful activities: a case study of a personalized intervention on poststroke functional state

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Stroke rehabilitation coordinated by specialist teams and oriented toward functional activities is now common. However, the potential remains for improved outcome, and new methods for improving rehabilitation are being developed. Observation of functional, meaningful activities, via DVD, has been suggested as a technique that may be effective. This case study aimed to investigate the effect of an individualized program of observation for functional status after stroke. CASE DESCRIPTION The case study participant was a 44-year-old man, 12 months after a right intracerebral hemorrhage, with a Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS) score of 42. He was independently mobile using a cane. He viewed, with the instructions to understand and imitate, four DVDs of meaningful daily activities filmed from first- and third-person visual perspectives. Pre- and postintervention measures administered in the participants home were the SSS, Postural Assessment Scale (PASS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG) with manual and cognitive components, a fluidity scale, and the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale. OUTCOMES Improvements were observed in the TUG and the fluidity scale. Small but clinically insignificant changes were observed in the PASS. The patient also felt confident to progress to walking without his cane. DISCUSSION The findings suggest that, for this relatively young and motivated individual, observation of meaningful activities was an important part of his stroke rehabilitation.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients’ Experiences of an Enhanced Self-Management Model of Care

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is debilitating and costly. Self-management is championed to empower individuals to better manage their condition and also to efficiently utilize health resources. As a multi-disciplinary team, we conducted focus group research with individuals living with COPD who were participating in a longitudinal study to use an electronic “diary” to monitor, record, and transmit their own health status, plus receiving regular nurse visits. The main aims of the focus groups were to investigate how far individuals embraced the electronic diary and experienced it as an aid to the self-management of their condition. We also looked at the importance of the nurse visits to the process. Thematic analysis revealed that patients responded positively to the use of technology (the electronic diary), including psychological benefits of perceived support offered by the remote symptom surveillance. Findings also showed patients’ increased awareness and monitoring of personal symptoms together with an improved understanding of disease self-management. Nurse support emerged as an important “human” factor in the process. In addition, a reduction in hospital admission was observed, thus reducing costs to the health service.

Developing safeguarding policy and practice for Spiritual Abuse

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a ground-breaking survey into peoples experiences of church and Spiritual Abuse (SA), in a context of issues of safeguarding and policy. Design/methodology/approach – The survey was delivered online between April 2011 and December 2012. Findings – The findings showed many people had encountered negative church experiences. Most respondents had very limited knowledge and understanding of SA and related support and intervention. Research limitations/implications – This survey represents the views of a small percentage of those who attend, or have attended, church and further more extensive research is required to provide a more comprehensive understanding. Additionally research is required within other faiths and cultural contexts. Practical implications – It is evident that there is clearly a need to strengthen current safeguarding policy and practice with regards to SA. Originality/value – This paper offers an initial insight into the chall...

Child abuse linked to faith or belief: an important issue for counselling practice

ABSTRACT Child abuse linked to faith or belief (CALFB) is not a recent phenomenon; nor specific to any given culture or faith. This paper presents current work which articulates counsellors’ understanding, experience and training needs around CALFB. An online survey collected data from participants, 79 of whom identified themselves as counsellors. Seventy-nine per cent of these counsellors stated that they had heard of the term CALFB. Sixty-six per cent were confident that they understood the term. However, only 46% were confident they could identify indicators with 54% being ‘confident’ to respond. Just 34% of the counsellors had received specific training on CALFB. It is argued here that awareness raising and training around the issues of CALFB are important to include in counsellor training courses and also as Continuous Professional Development.

The Relationship Between Spiritual Abuse and Domestic Violence and Abuse in Faith-Based Communities

Whilst there has been some exploration of experiences of domestic violence and abuse within faith communities, understandings of spiritual abuse and how these phenomena interconnect are not yet widely understood. This chapter serves to provide a definition and understanding of spiritual abuse and how it may manifest across all faiths. Lisa Oakley and Kathryn Kinmond highlight the role and responsibility of the faith leader in shaping a positive, constructive faith discourse that condones abusive behaviour, including that which occurs in the domestic sphere. They also call for a more receptive response from mainstream domestic violence and abuse support services, with greater openness to recognising the importance of faith identity and spirituality as a tool of recovery for many victims/survivors.