Matthew D. Kiernan

Transition support for vulnerable service leavers in the UK: Providing care for Early Service Leavers.

ABSTRACT There is little research focusing on the transition experiences of early service leavers (ESLs) in the United Kingdom. This article brings together both qualitative and quantitative data to identify key challenges regarding transition. Quantitative results suggest that ESLs are not reporting any concerns on discharge, raising questions about the sensitivity of the tools used for identifying problems or concerns. The challenges for service provision identified by organizations responsible for supporting ESLs suggest a need for better understanding of ESLs, in terms of their specific support needs, and how service provision can be tailored best to meet these needs.

Framework analysis: a whole paradigm approach

Purpose Students of social research methods in search of a “Haynes manual” type set of instructions are often, if not invariably, thwarted in their ambitions and are either confronted with an abstract description which remains firmly at the level of methodology or, alternatively, an uncritical mechanical template for application. The purpose of this paper is not to rectify these deficits, but rather to make the interplay between epistemological and methodological concerns and those relating to method visible to inspection. Design/methodology/approach To illustrate this interplay, the authors present one example of a piece of applied policy research which employed a process of framework analysis. Findings It is argued that rhetorical transparency in the creation of any qualitative account enhances its authenticity, and in part, this article demonstrates that it remains possible to maintain reflexive awareness of epistemological and methodological concerns whilst at the same time pursuing clear and practical methodical guidelines. Originality/value This article provides unique approach to providing researchers with a practical guide to framework analysis with theoretical reflection on the wider methodological concerns.

Are veterans different? Understanding veterans’ help seeking behaviour for alcohol problems

Alcohol misuse in the United Kingdoms veteran community is not an isolated phenomenon. Internationally, alcohol and wider substance misuse would appear to be an historic and current global issue within veteran communities. Although research has been undertaken both in the United Kingdom and the United States into why veterans are reluctant to seek help for mental health problems, little is understood as to why veterans encounter difficulties in engaging with treatment for alcohol misuse. The aim of this study was to understand why veterans in the United Kingdom are either reluctant or have difficulty in accessing help for alcohol problems. An applied social policy research methodology was used, employing in-depth semi-structured interviews with 19 UK veterans in the North East of England, who had a history of alcohol misuse. The findings showed that participants appeared to excuse or normalise their excessive alcohol consumption, which led to a delay in meaningful engagement in substance misuse services, resulting in complex and complicated presentations to health and social care services. The findings of this study clearly suggest that veterans who misuse alcohol have a range of distinctive and unique difficulties that subtly differentiate them from the wider civilian substance misuse population, and that the use of peer-support models would appear to mitigate against them disengaging from alcohol treatment services.

The Use of Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder—A Systematic Narrative Review

Aim: There is an extensive body of research examining the efficacy of Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This systematic narrative review aimed to systematically, and narratively, review robust evidence from Randomized-Controlled Trials examining the efficacy of EMDR therapy. Method: Eight databases were searched to identify studies relevant to the study aim. Two separate systematic searches of published, peer-reviewed evidence were carried out, considering relevant studies published prior to April 2017. After exclusion of all irrelevant, or non-robust, studies, a total of two meta-analyses and four Randomized-Controlled Trials were included for review. Results: Data from meta-analyses and Randomized-Controlled Trials included in this review evidence the efficacy of EMDR therapy as a treatment for PTSD. Specifically, EMDR therapy improved PTSD diagnosis, reduced PTSD symptoms, and reduced other trauma-related symptoms. EMDR therapy was evidenced as being more effective than other trauma treatments, and was shown to be an effective therapy when delivered with different cultures. However, limitations to the current evidence exist, and much current evidence relies on small sample sizes and provides limited follow-up data. Conclusions: This systematic narrative review contributes to the current evidence base, and provides recommendations for practice and future research. This review highlights the need for additional research to further examine the use of EMDR therapy for PTSD in a range of clinical populations and cultural contexts.