{"title":"Mapping psychological provision across Level 1 and 2 NHS neurorehabilitation services in England, February 2023","authors":"Sheryl Parke, Anastasya Shepherd","doi":"10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.16.33","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.16.33","url":null,"abstract":"This article outlines a preliminary mapping exercise of psychological staffing provision across Level 1 and 2 NHS neurorehabilitation services in England in February 2023, with the aim of understanding current provision and how it aligns with national service standards. Twenty services contributed clinical psychology/neuropsychology staffing information. This was audited against national recommendations for clinical psychology/neuropsychology staffing provision in specialist neurorehabilitation services (British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine Specialised Neurorehabilitation Service Standards, 2015). The results indicate that, on average, neurorehabilitation services are understaffed by approximately 2 full-time equivalent psychologists. As a result, patients are at risk of receiving substandard care, with poor optimisation of rehabilitation through evidence-based interventions and increased possibility of long-term disability. Staff are not being provided with psychological consultation and services are hence not providing appropriate and efficient multidisciplinary care. This is a call for action to support sufficient funding for clinical psychology/neuropsychology provision within specialist neurorehabilitation services.","PeriodicalId":324161,"journal":{"name":"The Neuropsychologist","volume":"17 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136168139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Contextual recruitment in neuropsychology: A practice-based example of a novel approach and reflections on the process from an assistant psychologist","authors":"Anna Lee, Alistair Teager, Selina M. Makin","doi":"10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.16.24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.16.24","url":null,"abstract":"In 2021, a government initiative offered opportunities for aspiring clinical psychologists from underrepresented groups to gain paid clinical experience (Health Education England, 2021). This article describes how this initiative was used as an opportunity to integrate more contextual recruitment approaches for the recruitment of assistant psychologists (APs) in a neuropsychology department, in line with the strategic goals to increase diversity in the profession (British Psychological Society, 2023a). The strategies implemented to promote inclusivity are described in three separate phases of pre-application, peri-application, and onboarding. Reflections are provided in parallel from an aspiring clinical psychologist’s first-hand experience of the contextual recruitment process. The article aims to provide a template for other neuropsychology services to draw upon and develop in their recruitment and selection processes, and catalyse wider organisational change to promote a more diverse, representative psychology workforce.","PeriodicalId":324161,"journal":{"name":"The Neuropsychologist","volume":"134 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136167522","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Conor Coman, Olivia Taylor, Gill Cooke, Lorraine King
{"title":"A pilot brief therapy intervention for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD): A service evaluation","authors":"Conor Coman, Olivia Taylor, Gill Cooke, Lorraine King","doi":"10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.16.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.16.11","url":null,"abstract":"This service evaluation examined the feasibility and service user reported experience of a brief psychological intervention for adults with Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD). 15 participants attended an individual six-session Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT)-informed intervention comprising of psychoeducation and grounding techniques. Participant experience of the intervention was assessed using outcome measures and an online focus group which indicated their satisfaction. Participants fed back that longer therapy intervention; education of other health professionals (having reported previous negative experiences); and group/family support sessions would enhance future care.","PeriodicalId":324161,"journal":{"name":"The Neuropsychologist","volume":"14 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136169155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Charles Piper, Lorraine King, Gemma Wall, Etain Devenney
{"title":"Trust-wide clinical neuropsychology peer supervision group: A service evaluation","authors":"Charles Piper, Lorraine King, Gemma Wall, Etain Devenney","doi":"10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.16.16","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.16.16","url":null,"abstract":"This paper reports an evaluation of a monthly Trust-wide Clinical Neuropsychology peer supervision group set up in 2021 to respond to requests from clinicians for informal case discussions, whilst also providing group supervision for team members undertaking specialist Clinical Neuropsychology training. This evaluation was conducted to review how the group was received by attendees and facilitators, identify improvements, and address barriers to attendance. Group-specific questionnaires were completed by four facilitators and 21 participants. The findings suggested the group met its aims, and is consistent with many of the service and Trust aims and values. The majority of responses suggest the group has several benefits such as facilitating a space for reflection and exploring complex cases collaboratively. Both facilitators and participants felt their clinical practice was enhanced.","PeriodicalId":324161,"journal":{"name":"The Neuropsychologist","volume":"29 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136093677","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sue Copstick, Lorraine Bobbie Turnbull, Jennifer Tibbles, Sarah Ashworth, Henk J. Swanepoel, Julianne Kinch, Jenna Moffitt
{"title":"Developing an understanding of the Frontal Lobe Paradox through clinical group discussions","authors":"Sue Copstick, Lorraine Bobbie Turnbull, Jennifer Tibbles, Sarah Ashworth, Henk J. Swanepoel, Julianne Kinch, Jenna Moffitt","doi":"10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.16.40","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.16.40","url":null,"abstract":"This discussion paper presents reflections from a group of clinical, forensic and neuropsychologists on their clinical caseloads in brain injury rehabilitation services at Cygnet Healthcare. These services specialise in working with people with coexisting mental health or behavioural difficulties where the work involves frequent staff discussions on interpreting an individual’s behaviour, considering its functions and whether it is part of an involuntary neuro-psychological disorder related to their brain injury, specifically the Frontal Lobe Paradox. Through consideration of six patients, the cognitive mechanisms that may relate to, or underlie apparent Frontal Lobe Paradox were highlighted. Several additional reasons were found to explain why people might show this paradox, including testing conditions, slowed processing, reduced attention, disinhibition, self-monitoring problems, and premorbid difficulties. The authors also discuss interventions, which could be used to support these individuals, with the aim of broadening clinical understanding and discussion surrounding the causes of, and treatment approaches for individuals presenting with potential Frontal Lobe Paradox.","PeriodicalId":324161,"journal":{"name":"The Neuropsychologist","volume":"117 5 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136167042","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Catherine Ford, E. Kontou, B. Gurr, Mark Griffiths
{"title":"UK Stroke Forum (UKSF22) Conference, ACC Liverpool 29 Nov–1 Dec 2022","authors":"Catherine Ford, E. Kontou, B. Gurr, Mark Griffiths","doi":"10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.15.7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.15.7","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":324161,"journal":{"name":"The Neuropsychologist","volume":"692 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116113950","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The impact of clinical training changes on self-rated competency and confidence in neuropsychology: A survey of UEA-trained clinical psychologists in East Anglia","authors":"N. Zarotti, C. Ford, F. Gracey","doi":"10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.15.14","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.15.14","url":null,"abstract":"A Competency Framework, produced by the British Psychological Society Division of Neuropsychology, specifies the underpinning neuropsychological knowledge and skills required for different levels of practice. In 2016, the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology at the University of East Anglia (UEA) introduced changes to align its neuropsychology teaching to the Competency Framework. This report illustrates a pilot evaluation of the impact of such changes on the self-rated neuropsychological competency and confidence of UEA-trained clinical psychologists in East Anglia using a bespoke online survey. Based on 76 respondents, the results highlighted, promising effects of the changes, with post–2016 participants showing higher levels of self-rated competency and confidence in neuropsychology than pre-2016 participants. However, the discrepancy in sample size between pre- and post–2016 groups and a number of other caveats and limitations should be considered. Additional iterations of the survey, involving future cohorts following qualification, are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.","PeriodicalId":324161,"journal":{"name":"The Neuropsychologist","volume":"17 4","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"120986360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}