{"title":"Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Neuropsychology: Exploring the implications of new NICE quality standards (2022) for neuropsychologists through a pilot assessment service","authors":"R. Roberts, F. Petrone, K. Scarff","doi":"10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.15.22","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.15.22","url":null,"abstract":"Recently released NICE Quality Standards for the assessment and diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in children and young people emphasise neuropsychological assessment as an important part of the process. However, for many areas of England & Wales this may not be in line with current service provision. We conducted a scoping study of services within Oxfordshire to understand the current support available for children with possible FASD. In addition, we offered a pilot neuropsychology assessment service for seven children referred by a Community Paediatrician. We found that many services across Oxfordshire work with children who they suspect to have FASD, but no service offers FASD assessment or specific intervention. A trial neuropsychology service confirmed evidence for significant heterogeneity within this population, and therefore the need for careful, hypothesis driven assessment, to which neuropsychologists are well-placed to contribute.","PeriodicalId":324161,"journal":{"name":"The Neuropsychologist","volume":"104 ","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134544933","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":"Obituary for Dr Jason Price (1971–2022)","authors":"I. Wright, N. Khan-Bourne","doi":"10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.15.12","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.15.12","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":324161,"journal":{"name":"The Neuropsychologist","volume":"71 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":"127372072","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":"Supporting patients and families following an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Developing a multidisciplinary care pathway and the role of neuropsychology","authors":"M. Mion, Thomas R. Keeble","doi":"10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.15.52","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.15.52","url":null,"abstract":"This article outlines the current guidelines and recommendations for pre- and post-discharge care and rehabilitation of survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and their families. Although many OHCA survivors make an overall good physical and neurological recovery, many others experience a combination of cognitive decline, emotional problems, fatigue and difficulties in reintegrating in the community and in the workplace. Current pathways of care in the UK are not well suited in identifying and addressing these issues. Neuropsychologists, in particular, are rarely involved in the care of these often-complex patients who fall on the boundaries of neurology, cardiology and critical care.In this article we summarise the current best practice in the development of a pathway of care and rehabilitation for OHCA survivors in the UK. The role of Neuropsychology is discussed, and clinics are invited to collaborate in the development and evaluation of this pathway of care.","PeriodicalId":324161,"journal":{"name":"The Neuropsychologist","volume":"368 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":"124615434","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}
Lucilla Carlacci De Mattia, T. Campbell, N. Parrett
{"title":"Impact of Covid-19 lockdown on the mood, behaviour, and social activities of people with brain injury in the UK: Results of a survey of brain injury professionals’ reports","authors":"Lucilla Carlacci De Mattia, T. Campbell, N. Parrett","doi":"10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.15.40","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.15.40","url":null,"abstract":"The Covid-19 related lockdown of March–June 2020 in the United Kingdom (UK) may have negatively affected mood and behaviour of people with brain injuries. Conversely, there may have been beneficial effects due to reduced demand on cognition and emotional regulation. In this online survey study, care coordinators (n=19) assessed the consequences of lockdown on 130 individuals with ABI (range 3–29 clients per care co-ordinator; 10–65years+; and mostly living in residential care). The majority of reports were of no change to mood, behaviour, or social functioning (105 ratings). However, respondents reported that 88 (68 per cent) clients presented with changes: 63 clients (48 per cent) had lower mood, higher distress, and agitation, and were less engaged in usual activities; while 25 clients (19 per cent) were reported to have improved. Moreover, 13/19 (68 per cent) of respondents reported increased vulnerabilities in their clients, and 5/19 (26 per cent) reported online exploitation, controlling behaviour from partner and financial scams. These data present a mixed picture of how the first national lockdown affected people with ABI.","PeriodicalId":324161,"journal":{"name":"The Neuropsychologist","volume":"37 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":"115563719","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":"Developing a novel measure of psychological wellbeing for a community neurorehabilitation service","authors":"Lawson Falshaw, L. Moore, Annmarie Burns","doi":"10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.15.30","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsneur.2023.1.15.30","url":null,"abstract":"Psychological wellbeing during neurorehabilitation can be difficult to measure. This study aimed to develop a novel patient-rated wellbeing measure for patients attending a community neurorehabilitation service, and explore the relationships between scores on the new self-report measure, a mood questionnaire used in the service, and clinician wellbeing ratings. 178 healthy adults completed an initial wellbeing questionnaire comprised of 48 items. Exploratory principal component analysis was completed, and the final 11-item questionnaire was administered to 25 individuals undergoing community neurorehabilitation alongside the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Therapy Outcome Measures. Results suggested the novel Wellbeing in Neurorehabilitation Scale may be valid and reliable, with questions relating to social, emotional, and cognitive factors of wellbeing. Wellbeing ratings made by the clinicians correlated with patients self-reported wellbeing on the novel measure, although this was not a perfect relationship. The findings have implications for measuring psychological wellbeing during community neurorehabilitation.","PeriodicalId":324161,"journal":{"name":"The Neuropsychologist","volume":"9 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":"116511100","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":"Experiences of attending a reflective practice group in a neuro-rehabilitation setting: A mixed methods service evaluation","authors":"J. Bowler, C. Clarke, N. Morton, Jenna Moran","doi":"10.53841/bpsneur.2022.1.14.18","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsneur.2022.1.14.18","url":null,"abstract":"This service evaluation aimed to explore ward staff’s experiences of attending a reflective practice (RP) group within an inpatient neuro-rehabilitation setting. Thirteen staff members completed a bespoke questionnaire and three staff members engaged in semi-structured interviews. Findings suggested that the group was a good use of participant’s time, felt a safe space, and was a good space to discuss team dynamics. There were mixed findings regarding whether the group improved staff’s confidence or their understanding of patient’s behaviour. Thematic analysis revealed four core themes, including ‘organisational pressures’ which impacted the RP group; ‘group practicalities’; ‘benefits and improvements’; and the ‘safe space’ of the group. Future evaluations would benefit from using a validated questionnaire and measures of burnout to explore the wider impact of RP.","PeriodicalId":324161,"journal":{"name":"The Neuropsychologist","volume":"33 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121897372","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":"Suspected dementia, the eye and the ‘mind’s eye’: How primary care eye specialists could support early identification of Alzheimer’s Disease and its variants","authors":"C. Rowley, Julia H. Cook","doi":"10.53841/bpsneur.2022.1.14.8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsneur.2022.1.14.8","url":null,"abstract":"The current article outlines the nature of visuoperceptual deficits in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and its ‘atypical’ variants. Evidence to highlight that visual and visuoperceptual difficulties are common in dementias driven by Alzheimer’s-based pathology will be discussed. Following this, the ways in which early identification of visual and lower-level visuoperceptual symptoms of dementia may be facilitated within primary care optical health settings will be considered. It is hoped that this may inspire work to support opticians and optometrists to identify where timely signposting to dementia services may be beneficial for people with suspected dementia who are experiencing visuoperceptual deficits. This is particularly important given that visual and visuoperceptual deficits can be early signs of dementia and often have a significant impact on activities of daily living (e.g. dressing, increased falls risk, accidents whilst driving, difficulties navigating familiar environments; Tippett et al., 2019). An illustrative case example is provided, outlining how timely detection of suspected dementia could have enabled early provision of appropriate treatment and support to enhance quality of life (e.g. medication for symptom management, provision of cognitive strategies and functional aids; Armstrong & Kergoat, 2015).","PeriodicalId":324161,"journal":{"name":"The Neuropsychologist","volume":"10 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128504494","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":"A values-based approach to goal setting in neuro-rehabilitation following severe brain injury: An audit of service development","authors":"Alexandra V Rose, Luke Rendell","doi":"10.53841/bpsneur.2022.1.14.37","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsneur.2022.1.14.37","url":null,"abstract":"A patient-centred, values-based goal setting pathway was launched on a level 1 neuro-rehabilitation service to create a holistic process that adhere to national guidelines, promotes interdisciplinary goal-focused rehabilitation and makes rehabilitation of personal value to patients.A service audit was completed following implementation and provision of training. The audit was separated into neuro-rehabilitation versus Prolonged Disorder of Consciousness (PDoC) assessment. Surveys and interviews were completed with staff and service users to elicit their views.A global improvement in adherence to goal setting processes was seen, however, less adherence was noted with PDoC patients. Staff reported increased confidence in goal setting, but had ongoing challenges in PDoC patient scenarios. All service users provided positive feedback.This approach appears to be acceptable and meaningful to service users and an appropriate method of goal setting in rehabilitation after severe acquired brain injury, with more exploration needed in PDoC groups.","PeriodicalId":324161,"journal":{"name":"The Neuropsychologist","volume":"27 20 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115085148","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":"A pre-post study investigating the effectiveness of functional neurological disorder (FND) training to increase healthcare staff’s knowledge, and confidence in FND management","authors":"Narissa Samani, Annmarie Burns, J. Chan","doi":"10.53841/bpsneur.2022.1.14.27","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsneur.2022.1.14.27","url":null,"abstract":"Educational interventions aimed at improving healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) knowledge and confidence in managing complex conditions are widely recommended. However, there is limited evidence regarding the impacts of such interventions on HCP confidence and knowledge in relation to the management of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). This investigation aimed to ascertain whether a two-hour FND training session, delivered online in group format, improved HCP confidence and knowledge in FND management, using a pre-post repeated measures design. Responses from 25 HCPs from community-based rehabilitation services at Whittington Health NHS Trust were included in the analysis. The findings indicated significant improvements in participant confidence and knowledge scores following training, suggesting the potential value of accessible low-cost training within the NHS. Future studies could adopt a randomised controlled trial design to reliably determine the effectiveness of delivering the training.","PeriodicalId":324161,"journal":{"name":"The Neuropsychologist","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131044494","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}