Support For People Research Articles

Support for sustainable finance and investment in Europe

Sustainable finance and investment has become an important factor in achieving environmental sustainability. Evidence also suggests it has become more prominent in the global financial system. Although academic interest has increased in recent years, most prior studies have investigated support for sustainable finance within corporate environments. Studies examining the support of individuals, or the wider public, are scarce. Consequently, using a Eurobarometer survey of 27,862 Europeans across all 27 EU countries, this study explores support for sustainable finance among people in Europe. We used a nested fixed effects model – with two levels – to examine the influence of sociodemographic factors, knowledge of sustainable finance, and a country's progress towards attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our results show that sociodemographic factors are the most influential predictors of support for sustainable finance. We found that age, gender and living in rural/urban areas all influenced people's support for sustainable finance. Meanwhile, the influence of sustainable finance knowledge and SDG progress were either negligible or negative.

HISTORY OF FORMATION AND CONTRIBUTION OF CARITAS PHU CUONG IN THE FIELD OF CHARITY TO BINH DUONG PROVINCE

This paper presents the history of Caritas Phu Cuong as a charity and social organization that plays an important role in helping the poor and disabled people of Binh Dương province. In addition, the study also analyze the role and contributions of Caritas Phu Cuong in the field of charity for Binh Duong province in the following aspects: medical examination and medicine distribution for the poor people; life protection program; taking care of lonely elderly people; support people with disabilities to integrate into the community; build a library of books and toys for children; organize compassion classes for children of workers in difficult circumstances; bright path scholarship (Slovakia); environmental protection and human trafficking prevention programs. Finally, the article will discuss the role, functions and scope of activities of Caritas Phu Cuong in different historical periods to adapt to the changes in the socio-political context of Vietnam.

The Politics of Covid-19 Vaccination Hesitancy in Southeastern Europe.

The execution of Covid-19 vaccination drives in former Yugoslavia's successor states has been disappointing. The rapidly evolving literature on the Covid-19 pandemic suggests the levels of support for vaccination are correlated with education, trust in public-health institutions, and exposure to the negative economic and health effects of the pandemic. The explanations of the political foundations of vaccination hesitancy, however, need better empirical grounding. We shed light on this subject by analyzing the results of a survey conducted on more than six thousand respondents from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia, as well as a combination of public-health, economic, and sociodemographic data across more than five hundred municipalities in Croatia. Most notably, we find the political sources of vaccination hesitancy to be strongly related to people's support for the ideas of political parties committed to nationalist populism.

Understanding the use of digital technologies to provide disability services remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic; a multiple case study design

BackgroundUsing digital technologies to provide services and supports remotely may improve efficiency and accessibility of healthcare, and support people with disabilities to live independently. This study aimed to explore the experience of using digital technologies to access and provide disability services and supports during the Covid-19 pandemic, from the perspective of people with disabilities, families and service providers.MethodsUsing a multiple case study design, we purposively sampled three cases based on service user characteristics and geographical reach of the service. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 40 service users and service providers. Topic guides and analysis were informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Analysis followed a largely deductive approach, using the CFIR constructs as a coding framework. A summary memo was developed for each case. Influence and strength of each construct was rated to identify constructs that influenced implementation of digital technologies. Ratings were compared across services to identify facilitators and barriers to implementation.ResultsService users and providers were positive about using digital technologies to access and provide disability services and supports remotely. Advantages over in-person delivery included reduced travel time, increased opportunity for peer support and peer learning, more choice and opportunity to participate in activities, and an enhanced sense of self while accessing services from the secure environment of their home. The urgency to identify new modes of service delivery to meet the needs of service users during Covid-19 was a strong facilitator but did not necessarily result in successful implementation. Other factors that were strong facilitators were the use of adaptations to enable service users to access the online service, service users’ willingness to try the online service, service users’ persistence when they encountered challenges, and the significant time and effort that service providers made to support service users to participate in the online service. Barriers to implementation included the complexity of accessing online platforms, poor design quality of online platforms, and organisations prioritising in-person delivery over online services.ConclusionsThese findings may allow service providers to leverage facilitators that support implementation of online disability services and supports.

Neoliberal logic in the United States and Turkey: The role of Right‐Wing Authoritarianism and personal wherewithal

AbstractNeoliberalism is based on the dogma that free‐market capitalism serves the public better than governmental programs (e.g., public universities). In this research, we first asked what psychological orientations and beliefs predict support for one of the fundamental tenets of neoliberalism: the belief that government interferes with the smooth functioning of public life and the free market. Second, we examined how these predictors function across economic contexts and political regimes by collecting data in the United States and Turkey. We find that in two U.S. samples, high levels of Right‐Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) and the belief in personal wherewithal (i.e., anybody can move ahead if they work hard enough) predicted people's support for neoliberalism. In the Turkish sample, we found that RWA and personal wherewithal significantly predicted support for neoliberalism, but unlike the US, in Turkey, higher levels of RWA were related to the rejection of neoliberalism. Our research highlights the flexible relationship authoritarianism has with neoliberalism and the importance of a belief in personal wherewithal in justifying neoliberalism. This research illuminates differences between US neoliberal logic and populist neoliberalism in Turkey.

A Qualitative Study of Barriers to Medication-Taking Among People With Type 2 Diabetes Using the Theoretical Domains Framework.

We aimed to better understand the challenges related to type 2 diabetes medication-taking through Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF)-guided interviews with people with type 2 diabetes with varying degrees of medication-taking. One-on-one qualitative interviews following a semistructured discussion guide informed by the TDF were conducted. Thirty people with type 2 diabetes in Canada were interviewed, with representation from across the country, of both sexes (47% female), of people with various diabetes durations (mean 12.9 ± 7.9 years), with different types of medication plans (n = 15 on polypharmacy), and with various medication-taking levels (n = 10 each for low-, medium-, and high-engagement groups). Themes related to medication-taking from interviews mapped to 12 of the 14 TDF theme domains, with the exclusion of the knowledge and skills domains. The most prominent domains, as determined by high-frequency themes or themes for which people with low and high medication-taking had contrasting perspectives, were 1) emotion; 2) memory, attention, and decision processes; 3) behavioral regulation; 4) beliefs about consequences; 5) goals; and 6) environmental context and resources. Through our interviews, several areas of focus emerged that may help efforts to increase medication-taking. To validate these findings, future quantitative research is warranted to help support people with type 2 diabetes in overcoming psychological and behavioral barriers to medication-taking.

Supporting the support person: Oncologists' roles in reducing support people's uncertainty and facilitating psychological adjustment.

Support people of cancer patients are at significant risk for psychological distress. Additionally, cancer patients' well-being is reciprocally associated with support peoples' psychological well-being. Informed by Uncertainty in Illness Theory, this study tests whether support person psychological well-being is influenced by provider communication and uncertainty reduction. We tested a multiple mediation model to investigate how empathic communication facilitates psychological adjustment in support people of cancer patients and how this process is mediated by support peoples' illness uncertainty and caregiver burden. Support people of cancer patients (N=121; including spouses, adult children, etc.) completed an online questionnaire about their perceptions of oncologists' empathy, uncertainty about the cancer patients' illness, perceived caregiving burden, and their psychological adjustment to diagnoses. Path analysis revealed that (1) more perceived oncologist empathy was associated with less illness uncertainty, (2) more illness uncertainty was associated with worse psychological adjustment and more perceived caregiver burden, and (3) more burden was associated with worse adjustment (χ2 (2)=1.19, p=0.55; RMSEA < 0.01; CFI=1.00; SRMR=0.02). Given the reciprocal nature of well-being between cancer patients and their support people, it is critical to understand and bolster support people's psychological well-being. Results demonstrated how empathic provider communication can support psychological well-being for support people of cancer patients. Additionally, this study offers theoretical contributions to understandings of illness uncertainty in caregiver populations.

Emerging Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: Understanding Illness Experience and Transition to Adult Care

PurposeYouth-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasingly common and is often diagnosed shortly before transition from pediatric to adult care. Little is known about the experience of emerging adults (EAs) with T2D and the readiness, barriers, and facilitators to transition. This study sought to describe the illness experience of EAs with T2D and perceptions about transition, and explore themes by “transition readiness,” measured by the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ). MethodsIn this mixed-methods study, we conducted semi-structured interviews with EAs with T2D using a guide grounded in the health belief model, administered the TRAQ, and collected disease metrics from the electronic medical record. We developed a coding scheme using a directed content-analysis approach and triangulated qualitative and quantitative data to compare themes stratified by mean TRAQ score. ResultsParticipants described modifying factors like adjusting to life with a chronic illness and coping with mental health issues as critical elements of the illness experience that influence transition. Individual beliefs emerged including the perceived risk of disease complications being informed by experience of family members, self-efficacy in diabetes care hinging on the ability to be highly organized, and transition as a daunting obstacle with numerous emotional and logistical barriers. Participants emphasized the need for support from caregivers and providers throughout transition. Themes did not vary significantly by TRAQ score. DiscussionExperiences of EAs with T2D suggest more assistance is needed in the transition period to address factors such as mental health, organizational skills, and identifying support people to facilitate care.

The influence of hospital and home environments on physical activity and sedentary behaviour: Perceptions of people recovering from fractures

BackgroundA lack of evidence exists contrasting the factors that influence physical activity and sedentary behaviour in both hospital and home settings before and after discharge from acute hospitalisation for fractures. ObjectiveTo describe and compare perceptions of environmental influences on physical activity in hospital and home settings in people recovering from fractures. MethodSemi-structured interviews were conducted with patients hospitalised following fractures (hip fracture or multi-trauma), exploring the barriers and enablers to physical activity within hospital and home settings. Interviews were conducted within two weeks of hospital discharge, audio recorded and transcribed prior to thematic analysis via a framework approach. ResultsBetween December 2022 and May 2023, 12 semi-structured interviews were undertaken with an equal number of participants who sustained an isolated hip fracture or multi-trauma. The median (IQR) age of participants was 60 (52–68) years, with half being male, and the majority sustaining their injuries via transport crashes. Three main themes that influenced physical activity behaviours in hospital and home settings were: having the opportunity, having a reason, and having support and assistance to be active. ConclusionDuring the period of reduced physical capability following fracture, patients need to be provided with opportunities and motivation to be active, particularly within the hospital setting. Findings from this study will assist clinicians to better support people recovering from fractures via greater engagement in physical activity within hospital and home settings.

A Nationwide Survey Study of Recovery Community Centers Supporting People in Recovery From Substance Use Disorder.

The medical community has become aware of its role in contributing to the opioid epidemic and must be part of its resolution. Recovery community centers (RCCs) represent a new underused component of recovery support. This study performed an online national survey of all RCCs identified in the United States, and used US Census ZIP code tabulation area data to describe the communities they serve. Residents of areas with RCCs were more likely to be Black (16.5% vs 12.6% nationally, P = 0.005) and less likely to be Asian (4.7% vs 5.7%, P = 0.005), American Indian, or Alaskan Native (0.6% vs 0.8%, P = 0.03), or live rurally (8.5% vs 14.0%, P < 0.0001). More than half of RCCs began operations within the past 5 years. Recovery community centers were operated, on average, by 8.8 paid and 10.2 volunteer staff; each RCC served a median of 125 individuals per month (4-1,500). Recovery community centers successfully engaged racial/ethnic minority groups (20.8% Hispanic, 22.5% Black) and young adults (23.5% younger than 25 years). Recovery community centers provide addiction-specific support (eg, mutual help, recovery coaching) and assistance with basic needs, social services, technology access, and health behaviors. Regarding medications for opioid use disorder (MOUDs), RCC staff engaged members in conversations about MOUDs (85.2%) and provided direct support for taking MOUD (77.0%). One third (36.1%) of RCCs reported seeking closer collaboration with prescribers. Recovery community centers are welcoming environments for people who take MOUDs. Closer collaboration between the medical community and community-based peer-led RCCs may lead to significantly improved reach of efforts to end the opioid epidemic.

‘The Lord defends refugees, protects the orphans and widows’ (Psalm 146:9). Emerging Challenges in Supporting People after Loss and Traumatic Events

This study, rooted in patristics and social sciences, delves into the historical evolution of support for orphans and widows in the Christian and Catholic tradition, underscoring its profound significance in the identity of these faith-based communities. Tracing the modes of assistance from pre-Christian times through the Old and New Testaments and the teachings of the Church Fathers, the paper elucidates various aspects of the caregiving process. Additionally, it explores the evolving sensitivities across different epochs in modernity, encompassing the contemporary, postmodern and recent years, with a specific focus on the periods before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of this analysis, a fundamental question arises: What are the primary pastoral responsibilities of Catholic parishes in Poland regarding support to individuals who have experienced the loss of loved ones, borne multiple losses or endured severe traumas (such as war refugees from Ukraine in local communities)? This work provides guidance to over 10,000 Catholic parishes in Poland, considering the context of an aging society and the lessons derived from the COVID-19 pandemic. It extends an invitation for further research and the initiation of practical endeavours by pastoral theologians and specialists in social and healthcare, to ensure the highest quality of care in parish communities and local societies.

The Clinical Effect of External Application of Scorzonera Glabra Herpes Ointment on the Treatment of Herpes Zoster in the Ear

Objective To Exploring the effect of external application of scorzonera glabra Herpes Ointment on the treatment of Herpes zoster of the ear (HZE). Methods Select 100 HZE patients who met the inclusion criteria and were treated at the 988th Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Joint Logistics Support Force from January 2021 to June 2023. Divide into a treatment group and a control group using a random number table method, with 50 cases in each group. The treatment group was treated with external application of crow onion herpes ointment, while the control group was treated with external application of acyclovir ointment. After 10 days of treatment, the therapeutic effect was evaluated, and the HZE comprehensive symptom and sign efficacy score and visual analogue scale (VAS) were observed and compared between the two groups on the 10th day. The time for erythema reduction, blister stop, nodulation, and detachment were observed throughout the treatment process; Compare the difference in air conduction and air bone conduction between two groups before and after treatment (1 month after treatment); Observe and compare the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) between two groups one month after treatment. Results The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05), and the clinical effect of the treatment group was significantly better than that of the control group. Compared with the control group, the total score of HZE symptoms and signs in the treatment group was lower, and the difference was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). The comparison of air conductance between the treatment group and the control group before and after treatment (1 month after treatment) showed that the average air conductance was (35.5 ± 4.5), (35.9 ± 4.7), (15.6 ± 2.2), and (21.0 ± 3.1) dBHL, respectively; The air bone conduction differences were (10.1 ± 2.7), (10.5 ± 2.8), (5.1 ± 0.3), and (10.0 ± 2.4) dBHL, respectively. The differences in air conduction between the two groups before and after treatment (1 month after treatment) were statistically significant (P&lt;0.05); The difference in air bone conduction between the two groups before and after treatment (1 month after treatment) was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05); However, there was no statistically significant difference in air bone conduction difference between the control group before and after treatment (P&gt;0.05). The incidence of PHN in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion The external application of scorzonera glabra Herpes Ointment has a significant effect on treating HZE, and can shorten the course of the disease, improve hearing, restore the function of the auditory nerve, and effectively prevent PHN.

Social Robots: A Promising Tool to Support People with Autism. A Systematic Review of Recent Research and Critical Analysis from the Clinical Perspective

AbstractIn the past decade, interdisciplinary research has revealed the potential benefits of using social robots in the care of individuals with autism. There is a growing interest in integrating social robots into clinical practice. However, while significant efforts have been made to develop and test the technical aspects, clinical validation and implementation lag behind. This article presents a systematic literature review from a clinical perspective, focusing on articles that demonstrate clinical relevance through experimental studies. These studies are analysed and critically discussed in terms of their integration into healthcare and care practices. The goal is to assist healthcare professionals in identifying opportunities and limitations in their practice and to promote further interdisciplinary cooperation.

A qualitative exploration of the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people using a real-time video-based telehealth service for diabetes-related foot disease.

Diabetes-related foot disease (DFD) is one of the most prevalent causes of global hospitalisation and morbidity, and it accounts for up to 75% of lower-extremity amputations globally. The 5-year mortality rate following any amputation ranges from 53% to 100%. Early identification of wounds and multidisciplinary management can reduce amputation rates by 39-56%. Rural and remote communities and Indigenous populations are disproportionately affected by DFD. This is reflected in amputation rates, which are much higher for Indigenous than for non-Indigenous Australians and for those in very remote areas than for those in major cities or inner regional areas. The large geographical spread of the population in Australia is a substantial barrier for those providing or accessing health services, particularly multidisciplinary and specialist services, which undoubtedly contributes to poorer DFD outcomes in rural and remote communities. A real-time, video-based telehealth service for DFD management was established at the Royal Adelaide Hospital Vascular Services clinic to improve access to specialist services for rural and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. An exploratory qualitative study that utilised one-on-one, semi-structured interviews was conducted with 11 participants who identified as Aboriginal and who had participated in the telehealth foot service. Interviews were transcribed, de-identified and analysed using thematic analysis, using an inductive approach. Four interrelated themes emerged. 'Practical benefits of staying home' describes the reduced burden of travel and advantages of having local healthcare providers and support people at consultations. 'Access to specialists and facilities' highlights how some participants felt that there was a lack of appropriate facilities in their area and appreciated the improved access telehealth provided. 'Feeling reassured that a specialist has seen their feet' reflects the positive impact on wellbeing that participants experienced when their feet were seen by specialist health staff. 'Facilitates communication' describes how participants felt included in consultations and how seeing a person on screen assisted conversation. The advantages of real-time, video-based telehealth go beyond reduced travel burden and improved access to specialist care. This model of care may facilitate relationship-building, patient wellbeing, and feelings of trust and safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander DFD patients.

Configuration of a telerehabilitation system to deliver a comprehensive aphasia therapy program via telerehabilitation (TeleCHAT): A human-centred design approach

ABSTRACT The delivery of Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Programs (ICAPs) via telerehabilitation is a potential solution to the ongoing geographical, transport, and mobility barriers that people with aphasia (PWA) face in accessing this service model. To ensure the ICAP retains its evidence-based elements, configuration of the telerehabilitation system requires consideration of user and therapy task requirements. The human-centred design (HCD) process incorporates user and task considerations when developing technological systems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to use the HCD process to translate the Comprehensive High-dose Aphasia Therapy (CHAT) program for delivery via telerehabilitation (TeleCHAT). Methods The HCD translation process used consisted of five iterative stages. Relevant literature was reviewed, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) experienced in delivering ICAPs were consulted to understand the therapy context. Researchers gathered therapy task and user requirements of PWA, support people (SP) and SLPs to engage in therapy. Technology that met user and therapy task requirements were identified and a preliminary technology configuration was tested in a simulated environment. The finalised system was tested in a pilot trial of TeleCHAT with a cohort of four PWA, two SPs, and two SLPs. Feedback and technical and user issues were collated from users and analysed to inform improvements to the TeleCHAT configuration and protocol. Results User and therapy task requirements to deliver TeleCHAT were identified with consideration of communication and participation supports for PWA. The configured technology system comprised of Zoom© as the videoconferencing platform of choice, and additional critical technical functions including screen and audio sharing of therapy content, and multi-point interaction using remote control and annotation tools. Simulation testing and a pilot trial of the configuration confirmed system operability and identified modifications to optimise functioning. Conclusion The HCD framework was used to successfully configure an optimal technology system for the delivery of TeleCHAT. The HCD framework can be used by clinicians to identify patient needs and configure optimal telerehabilitation systems for delivery of complex interventions.

Ethnoveterinary medicinal plants and their utilization by the people of Soro District, Hadiya Zone, southern Ethiopia

BackgroundEthnoveterinary studies are important to maintain the sustainability of livestock health and support people’s livelihoods through the provision of food, maintaining livestock health, and other biological resources. This study was carried out in Soro District, southern Ethiopia, to identify, document and analyse plant species with ethnoveterinary uses along with the associated indigenous and local knowledge.Materials and methodsInformants were selected using purposive (key informants) and systematic random sampling (general informants) methods. Data on ethnoveterinary plants and their uses were collected through semi-structured interviews, guided field walks, 13 focus group discussions with five to seven members in each and participant observation. Informant consensus factor and fidelity level were computed to identify the most common livestock ailment categories and the best plant species with ethnoveterinary use, respectively. Preference ranking methods were used to identify the potentially effective ethnoveterinary medicinal plants for the most frequently reported livestock ailments. The use diversity of multipurpose plants with ethnoveterinary importance was analysed using the analytical methods of ethnobotany including priority ranking, comparisons and important indices. The T-test statistic was used to compare knowledge differences among different social groups.ResultsA total of 132 plant species in 120 genera and 61 families were reported by informants as having ethnoveterinary uses. The plants are said to be used by the local communities in various ways to treat 50 livestock health problems. Higher number of informants (23.77%) cited Momordica foetida for the treatment of 16 livestock ailments. The highest informant consensus value for this species is associated with its use for treating blackleg in cattle; Nicotiana tabacum was cited for the treatment of 15 livestock ailments mainly recommended for the Lumpy Skin Disease/Ailment of bovines; Croton macrostachyus for treatment of 13 livestock ailments including wooden tongue, FMD in bovines; and Gymnanthemum amygdalinum for nine ailments mainly diarrhoea of all livestock types. Achyranthes aspera is claimed to provide the most effective treatment for Aspiration pneumonia (severe coughing in bovines, sheep and goats) alone, while Croton macrostachyus, Ximenia americana, Allium sativum and Juniperus procera were indicated as potential plant species to treat Lumpy Skin Disease in bovines in the order given. The fidelity level analysis showed that Datura stramonium, Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustifolia and Asparagus africanus were potential medicinal plant species to treat the respective ailments of rabies, Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and evil eye/spirit. Multipurpose plant species including Prunus africanus, Combretum molle and Afrocarpus falcatus have been highly threatened as indicated by direct matrix ranking mainly due to collection of fuel wood, construction materials and making household utensils, and farm implements rather than for other uses.ConclusionSoro District has rich and diversified livestock herbal medicinal resources, and indigenous knowledge of remedy preparations and applications is transmitted through generation lines. This resource faces anthropogenic threats with deforestation being the leading factor. Consequently, ethnoveterinary medicinal plants continue to decline before adequate and proper scientific documentation and testing are made. There is a dire need for planning and implementation of appropriate in situ and ex situ conservation strategies and to strive towards ensuring the survival and sustainable utilization of such important plant resources of Soro District. This must be supported by further documentation of the associated indigenous knowledge and pharmacological testing of the key promising species including Balanites aegyptiaca (novel species/NS to treat specific ailment), Brugmansia suaveolens (novel species/NS reported first to treat Livestock ailments/LsAs), Euclea divinorum (NS to treat specific ailments), Grevillea robusta (NS), Hagenia abyssinica (NS for the reported specific ailment), Pentanema confertiflorum (NS), Juniperus procera (NS), Maesa lanceolata (NS), Millettia ferruginea (NS for reported specific ailments), Schrebera alata/NS, Securidaca longepedunculata, Spiniluma oxyacantha/NS, Vepris nobilis (novel species reported first to treat LsAs), Zanthoxylum asiaticum /NS and Ximenia americana (NS for specific ailments). This ethnoveterinary study attempted to fill part of the gaps concerning the prevalent livestock health problems and the associated indigenous and local knowledge in the area.

‘Working With the Whole Person’: Employability Keyworker Experiences of Supporting People Furthest From the Labour Market

Abstract This article explores the experiences of keyworkers within a third-sector employability programme targeted at people furthest from work. Using semi-structured qualitative interviews, the study investigated keyworker perspectives on effective elements of programme design, and what made the critical difference for those who did move into employment. Echoing previous research, findings confirmed the value of a holistic and personalised approach founded upon a consistent and long-term relationship of trust and support, through which programme participants developed the confidence and self-belief that was critical to progression towards employment. However, critical attention to the keyworker perspective offers novel insights, bringing to light challenges in defining role parameters and maintaining personal-professional boundaries in the interests of keyworkers and programme participants. We contribute to the body of research on employability practitioner perspectives, revealing that the strengths of person-centred support may simultaneously present tensions and wellbeing risks, where role parameters are very broadly defined.

Supporting People Seeking Asylum in the Australian Community: A Service Provider Perspective

Deterrence of asylum seekers, including via restrictive refugee determination processes, is increasingly common in many countries. In Australia, people who sought asylum by sea between 13 August 2012 and 1 January 2014 (the ‘legacy caseload’), have been subject to increasing restrictions on their social and economic rights. As a result, these people rely on support from non-government organisations, whilst they progress through Australia’s refugee determination process. This research explored service providers’ role in mediating the impacts of asylum policy on the legacy caseload. Findings from 20 in-depth, semi-structured interviews, conducted between December 2018 and February 2020, highlight how service providers in both statutory and community sectors in Victoria challenge and subvert deterrence policies, even as the policy environment constrains their ability to support people seeking asylum. To redress these constraints, increased availability of social supports for people seeking asylum, continuing and additional funding for non-government organisations, and increased support for workers across sectors are recommended by this study. Service providers play a crucial role in enabling the effective engagement of people seeking asylum with the refugee determination process. These findings serve as a further warning from countries seeking to emulate the ‘Australian model’ of harm.

Supporting People with Social Care Needs On Release from Prison: A Scoping Review

Context: Social care need in prisons is increasing in many countries. However, the delivery of social care in prisons has been (at best) inconsistent and there has been no previous review to inform provision for people on release. Objective: To identify and synthesise what is known about the social care needs of people on release from prison and how best to meet these. Method: A scoping review encompassing systematic searches of 26 electronic databases (January 2010–July 2021) included a wide range of literature. No exclusions were made on the basis of study design, method or quality. Findings were organised according to their contribution to the research questions. Findings: Forty-six documents met the review criteria of which 27 were from the UK. Just two focused specifically on the topic of interest and most of the extracted material was descriptive in nature. Almost no information was found on the number of people released from prison in need of social care. However, the challenges of providing care for this group appeared well understood. Although there were many examples of good practice and widespread consensus about its enablers, outcome information was lacking. Limitations: In keeping with the nature of the review, the quality of the literature was not formally assessed. Implications: The review identified several promising initiatives ranging from prison buddy schemes to pre-release training in everyday living skills and personalised pathway documents. Conclusions: Policy makers and researchers must now shift their attention to the effectiveness of particular interventions in improving social care outcomes.

Redevelopment of mental health first aid guidelines for substance use problems: a Delphi study

BackgroundSubstance use problems have a major impact on the physical and mental health of individuals, families and communities. Early intervention may have a positive effect on recovery and treatment outcomes for those with substance use problems, reducing related risk and harm. Separate mental health first aid guidelines on how a member of the public could assist someone experiencing or developing alcohol use and drug use problems in high income Western countries were developed using Delphi expert consensus in 2009 and 2011, respectively. This study aimed to synthesise and update these two original guidelines to reflect current evidence and best practice.MethodsThe Delphi expert consensus method was used to determine the inclusion of statements in the redeveloped guidelines. A questionnaire was developed using previously endorsed helping statements from the original guidelines on alcohol and drug use problems, as well as relevant content identified in systematic searches of academic and grey literature. Three panels of experts (people with lived experience, support people and professionals) rated statements over three consecutive online survey rounds to determine the importance of their inclusion in the guidelines. Statements endorsed by at least 80% of each panel were included.Results103 panellists completed all three survey rounds. They rated 469 statements and endorsed 300 of these for inclusion in the redeveloped guidelines.ConclusionsThis study has developed a broader and more comprehensive set of guidelines for how to support a person experiencing or developing a substance use problem. The redeveloped guidelines provide more detail on knowledge about and recognition of substance use problems, approaching and assisting people who want to change or are not ready to change, harm reduction, community-based supports and professional help, but have less on physical first aid actions. Mental Health First Aid International will use these guidelines in future updates of their training courses.