Inside this The ‘Dementia’ Edition issue: The … · Inside this The ‘Dementia’ Edition The...
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The ‘Dementia’ EditionThe ‘Dementia’ EditionThe ‘Dementia’ EditionThe ‘Dementia’ Edition I n s i d e t h i s
i s s u e :
How to refer 1
Core Assessments 2
Assessment Clinic 3
Groups and
Interventions
Summary
3
Policy Drivers 8
Scotland’s National
Dementia Strategy
8
5 Pillar Model 9
8 Pillar Model 10
Psychological
Therapies HEAT
Target
11
Promoting
Psychological
Wellbeing
12
Promoting Excellence 10
Scottish Patient
Safety Programme—
MentalHealth
12
Fife Dementia
Learning Forum
13
Dementia Champions 13
Strategic Dementia
Meetings
18
Successes 14
Mental Health
Occupational Therapy
Service Newsletter D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 3 V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 2
NHS Fife MHOT Older Adult Service The NHS Fife MHOT Older Adult Service consists of 3 teams in total. We have a team of:
• 2.8 WTE qualified staff and 1.7 WTE support staff based at Queen Margaret Hospital covering the
Dunfermline and West Fife area.
• 2.36 WTE qualified staff and 1.20 WTE support staff based at Whyteman’s Brae Hospital covering the
Kirkcaldy, Leven and Glenrothes areas.
• 3.40 WTE qualified staff and 0.68 WTE support staff based at Stratheden Hospital covering the North
East Fife area.
Staff in these teams work with patients who have functional and/or organic illness in a variety of settings,
including wards, day hospitals, community, etc. The main focus of our service is to provide functional
assessments and a client-centred treatment plan addressing any identified needs, which may include
kitchen practice, life skills, reintegration into the community, and grading activities to maximize
independence.
How to Refer We accept referrals from GPs, Consultants, Nursing
Staff from wards and day hospitals, CPN’s and Social Work Services.
We require a completed referral form or letter
detailing the client’s history and reason for referral.
You should also send us a completed risk assessment
to accompany the referral or include a detailed
account in your referral letter. If there are no
risks, we still need to know, so please state this.
This is to allow us to triage your referrals appropriately using the Threshold Assessment Grid
(TAG) looking at risk, safety, needs and disabilities.
Referrals and risk assessments should be sent to
the following:
North East Fife:
Karen Smart, Paramedical Secretary, OT
Department, Ceres Centre, Stratheden Hospital,
Cupar, Fife, KY15 5RR.
Central Fife:
Tracy Pratt, OT Secretary, OT Department, Torbain Ward, Whyteman’s Brae Hospital,
Kirkcaldy, Fife, KY1 2ND.
West Fife:
Christine Swales, OT Secretary, OT Department,
Phase 1, Queen Margaret Hospital, Whitefield
Road, Dunfermline, Fife, KY12 0SU.
GPs can refer directly into the service via SCI
Gateway.
Once a patient has been allocated to an
Occupational Therapist, you will receive a copy of
the initial appointment letter. However, if patient
circumstances have changed, and you feel they
require to be seen more urgently, please keep us
informed and we will try to comply with your
request.
Lynn Dorman
Head Occupational Therapist (0.91 WTE)
01592 648185 / [email protected]
Norma Clark
AHP Clinical Services Manager (Mental Health) / Lead Occupational Therapist
01334 696266 / 07769 163164 [email protected] (Follow me on twitter @normaAHPMH)
Eleanor Curnow
OT R&D Officer (0.60 WTE)
01383 674153 / [email protected]
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Core Assessments Occupational Therapists (OTs) carry out a number of standardized assessments in order to identify a patient’s strengths, skills and
areas of functional deficit. These assessments include the following: (OTs also carry out a range of non-standardized assessments including home, kitchen and community assessments.)
Large Allen Cognitive Lacing ScreenLarge Allen Cognitive Lacing ScreenLarge Allen Cognitive Lacing ScreenLarge Allen Cognitive Lacing Screen
Client’s performance on the assessment shows the therapist if performance is
impaired. The assessment scores can be
used to show the client’s ability to
perform on a wide range of everyday
tasks.
Following assessment, we will
Provide you with a detailed report
indicating how a person will be able to
perform and what support may be
required in a number of areas such as dressing, road safety, medication, self
care, etc,
Following the outcome of the assessment,
Occupational Therapists can also carry
other assessments from the Claudia Allen
toolkit, including a kitchen assessment,
dressing and communication.
The Large Allen Cognitive Lacing Screen
(LACL) is a leather lace screening tool, designed to assist in defining patient's
presenting functional abilities and
difficulties - i.e. in activities of daily living
(ADL).
The LACLS consists of a practical task
which is useful for assessing people who
may have impaired reading, writing and
verbal skills.
Assessment of Motor and Process SkillsAssessment of Motor and Process SkillsAssessment of Motor and Process SkillsAssessment of Motor and Process Skills tasks (occupations) are reported as
presenting a challenge, as well as those everyday tasks that are reported as being
performed with satisfaction. The
Occupational Therapist then offers a
choice of familiar and relevant ADL tasks
to perform for the AMPS observations, of
which the client performs two.
Clinicians undertake training, assessment
and accreditation to use AMPS.
A detailed report is generated which
clearly demonstrates skills, skills deficits
and need for support.
AMPS is a standardised observation-based
evaluation of occupational performance; specifically, the ability to perform daily
life tasks (i.e., personal and domestic
activities of daily living - ADL). When a
client is evaluated, the Occupational
Therapist conducts an interview to gain a
better understanding of which everyday
Interest ChecklistInterest ChecklistInterest ChecklistInterest Checklist The Interest Checklist is a standardized assessment taken from a toolkit of Model of Human Occupation by Keilhofner and is used to
identify activities and interests that the person enjoys now, and has enjoyed in the past. It looks at activities and interests in different categories including Health and Fitness, Sports, Creative, Productivity at Home, Leisure at Home, Social, Outdoor Pursuits,
Entertainment and Educational. This information is used by the Occupational Therapist to provide the focus for treatments and
interventions. Further information is available from, and assessments can be downloaded at http://www.cade.uic.edu/moho/
The CORE is a well established outcome measure, traditionally looking at symptoms
of illness, measuring health, wellbeing, risk and function. AHP Leads from across Scotland worked with CORE developers to develop an AHP specific component looking at personal goals and
helpful aspects of treatment. All registered staff were trained in the use of the CORE and IT system.
Fife MHOT Service participated in a national pilot of the AHP CORE that aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of AHP
therapeutic interventions. This pilot has demonstrated positive results and the Scottish Government have now just announced that
they will fund the continued use of CORE in the pilot sites UNTIL January 2014.
Within the Fife MHOT OA Service, CORE has been used routinely in group and individual sessions, particularly with clients with
early stages of dementia.
Lynn Dorman, Head OT has been mentoring NHS Fife MHOT OT staff through the pilot stage of the project. If anyone has any
further questions regarding the CORE, please contact Lynn on [email protected] or 01592 648185.
AHP COREAHP COREAHP COREAHP CORE CCCClinical OOOOutcomes for RRRRoutine EEEEvaluation
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LOTCALOTCALOTCALOTCA----GGGG The LOTCA-G assessment battery is based on a dynamic view of brain-behaviour relationships, as well as on cognition. It functions best
as a prerequisite for rehabilitation intervention and/or further assessment. The battery is divided into six main areas with specified sub-tests addressing orientation, visual perception, spatial perception, motor praxis, visuomotor organisation and thinking operations. All the
sub-tests are scored from 1 (low) to 4 (high). On completion of the battery, low-scored sub-tests define areas for rehabilitation.
From the LOTCA-G results, we present patients with compensatory strategies for activities of daily living, as well as looking at any aids
and adaptations requirements; e.g., signage, ensuring that carers are made aware of these to reinforce them on a daily basis. We also
arrange onward referral to for example, the sensory impairment centre or optician, etc.
Occupational Therapy Cognitive and Functional Assessment
Clinic The NHS Fife MHOT Service Lead Occupational Therapist (Norma Clark) and OA Service Head Occupational Therapist (Lynn Dorman)
had to identify an innovative model of working that would provide a long-term solution to the increased assessment waiting list and that would not negatively impact upon the clients, other clinicians or the OT Service.
The rationale behind the Clinic was that previously one OT would have visited a patient at home to carry out these assessments, travelling
distances between 2-30 miles and only realistically being able to assess one patient in a session (am/pm). However, the Clinic would allow
6 patients to be seen in a session, utilising 2 OTs to carry out the standardised assessments and a Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW)
to gather information, allowing the service to see more patients, to reduce travel time and to reduce the waiting list.
Following liaison with Old Age Psychiatry staff, the new model of assessing patients was very positively received.
The main benefits identified were that:
• Patients would be seen quicker and would not have to be on a waiting list.
• The Clinic would raise the profile of the Fife MHOT Service.
• The HCSWs within the team would have more responsibility.
• Would reduce staff travel time.
• Patients could be seen quicker, therefore could receive support and intervention at an earlier stage.
• The clinic would contribute to the HEAT targets of early assessment and intervention.
• As carers would also be invited into the clinic, this would allow therapists to potentially identify any needs or supports they may have.
Groups and Interventions Summary Following assessment, the Occupational Therapist (with the patient and carer), will create an individualised treatment plan which aims
to develop and maintain strengths and skills, to meet individual goals. These interventions may be carried out on an individual or group basis depending on need. Some examples of interventions for people with dementia and their carers are described below.
Posters and leaflets are available for groups if anyone would like this information, please contact Lynn Dorman, Head Occupational
Therapist on Extension 28185 or by email at [email protected].
Confidence through CreativityConfidence through CreativityConfidence through CreativityConfidence through Creativity People with mental health problems may experience problems with self expression and social isolation and may also experience decreased
confidence and self esteem (Mind, 2011). Evidence suggests that active involvement in creative activities provides a range of benefits, including the promotion of wellbeing, quality of life, health and social capital (Bungay and Clift, 2010).
The Fife MHOT OA Service developed a Confidence through Creativity Group to utilise creative activities as a medium to encourage
growth in confidence and provide a safe environment in which to address these issues. Although creativity is the basis of each group
session, it is recognised that each person is individual in their desire of how to express themselves.
The group, which uses activities such as arts and crafts, glass painting, knitting, card making, quizzes jigsaws, creative writing,
storytelling, etc., offers individuals a creative outlet in which to sample potential new interests. The group aims to improve self esteem,
confidence and self expression through the achievement of appropriate goals; develop individuals’ planning and organisation skills; support
self discovery and personal development; facilitate social interaction through sharing of ideas and materials; and to facilitate a sense of enjoyment and achievement.
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M e n t a l H e a l t h O c c u p a t i o n a l T h e r a p y S e r v i c e N e w s l e t t e r
GardeningGardeningGardeningGardening Our
Gardening Groups aim
to utilise the
therapeutic
garden space
available to
the Fife
MHOT Service by providing simple,
structured activities that not only enhance
the hospital environment, but also work
towards making the garden space a pleasant, sensory, visual, tactile and safe environment
conducive to relaxation and other outside
activities, such as social groups.
We aim to stimulate our patients’ interests in
basic gardening and other outdoor
environmental activities, whilst also helping
to develop their confidence in themselves,
practical abilities, social skills and team
working skills, by empowering them to
make the gardens their own.
Over time it is hoped that the group will
work towards creating a kitchen garden
section and a basic greenhouse that will
be used to grow flowers, shrubs, herbs
and vegetables, some of which can be
incorporated into life skills and
nutritional groups thereby enhancing the
cooking experience, as well as being
used as a sensory experience too. Other sections of the garden will be
maintained for larger scale art projects,
such as mosaics, wind chimes, bird
feeders, art poster boards, etc.
Some activities patients can be involved
in include: weeding, pruning, planting,
watering, tending beds, maintaining
equipment, planning for next season,
making bird feed, etc.
Our Gardening Groups aim to:
• Allow Occupational Therapists to
assess cognitive/functional ability, mental state and social awareness.
• Facilitate a safe environment and
familiar activity to practice social
and communication skills.
• Promote active participation,
integration, choice and decision
making.
• Maintain existing skills.
• Promote a sense of achievement and
enjoyment.
• Promote confidence and self-
esteem.
• Encourage a multi-sensory
experience.
Awa fir a BletherAwa fir a BletherAwa fir a BletherAwa fir a Blether
Presented at the 2013 COT Annual Conference in
Glasgow.
This is a community based social
group that was developed from the original hospital based Get to
Blether group.
‘Awa fir a Blether’ offers a
supported and safe setting in
which older adults have the
opportunity, through
participating in pleasurable
leisure activities, to socialise
with others, to develop/maintain
their social skills, to increase their self-esteem and to improve
their confidence.
The group aims to provide
supported opportunities to
explore community facilities; to
promote social interaction,
decision making and personal
choices, thereby contributing to
an increased quality of life.
The group runs once a week for a
10 week period. Patients are
assessed at regular intervals
through this time period to
evaluate if they have experienced
any improvement as a result of
the intervention, and to evaluate
the effectiveness of the
intervention itself.
The Get to Blether poster by Ashleigh Payne and Janet Love’s won the ROMPA Best Poster prize at the 2012 COT Annual Conference in
Glasgow.
Get to BletherGet to BletherGet to BletherGet to Blether be withdrawn from their roles
and routines, interests and social groups.
Therefore, this group aims to
provide patients with supported
opportunities to promote social
interaction; to encourage
participation in previous held
roles, routines and interests; to
develop/maintain their social
skills; to improve concentration and decision making; to reduce
social isolation and increase
social awareness; to reinforce
orientation to time, place and
person; and to improve self-
This is a hospital based social
group for older adults with functional and cognitive illness,
which was developed to provide
supported opportunities for
patients to socialise with each
other in a safe environment.
Mental illness can cause
disruption in an individual’s skill
and the processes which enable
the growth of potential talents or skills may be inhibited
(Roberts M p275), particularly
when the person requires
treatment within an inpatient
setting, whereby s/he may also
worth and confidence, thereby
contributing to a better quality of life.
‘Get to Blether’ sessions can be
based within the ward,
Occupational Therapy
Department, wider hospital or
community setting, dependent
upon the needs of the group
members at that time.
Therapeutic activities can include reminiscence, baking,
quizzes, musical based
activities or access to
community resources.
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anxiety
• Acute and chronic hyperventilation, using
breathing techniques as a coping
strategy.
• Thought record diaries
• Challenging negative automatic thinking
• Work through and address issues relating
to the change cycle
• Cycle of avoidance and avoidance
behaviours
• Problem solving – differentiating between
real event worry and hypothetical event
worry
• Distraction/relaxation methods
• Homework exercise following each weekly
session
Our Anxiety Management groups aim to:
• develop a changed view of the person’s
ability to cope with anxiety provoking
situations.
• develop a sense of self through
purposeful activity.
• allow individuals to develop a practical
problem solving approach to cope with
worry based problems.
• provide a safe, therapeutic environment
to enable group members to share
experiences and receive support.
• allow the group to be guided by it
members in addressing needs that are
most relevant to the group.
• begin to reduce level of worry in daily
living through a ‘Change View.’
Due to the increased number of referrals
for Anxiety Management and the inability of the Fife MHOT OA Service to see all
these patients individually, it was
considered appropriate to treat some of
the patients within a group setting,
providing an efficient and timely service
with a focus on the practical application of
anxiety management coping skills.
Our Anxiety Management groups are
designed to help people develop coping strategies that allow them to address
their anxiety. They are generally delivered
over an 8 week period and cover a range of
topics, such as:
• Understanding anxiety
• Physical and psychological symptoms of
Anxiety ManagementAnxiety ManagementAnxiety ManagementAnxiety Management
Life StoryLife StoryLife StoryLife Story “The use of a life story book can help an older person to piece together their past in order to preserve a sense of identity. The information
can also be shared with others; for example family and carers. Appreciating the history of the older person promotes his/her self-esteem and enables others to be
empathetic.”
Presented at the 2013
COT Annual Conference in Glasgow.
Life Story work is carried out within the Fife
MHOT OA Service by both OTs and HCSWs as a 1:1 intervention with patients. Information is
also gathered from patients’ family, friends and
carers to gain a more rounded view of the
person, their life, interests and history.
Life Story is used as a communication tool to
build rapport, act as a memory jogger,
encourage reminiscence, provide mental
stimulation and enhance the patient/staff
relationship.
The finished result can take one of a variety of
different forms depending on individual need.
For example, life story books, photo murals,
tactile boards, memory boxes, etc.
Life Story work offers many benefits:
Benefits for Client
• Enjoyment.
• Improved self esteem.
• Reinforcing sense of self.
• Facilitates social skills.
• Maintaining memory.
Benefits for Carer/Family
• Increased feelings of involvement.
• Provides a link for family members and carers
to the person.
• Acts as keepsake.
• Increases family knowledge.
• Communication tool that increases interaction.
Benefits for Staff
• Informative.
• Provides stimulation.
• Diversional.
• Facilitates planning and delivery of individual
care.
• Can explain behaviours and routines.
Carol Prattis, HCSW gave a presentation to Link
Living Service Manager and 14 befriending
volunteers educating on Life Story Work.
Future developments and joint working places are
currently in discussion with Service Managers.
Further resources:
Www.dementiauk.org/information-
support/life-story-work/
Www.dementia.stir.ac.uk/topiclinks
Www.caringmemories.net/
Tai ChiTai ChiTai ChiTai Chi conflict issues affecting abilities to
function with everyday aspects of daily living. It is believed that Tai Chi concepts
can have a therapeutic role within a
person’s treatment plan.
We use tai chi in a group format at
Whyteman’s Brae and Queen Margaret
Hospitals as a form of relaxation, which is
adapted to the elderly client in that
exercises are repetitive, and can be broken down to suit different physical needs (e.g.,
standing, sitting).
Some clients have successfully moved onto
to community Tai Chi groups from hospital
based OT groups.
According to MacDownell et al (2005), Tai Chi “teaches patience and relaxation, and fosters an understanding of the co-
ordination of mind, body and spirit. It is
the perfect antidote to the stresses and
strains of today’s modern lifestyle”. Many referrals to the Fife MHOT OA
Service present with anxieties, stress and
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Talking Mats is a communication tool that uses a mat with symbols attached as the basis for communication. It is designed to
help people with communication difficulties to think about issues discussed with them, and provide them with a way to effectively express themselves in a visual way that can be easily recorded. Talking Mats supports people with a range of communication
difficulties and helps people to understand, consider and express their views. It can be used with people with different abilities,
from different cultures and living in different situations.
More information is available from: http://www.talkingmats.com/index.php/13-front-page/10-what-is-talking-mats
Healthcare Support Workers within the Fife MHOT OA Service have completed online accredited Talking Mats training and have
been utilizing talking mats with patients who have communication difficulties, such as expressive and receptive dysphasia,
memory problems and dementia associated communication difficulties, such as word finding problems, perseveration, etc.
Talking MatsTalking MatsTalking MatsTalking Mats
Carer Support GroupCarer Support GroupCarer Support GroupCarer Support Group A number of patients attending Occupational Therapy had carers experiencing stress and anxiety in relation to
their loved one being given a diagnosis of dementia. The Fife MHOT OA Service identified this as an area of need and contacted the carers to offer a Carers Support Group, which is run on a monthly basis.
This group is not structured like those offered by other services, which allowed an opportunity for the carers in the group to discuss
all manner of issues, concerns and anxieties with the therapists offering advice, support and information, as well as inviting guest
speakers to cover more specialist topics.
From feedback received from carers, because they understood the nature of the condition more fully, they felt less irritated and
aggravated by their partner, were more understanding of their behaviour and were able to adopt some of the strategies that they had
learnt about within the group, resulting in less stress for both carer and patient, which reduced the caregiver burden.
MusicMusicMusicMusic Music can be used to increase social interaction,
provide reminiscence and maintain cognitive function. The benefits of using music with people
with dementia are widely recognised. "It appears
that music has the potential to reduce problem
behaviours and avert the need for pharmacological
or physical intervention, as well as to provide
engagement in meaningful activity." (Sherratt et
al, 2004).
Evidence suggests people with dementia, despite
aphasia and memory loss, continue to sing old
songs and dance to old tunes, suggesting that
music may be a communication channel for reminiscing and life review (Aldridge, 2000).
Across the 3 sites, music is utilised as a
therapeutic intervention within the wards and
day hospital.
The group programme is developed in partnership
with the group members and often looks at
different kinds of music, instruments and
singing, incorporating some movement.
Wii GolfWii GolfWii GolfWii Golf Nintendo Wii golf has become a tool in physical,
occupational and neurological rehabilitation (Mickey, 2012). People with enduring mental health
problems are often deprived of exercise and
quality time to reflect and plan a vision for the
future. Their illness can deny them these basics
for lengthy periods in their lives.
One of the most common problems confronting
workers in the mental health field is that of
clients lacking motivation to engage in treatment.
Ideally, clients should be actively involved in
planning their own treatment. This group aimed to improve socialisation and
structure to weekly routine; assist in improving
and maintaining physical strength, balance and
cognition; and continuing enjoyment of sport in a
'safe' environment.
The group also aimed to improve patients’
cognitive skills in relation to problem solving,
concentration, attention, memory, co-ordination
and visuospatial perception.
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Cognitive Behavioural TherapyCognitive Behavioural TherapyCognitive Behavioural TherapyCognitive Behavioural Therapy One Nurse from NHS Fife and two Occupational Therapists within the Fife MHOT OA Service were successful in applying for and being
selected to participate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Older Adults funded by NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and delivered by higher education institutes in Scotland.
The therapists are required to undertake weekly CBT clinics, to prepare case studies and essays, and to submit audio recordings of
sessions for assessment purposes.
They attend monthly supervision sessions with CBT Practitioners, as well as monthly teaching sessions.
The 2 OTs have just completed Year 1 and are embarking on Year 2 of the Diploma. It is hoped that in the future they will utilise CBT
approaches within their clinical practice, which will support the Government psychological therapies HEAT target.
Cognitive Stimulation TherapyCognitive Stimulation TherapyCognitive Stimulation TherapyCognitive Stimulation Therapy Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a psychological therapy for people with dementia and cognitive impairment, which includes a variety
of activities including reminiscence, music, reality orientation, current affairs and sensory stimulation in order to promote cognitive function.
Within NHS Fife MHOT OA Service, an Occupational Therapist has attended a training for trainers course and through in-service
training has trained Occupational Therapists and Healthcare Support Workers in the use of CST. CST is a 14-week structured
programme and a number of CST groups have been run throughout Fife.
In September 2013, monies were successful secured from Effective Practitioner to produce a report looking at the effectiveness of the
CST groups run in the Fife MHOT OA Service against the literature and evidence base.
Tailored Activity Programme (TAP)Tailored Activity Programme (TAP)Tailored Activity Programme (TAP)Tailored Activity Programme (TAP) The Tailored Activity Programme (TAP) is an Occupational Therapy intervention designed by Dr Laura Gitlin of Johns Hopkins University and Cathy Piersol of Thomas Jefferson University to reduce behavioural symptoms in people living with dementia, and to lessen carer stress by reducing the time spent in caring tasks within the caring role. A cohort of 24 Occupational Therapists from 6 NHS boards were initially trained by the intervention developers, of which ? were from NHS Fife MHOT OA Service. Following the accreditation phase, the 6 month pilot project was launched in April with each therapist using TAP with a minimum of 6 clients and carers. Outcome measures will be used to determine the impact of the intervention on the behavioural symptoms of the person with dementia and the level of carer distress (Dementia AHPproaches, ?).
number of assessments to ascertain the
individual’s strengths and abilities and their interests and will then do a number
of “activity prescriptions” which describe
activities that the individual is able to
undertake. The therapist will work with
the carer or family member to teach them
how to carry out these activities in order
to reduce behavioural problems associated
with dementia, such as agitation, apathy,
aggression, lack of motivation, to name a
few. This programme also offers carer support and education in order to reduce
carer stress.
Central Fife:
Eleanor Curnow—01383 674153
West Fife:
Gael Lindsay—01383 674153
North East Fife:
Alison Long and Katharine Hodgkinson—01334 696236
Four Occupational Therapists within NHS
Fife MHOT OA Service are trained in Tailored Activity Programme and are
accepting referrals for this intervention.
Patients who would benefit from TAP will
be experiencing behavioural and
psychological problems including
If you have a patient you feel may benefit
from TAP, the criteria is
• They must have a diagnosis of
dementia.
• They must have an involved carer or
family member willing to participate in
the programme.
• There must be psychological and
behavioural problems associated with
dementia.
• They must be home based.
Once a patient is referred for TAP, the
Occupational Therapist will undertake a
The Scottish TAPpers
Jenny Reid from NHS
Lothian is the AHP Dementia
Consultant leading on the
national TAP project.
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Policy Drivers There are many policy drivers currently shaping care for people with dementia and their families and carers. From April 2013, anyone
diagnosed with dementia will receive post diagnostic support co-ordinated by a link worker, including the building of a person-centred support plan (Alzheimer Scotland 5 pillars model).
Policy drivers include:-
• Fife Dementia Strategy 2010-2020
• Scotland’s National Dementia Strategy – June 2010
• Alzheimer’s Scotland 5 and 8 pillar models
• Dementia HEAT targets
• ‘Promoting Excellence in Dementia Care’ framework
• ‘Standards of Care for Dementia in Scotland’ – June 2011
• Joint Health and Social Strategy for Older People in Fife (2011-2026)
• Promoting Psychological wellbeing for people with dementia and their carers: an enhanced practice resource.
COMMITMENT 4:
We will commission Alzheimer Scotland to produce an
evidence based policy document outlining the contributions of AHP’s to ensuring implementation of the 8 pillar model.
Scotland’s National Dementia Strategy dementia, their families and
carers.
A Dementia Expert Group was
formed with AHP’s from
across Scotland meeting
regularly. The members of
this group will assist Elaine
Hunter to produce this policy
document.. NHS Fife Mental
Health AHP Services are
represented at this meeting by Lynn Dorman, Head
Occupational Therapist in
NHS Fife MHOT OA Service.
Other key messages in the
strategy
As Occupational Therapists,
there are many other key
messages within the Dementia
Strategy that we contribute
to:
• Promoting Excellence Framework - We ensure all our staff has the
knowledge, skills and
experience required to
meet the skilled level of
this framework. This is
monitored through the e-
KSF system.
• Post Diagnostic Support- We have had staff attend
The Scottish Government
commissioned a review of the literature on Allied Health
Professional (AHP) led
interventions for people with
dementia. They found a
growing evidence base
supporting non-
pharmacological interventions
by AHP’s, which provided
important insights for
developing and testing future interventions for people with
dementia, carers and families.
Alzheimer Scotland have
requested that a Dementia
Consultant based in Alzheimer
Scotland in Edinburgh (Elaine
Hunter) takes the lead in
producing an evidence based
policy document that will
outline the contribution of the AHP’s to the 8 pillar model
(and the contribution of the
AHP’s to the key messages in
the Dementia Strategy). The
outcome of this work will
ensure that people with
dementia, carers and families
are provided with AHP
information appropriate to
their needs and that AHP’s are in a position to provide
advice, education and
information to people with
the Post Diagnostic Support
training and are in the process of disseminating
the key messages from this
training to other OT staff
within Mental Health
Services in Fife.
• Commitment 5 - We will take further action to
support safe and supportive
home environments and the
importance of the use of
adaptations and assistive
technology, in maintaining
the independence and quality of life of people with
dementia and their carers.
As OT’s, we are the only
profession trained to carry
out functional assessments
within a patient’s home
environment, so are best
placed with our knowledge,
skills and experience to
contribute to this commitment. We also have
a staff member who is
trained as an Environmental
Auditor through Stirling
Dementia Services, who
offers advice and support
on small changes that can be
made in a person’s home
which will encourage greater
independence.
P a g e 9 V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 2
The Fife Mental Health Occupational
Therapy Older Adult Service (Fife MHOT OA Service) signposts to information on
legal issues and useful telephone numbers.
Our staff are trained in the Mental Health
(Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act and
Adults with Incapacity. They have
knowledge of some of the issues relating to
receiving a diagnosis of dementia and post
diagnostic support, but do refer for
expertise advice when necessary.
Planning for future decision making
The Fife MHOT OA Service supports
people to make ‘community connections’ by providing community groups, carrying out
supported visits to different groups and
activities in the community, by referring
patients to other community resources and
for volunteers/befrienders to regularly
encourage access to community supports,
by ensuring that patients remain
connected with their neighbours and
friends as part of their treatment
planning.
Our staff use their local knowledge and
relationships with many community
resources and services to facilitate
Supporting community connections
Peer support
The Fife MHOT OA Service maintains close
links with the Carers Centre and Alzheimer Scotland, and refers patients to these
organisations.
Our service provides opportunities for peer
support through social and educational
groups, such as Cognitive Stimulation
Therapy, Awa Fir a Blether, Community
Support Group, Gardening Group,
Community Tai Chi for our patients, some of
which also have a carer support element built in.
We encourage supported self management
with other group members during, and
following, group interventions, such as the
Get to Blether ward social group.
Planning for future care
The Fife MHOT OA Service carries out Life
Story work with patients, which gives future caregivers the chance to know an individual
better and understand what is important to
them. We also use the Alzheimer Scotland
“This is me” tool with patients and carers,
which enables people with dementia to tell
staff about their needs, preferences, likes,
dislikes and interests.
We have discussions with our patients
around their care options, including their families as required. These discussions
occur regularly throughout all interventions
and treatments, to ensure that we
understand what is important to our
patients and to try to enable or promote
these wishes.
Our OT’s attend Case Conferences and
Discharge Planning Meetings to contribute
to patients’ future care.
We refer to Advocacy when required.
The Fife MHOT OA Service provides a
range of 1:1 and group interventions or activities that aim to assist patients (and
their carers) to understand their illness and
to put in place strategies that will assist
them in managing the symptoms of their
illness, as well as maintain their skills for as
long as possible.
Examples of these interventions are listed
below:
• Anxiety Management
• Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
• Tailored Activity Programme
• Tai Chi and Relaxation
• Physical Activity Groups
• Providing information and support on
different symptoms, such as sleep
hygiene and hydration.
• Memory aids and prompts
• Compensatory strategies
Understanding the illness and managing
symptoms
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Talking Mats
• Reminiscence and Life Story
• Kitchen practice
We also provide carer support and
information to help them understand and
deal with symptoms.
The Fife MHOT OA Service also assess
patients to identify any equipment needs,
assess patients’ environments to identify any adaptation needs, and carry out
community assessments.
We are also able to refer people onto other
AHP’s to assist in managing diet, mobility,
swallowing and speech problems.
There are approximately 86,000 people with
dementia in Scotland; 3,000 of whom are under the age of 65 years.
Current diagnosis is 50% of estimated prevalence.
Most care is provided by family and friends.
(Alzheimer Scotland, (Alzheimer Scotland, (Alzheimer Scotland, (Alzheimer Scotland,
2013.)2013.)2013.)2013.)
5 Pillars Model of Post Diagnostic Support The Scottish Government has guaranteed that people receiving a diagnosis of dementia will be offered one year post-diagnostic support
based on Alzheimer Scotland’s 5 Pillars Model from 2013 onwards. The 5 pillars are: -
Scotland’s National Dementia Strategy
was launched in June 2010 and outlined
key actions to improve the knowledge
and skills of staff working in health
and social care to enable them to work
with people with dementia and their
families and carers.
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Environment
OT’s within the Fife MHOT OA Service have undertaken Liaison
Policy and Cequip training, which allows them to order small pieces of equipment for their patients when this is required. For larger
pieces of equipment and for adaptations; however, our OT’s are
able to refer patients onto Community OT’s in order to fulfil
these needs.
Within our service, we are able to assess for and refer for
appropriate use of telecare. We carry out home and community
assessments to identify any risks to the patient, and offer advice
on how to reduce these risks through signage, removal of rugs,
better lighting, placement of items within the home, supervision or support in certain tasks if required.
We are able to provide information and support to carers/family
to enable the person to remain as independent as they can within
their environment.
Support for carers
The Fife MHOT OA Service supports people in their caring role
and to maintain their own health and wellbeing through provision of Tailored Activity Programmes, a Carer Support Group, and advice
and information when required.
Our service can also refer to Home Care Services in order to take
some of the pressure and stress off carers, by requesting
assessment for other services and can liaise with Social Work if it
is felt that carers require respite or Social Work services.
We also offer carers the opportunity to receive a Carer’s
Assessment, and take carers to Alzheimer Scotland and the Carers Centre, who can provide further support and information.
The OT’s within the Fife MHOT OA Service have a day-to-day co-
ordinator role with some patients, referring onto appropriate services and agencies, and checking up if these services have been
put in place until the patient has been discharged from our service,
but are not Dementia Practice Co-ordinators.
Dementia Practice Coordinator
The Fife MHOT OA Service provides information, support
and assessment; access to other services and equipment,
and offers the following 1:1 and group interventions which
all contribute to maintenance of mental health and
wellbeing:
• Anxiety Management
• Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
• Tailored Activity Programme
• Tai Chi and Relaxation
• Physical Activity Groups
• Information and support on different symptoms, such as sleep
hygiene and hydration.
• Memory aids and prompts
• Compensatory strategies
• Equipment and telecare
• Environmental assessment and adaption
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
• Referral onto other AHP’s for managing diet, mobility,
swallowing and speech problems.
• Talking Mats
• Reminiscence and Life Story
• Carer support and information to help them understand and
deal with symptoms
• Kitchen practice
• Community assessments
• Any activity that maintains an individuals skills for as long as
possible
Mental health care and treatment
This is what Occupational Therapists provide as their core in
assessment, treatment planning and interventions.
Personalised support
The Fife MHOT OA Service supports people with dementia and
their carers to maintain and develop social networks by providing community groups, carrying out supported visits to different
groups and activities in the community, by referring to other
community resources and for volunteers/befrienders to regularly
encourage access to community supports, by ensuring that patients
remain connected with their neighbours and friends as part of
their treatment planning.
Staff use their local knowledge and relationships with many
community resources and services to facilitate community
connections. We also maintain close links with the Carers Centre and Alzheimer Scotland, and refer patients to these organisations
as necessary.
We provide opportunities for peer support through social and
educational groups, such as Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, Awa Fir
a Blether, Community Support Group, Gardening Group, Community
Tai Chi for our patients, some of which also have a carer support
element built in. We encourage supported self management with
other group members during, and following, group interventions,
such as the Get to Blether ward social group.
Community connections
Our patients’ and their treatment plans are regularly
reviewed to maintain general wellbeing and physical health.
General care and treatment
The 8 Pillars Model of Community Support for Dementia tackles the full range of factors that influence the experience of the illness.
The 8 pillars are:-
8 Pillars Model of Community Support
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The Fife MHOT OA Service provides a range of dementia-specific 1:1 and group interventions to assist patients (and their
carers) to tackle the symptoms of their illness, to delay deterioration, to enhance coping, to maximise independence, to
maintain their skills for as long as possible, and to improve quality of life. Examples of these interventions are listed
below:
• Anxiety Management
• Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
• Tailored Activity Programme
• Tai Chi and Relaxation
• Therapeutic use of art and music
• Physical activity groups
• Confidence building
• Graded exposure
• Social groups
• Providing information and support on different symptoms, such as sleep hygiene and hydration.
• Memory aids and prompts
• Compensatory strategies
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Talking Mats
• Reminiscence and Life Story
• Kitchen practice
The Fife MHOT OA Service also assess patients to identify any equipment needs, assess patients’ environments to
identify any adaptation needs, and carry out community assessments.
We are also able to refer people onto other AHP’s to assist in managing diet, mobility, swallowing and speech problems.
We also provide carer support and information to help them understand and deal with symptoms.
Therapeutic interventions to tackle symptoms of the illness
The number of people with dementia is expected to doubledoubledoubledouble in the next 25 years (Alzheimer Scotland 2012)(Alzheimer Scotland 2012)(Alzheimer Scotland 2012)(Alzheimer Scotland 2012)
This resource is designed to enhance staff’s understanding of dementia from a
psychological perspective and to enable them to apply this learning to supporting people with dementia and their families and carers. It is for people who are working with
people who are working at the Enhanced Dementia Practice Level, which is described as,
“the knowledge and skills required by health and social services staff that have
more regular and intense contact with people with dementia, provide specific
interventions, and/or direct/manage care and services.” The knowledge and skills
developed through each section of the resource are designed to build incrementally
upon each other. There are learning activities throughout the resource, to help staff
reflect on how they can use the information to inform their practice. The resource can
be used for individual learning, group based learning or to stimulate discussions in
learning events. Copies of this resource can be obtained from NHS Education for Scotland on their website www.nes.scot.nhs.uk or by calling 0131 656 3200
Promoting Psychological wellbeing for people with dementia and
their carers: an enhanced practice resource Section 1: Section 1: Section 1: Section 1: What makes us who we are? Section 2: Section 2: Section 2: Section 2: Understanding dementia from a psychological perspective Section 3: Section 3: Section 3: Section 3: Assessment of dementia: Introduction to the most common dementias Section 4: Section 4: Section 4: Section 4: Communication-people with dementia and caregivers Section 5: Section 5: Section 5: Section 5: Evidence based psychological interventions in dementia care Section 6: Section 6: Section 6: Section 6: Psychological approaches to distressed behaviour Section 7: Section 7: Section 7: Section 7: Other resources
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These are the areas which
demonstrate OT staff are experts in
dementia practice. We recommend
that staff aim to achieve this level
and can demonstrate their skill
through KSF and reflective practice.
• Social inclusion.
• Use of person centred and
empathetic approaches.
• Specialist training in psychological
interventions.
• Training in neuropsychological
assessments.
• Highly skilled in communication.
• Knowledge of medications and
nutritional supplements available to
enhance memory—able to give
information if requested.
• Offer people with dementia, their
families, friends and carers
information, education and support
to enhance wellbeing.
• Provide expert advice on strategies
to adapt lifestyles to support
continued engagement in
communities, employment,
relationships and social networks.
• The adoption of attitudes and
practices that value the importance
of existing natural community
resources in supporting people.
• Use of an outcome based approach
to build on existing capabilities
when assessing support needs.
• Involvement of others in providing
the most appropriate treatment.
• Draw on a range of different
social, psychological and
psychosocial support and
interventions.
• Help people enhance their coping
skills and strategies to address
memory changes.
• Provide dementia specific expert
advice education and guidance on
enhancing the physical and social
environment to ensure physical
safety and emotional security.
• Assess, audit and review to ensure
appropriate adaptations are made
to the physical environment.
• Make recommendations regarding
the various ways in which the
environment and environmental
adaptations are made to the
persons privacy and safety.
• Make recommendations regarding
environmental design to assist
orientation and independence.
• Apply flexible and responsive
approaches to eliminate risk
aversion.
• Respond expertly to the diversity
of communication challenges
experienced by people with
dementia.
• Adapt social, psychological and
psychosocial interventions and
evaluate their effectiveness.
• Engage the person with dementia in
activities to maximise and improve
their memory.
• Act as a source of expert advice
and guidance in different
activities.
• Expertly use person centred
interventions to support people
with dementia who are stressed or
distressed.
• Actively liaise with partners in
care.
• Act as a source of expert advice
on meeting the specific needs of
people with dementia and their
carers.
Some of the new staff and
unregistered staff may meet some
of these standards and may be at
the level of dementia skilled, but
should become dementia experts
through experience, support and
training. We should be directing
staff to the dementia skills
resources available within
departments and on the NES website
and use these resources to become
dementia experts in time and with
experience gained.
‘Promoting Excellence in Dementia Care’ Framework
Fife MHOT OA Service OT’s have been contributing to discussions with the Scottish Fire Service regarding
home safety checks for older adults living in their own homes, with a particular emphasis on people with dementia. Often people with dementia have fire detectors in their homes; however, due to their confusion and
disorientation, difficulties may arise if the fire alarm goes off and the person with dementia does not know how
to respond to it. A number of people live on their own and there are also safety issues in regards to their
vulnerability with strangers coming to the door and being let inside, or leaving their door open in order to let
different support services to gain access.
There are a number of home safety issues relating to people with dementia and the OT Service has been taking
part in a project piloting direct electronic referrals to the Scottish Fire Service to carry out home safety
checks on the patients the OT’s feel felt required this service. We are waiting to hear the outcome of a
National bid for funding and if this is successful NHS Fife will employ a Fire Safety Person to work integral with the Fire Service, part of this person’s role will be to consider and assess the specific home safety risks of
people living at home with dementia.
Fire Safety ChecksFire Safety ChecksFire Safety ChecksFire Safety Checks Every year in Britain, the Fire Service is called out to over 60,000 fires in the home, and every year around 500 people die in these fires and over 10,000 are injured. (Fife Direct, 2013)
Scottish Patient Safety Programme—Mental Health
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As OT’s we are acutely aware of the impact that having a visual impairment can have on a person with dementia’s ability to function. It
can lead to a number of different safety issues which we assess when carrying out a home visit. We routinely enquire when the person has last had their eyes tested and if it has been some time, we work in partnership with local opticians to ensure the person either goes
for an eye test or a home visit by an Optician is organised. During home visits, we consider how a person’s visual impairment affects their
function and safety. We also discuss lighting issues within the home as people with dementia often need more light for visual acuity, they
have a diminished ability to differentiate colours so colour contrast becomes more important and we discuss how to introduce contrast
within the home so that a person can remain independent in task. We will also make suggestions to the design of different rooms, such as
ensuring that all items required to complete a task are within a person’s visual field and they do not have to go searching for items or use
their peripheral vision. All advice given by the OT Service in relation to lighting and visual cues and adaptation are evidence based.
Visual ImpairmentVisual ImpairmentVisual ImpairmentVisual Impairment
Lynn Dorman, Head OT, along with three other representatives from NHS Fife, undertook and successfully completed the
Dementia Design Audit Tool training delivered and accredited by Dementia Services Development Service in Stirling.
Following the completion of this course, the auditors were asked to undertake a number of audits within NHS Fife,
particularly within the acute wards. Recommendations were made on how to make these wards more “dementia friendly”
and some of the recommendations were taken forward and have made a real difference to people with dementia who come
into acute care setting. It is well researched that good design can help people with dementia optimise their functioning
whilst in hospital, reduce confusion and disorientation, reduce anxiety as well as have a reduction in the level of distress.
There is a demand in acute care to ensure that all environments are dementia friendly, so Lynn Dorman is working with
Helen Skinner from, Alzheimer Scotland to discuss training the Dementia Champions in Fife to become familiar and
confident in carrying out environmental audits with the support and mentorship of the auditors who have been accredited
in carrying out the audits. The aim of this would be to ensure that in years to come, if anyone with dementia was admitted
to acute care, the environment would be “dementia friendly” which would hopefully aid their recovery.
Environmental AuditEnvironmental AuditEnvironmental AuditEnvironmental Audit
We are constantly trying to improve the experience and care for people with
dementia and their carers. (FDLF, 2013)
As part of our ongoing dementia work plan, it is expected that we work more closely with our Dementia Champion colleagues.
Dementia Champions
The Fife Dementia Learning Forum is a joint initiative
between Fife Council Social Work Service and NHS Fife. It was launched in 2008, is currently funded
through the Carers Information Strategy Fund and is
supported by Fife Local Management Groups (LMGs).
The Forum aims to create better outcomes and
improve the experience for people living with
dementia and their carers through supported shared
learning, to involve the wider multi-disciplinary
network in a process of shared learning about
dementia and make best use of local knowledge and experience, to include carers and people living with
dementia as partners in learning, and to contribute to
the induction of new staff working with patients with
dementia.
The Forum content is planned by a small multi-
disciplinary steering group with membership from
health, social care, voluntary Sector, carers and
service users. It runs at least 6 times per year over
lunchtime and commences with a presentation by a
keynote speaker on a dementia related topic recommended by Forum delegates. An opportunity to
network is available followed by small conversational
learning groups. Delegates are encouraged to share
their experiences and knowledge pertaining to the
subject matter being focused on.
Recent topics were:
• The Role of the Dementia Advisor
• Dementia Touches Everyone
• The Role of Allied Health Professionals with
People with Dementia and their Carers
• Dementia in Younger Adults
• ‘Souvenaid’ – Nutritional Supplement for
Alzheimer’s Disease
If you would like more information, please contact:
Lynn Dorman, Chair, Dementia Learning Forum Steering
Group. [email protected]
Fife Dementia Learning Forum
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Relaxation Group.
After the placement, the HCSW
was able to implement the learning
into their work based environment.
As well as the HCSW having a
better understanding of the
service, Alzheimer’s Scotland has
also enhanced their knowledge of
Occupational Therapy and the
service provided. Attendance at
the Carer Support Group allowed the Support Worker to recognise
the value of having an appropriate
support service for carers and
service users, and the need to
Liz Davidovic, a HCSW undertook
a formal practice placement with Alzheimer’s Scotland in 2011.
The placement allowed the HCSW
to gain in-depth knowledge of
Alzheimer’s Scotland through
observation and participation in
various service user/carer groups
and programmes. It enabled
stronger links to be established
and potential opportunities for joint working between Alzheimer’s
Scotland and the Fife MHOT
Service to be identified, such as
the formulation of a Tai Chi/
ensure that the information provided
for this service is given appropriately and timeously.
The Occupational Therapy Service now
makes one-to-one appointments with
newly diagnosed patients and their
carers to offer support and ensure
that they are fully aware of all the
services and the benefits of them,
within the patient’s home environment.
Full report available from Mig Braid,
AHP Practice Education Facilitator at
AHP Practice Education FacilitationAHP Practice Education FacilitationAHP Practice Education FacilitationAHP Practice Education Facilitation
Successes
Liz’s practice placement poster was one of 2 that were presented at the NHS Scotland
Event Collaborative for Quality at the Glasgow SECC in
June 2013.
Dementia is now a national priority. The national aims for dementia are translated into 10 key areas of activity:
Leading Change Support and Information Better at what we do
1. Raising awareness 4. AHP Model development 7. Partnership working
2. National Leadership 5. Advice, Education and Information 8. Research and Practice development
3. AHP Expert Steering group 6. Share expertise and support staff
Future
9. National, local and regional action planning
10. Future focus
In relation to key area 3 and 4, Lynn Dorman (Head OT) sits on the AHP Expert Group alongside other AHP’s from Dumfries and Galloway, Grampian, Lothian, Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Highlands, Ayrshire and Arran, Borders, Lanarkshire and the Dementia Consultants.
The purpose of the Expert Group is to support and further develop AHP practice to enhance and promote the evidenced based role and
contribution that AHP’s can make to people living with dementia, their families and carers across the dementia journey. The AHP
Dementia Expert Group membership is drawn from all nine of the Allied Health Professions working in the field of dementia care and
treatment across Scotland.
The group is chaired and hosted by the National AHP Consultant, Alzheimer Scotland and is supported by the 3 National AHP Consultants
in Dementia hosted by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Lothian. The group meets every two months for the
first year and will then be reviewed. The Group reports to the Allied Health Professionals Monitoring and Implementation Group. This
group is chaired by an AHP Director and links directly back to both Alzheimer Scotland and Scottish Government.
The group has the following role and remits:
1. Promote the Role of AHP’s in Dementia Care and Treatment
2. Support Implementation of Scotland’s National Dementia Strategies
3. Ensure Alignment of AHP Dementia Care and Treatment with National Strategies and Priorities
4. Develop, Support and Share Good Practice
5. Networking and Communication
This is a very active group and is currently working on commitment 4 of the Scottish Dementia strategy which is working with the
Dementia Consultant based in Alzheimers Scotland to produce an evidence based policy document outlining the contributions of AHP’s to ensuring implementation of Alzheimers Scotland 8 pillar model.
If you would like more information, please contact Lynn Dorman, Head Occupational Therapist on 01592 648185 or by email
Dementia Expert Group
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The Scottish Health Awards is
the most prestigious and recognised awards ceremony
for healthcare professionals
within Scotland.
These awards reward
Scotland's most dedicated and
caring NHS workers.
Carol Prattis, an Occupational
Therapy Support Worker at Queen Margaret Hospital
accepted the Support
Workers Award at the
prestigious award ceremony in
Edinburgh.
The judges were impressed by
Carol’s work in assisting elderly
patients with dementia to recall
special events and memories,
providing cognitive stimulation
to patients and helping them to
interact and share experiences
with their families.
Working with patients and their families, Carol works tirelessly
to produce life story books that
are unique and meaningful. She
spends time with the individual
selecting photos and collating
their stories to be bound into a personal account of their
life. The process has many
therapeutic benefits for
patients and provides a lasting
story book that can be shared
with their children and
grandchildren.
Healthcare Support Workers—
Janet Love and Liz Davidovic, and the Older Adult Team
were also nominated and
shortlisted.
Scottish Health Awards 2012Scottish Health Awards 2012Scottish Health Awards 2012Scottish Health Awards 2012
• Funding was secured from the NES AHP Career Fellowship which enabled 5 HCSWs to attend
the College of Occupational Therapists (COT) national conference in Glasgow in 2012. Funding
was secured again in 2013, which allowed 8 HCSWs to attend the COT Annual Conference to
present posters, sharing their good practice.
• 3 OTs presented 2 posters at the 2013 COT Annual Conference—Psychological Therapy—A role
in Occupational Therapy? and Exploring the Benefits of Nintendo Wii Golf with older people with
mental health conditions.
COT Annual ConferenceCOT Annual ConferenceCOT Annual ConferenceCOT Annual Conference
Scottish Health Awards 2013Scottish Health Awards 2013Scottish Health Awards 2013Scottish Health Awards 2013 Occupational Therapist Gail
Hogg has been awarded the Therapist of the Year title at
the Scottish Health Awards
2013.
Gail, who works in the Older
Adult Mental Health
Occupational Therapy service,
has been instrumental in
providing a high quality,
responsive service, ensuring her patients are given the
best care.
Her outstanding work
providing Cognitive Stimulation
Therapy and offering support
to the carers of these
patients has helped to reduce
their worry and stress, while
enabling them to build
relationships with people in similar situations.
Gail was one of six finalists
from NHS Fife.
Gail said: “I felt extremely
honoured and humbled to have
been even been nominated for
this award. I was overwhelmed
by the standard of work being achieved by the other nominees
and I did not expect to win.
Their talents were amazing and
really inspiring.
I work as part of a team which
includes patients, carers, the
Occupational Therapy team and
the multi-disciplinary team and
I would like to thank them for
the support they have given me. This award has inspired
me to continue the work that I
do for my patients, their
carers and the Occupational
Therapy Service.”
Dr Brian Montgomery, Interim
Chief Executive at NHS Fife,
said: “I am delighted to
congratulate Gail on winning a Scottish Health Award. It is
wonderful that Gail’s
dedication and commitment to
enhancing our services has
been recognised in this way,
she is an example of the good
work carried out everyday by
our staff.”
The RCN Clinical Leadership Programme poster by David
Sanders and Janet Gawander was awarded a Highly Commended rosette at the 2013 COT Annual
Conference in Glasgow.
Carol Prattis, 2012 Winner of Support Workers
Award.
Gail Hogg, 2013 Winner of
Therapist of the Year Award.
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If you’d like any further information on anything you’ve read in this newsletter or you’d like to contribute anything to the next
newsletter, please contact Eleanor Curnow, R&D Officer at [email protected]
The next edition will focus on…The next edition will focus on…The next edition will focus on…The next edition will focus on…
Positive Effects of Physical Activity on Mental HealthPositive Effects of Physical Activity on Mental HealthPositive Effects of Physical Activity on Mental HealthPositive Effects of Physical Activity on Mental Health
Acknowledgments A big thank you to everyone who contributed to the gathering of information contained within this newsletter!
awards - Angela Howard and Katharine
Hodgkinson were both finalists in the “Rising Star” category. Rising Stars are people who have
been qualified for less than 5 years who already
stand out from the crowd and show great
potential for their future careers.
This was a great achievement for Angela and
Katharine, who are both extremely motivated,
enthusiastic, creative and innovative in their
practice. They both work with individuals aged 65
years and over who are experiencing mental health problems and are dynamic, client centred
and ensure that their patients and their carers
receive the highest quality service.
The Advancing Healthcare Awards recognises
and rewards projects and professionals that lead innovative healthcare practice and make a
real difference to patients’ lives in the
healthcare science and Allied Health
Professions. These awards are unique in that
they are UK wide and cover all these
professional and specialist groups whose
achievements so often go unnoticed.
This year the awards were presented by
Martine Wright, paralympian at a celebration lunch on Friday, 19 April 2013 at the Radisson
Blu Portman Hotel in London. Two Occupational
Therapists from the Older Adult Mental Health
Occupational Therapy Service attended these
Advancing Healthcare Awards 2013Advancing Healthcare Awards 2013Advancing Healthcare Awards 2013Advancing Healthcare Awards 2013
Effective Practitioner FundingEffective Practitioner FundingEffective Practitioner FundingEffective Practitioner Funding Eleanor Curnow, Research and Development Officer secured £2,000 to look at the evidence base for Cognitive Stimulation Therapy and
comparing the evidence with the outcome of CST groups run by Occupational Therapists.
If you would like any information on Occupational Therapy or what’s available in your
area, please contact:
Dunfermline & West Fife: Jacqui Chung or Gael Lindsay—01383 674153
Central Fife: Gail Hogg or Susan McKenzie—01592 648185
North East Fife: Alison Long—01334 696236