Papers by Vanessa Lawrence
Background Carers of people with eating disorders (EDs) are known to experience a lack of support... more Background Carers of people with eating disorders (EDs) are known to experience a lack of support, high levels of unmet needs and resulting distress. Specific support and interventions for carers may benefit both the carer, and their loved one with an ED. Individuals with co-occurring autism spectrum condition (ASC) and EDs may present with additional needs and difficulties relating to their ASC that impact their carers. However, there is a lack of research exploring whether carers of people with ASC and EDs have specific support needs, and what kinds of support may be most beneficial for this population. Methods This study used a qualitative interview design, utilising peer interviews. Eleven carers participated in interviews about their experiences as a carer, and their views on existing support systems and potential improvements. As the study took place during the initial UK coronavirus lockdown, the impact of the lockdown also emerged as a topic during the interviews. Interviews...
International journal of geriatric psychiatry, Jan 5, 2017
The objective of this study was to establish the feasibility and initial effectiveness of trainin... more The objective of this study was to establish the feasibility and initial effectiveness of training and support intervention for care staff to improve pain management in people with dementia living in care homes (PAIN-Dem). PAIN-Dem training was delivered to care staff from three care homes in South London, followed by intervention support and resources to encourage improved pain management by staff over 4 weeks. Feasibility was assessed through fidelity to intervention materials and qualitative approaches. Focus group discussions with staff explored the use of the PAIN-Dem intervention, and interviews were held with six residents and family carers. Pain was assessed in all residents at baseline, 3 and 4 weeks, and goal attainment scaling was assessed at 4 weeks. Delivery of training was a key driver for success and feasibility of the PAIN-Dem intervention. Improvements in pain management behaviour and staff confidence were seen in homes where training was delivered in a care home se...
Journal of mental health (Abingdon, England), 2015
Wellbeing is an important outcome in the context of recovery from mental illness. The views of me... more Wellbeing is an important outcome in the context of recovery from mental illness. The views of mental health professionals on wellbeing may influence their approach to supporting recovery. This study aims to explore views held by mental health staff about factors influencing their own wellbeing and that of service users with psychosis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 mental health staff in South London who had worked with people with psychosis. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and comparisons were made between staff views of wellbeing for themselves and service users. Staff participants held similar conceptualisations of wellbeing for themselves and for service users. However, they suggested a differential impact on wellbeing for a number of factors, such as balance, goals and achievement, and work. Staff employed a more deficit-based perspective on wellbeing for service users and a more strengths-based view for themselves. Staff stated a recovery ori...
Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 2014
If citing, it is advised that you check and use the publisher's definitive version for pagination... more If citing, it is advised that you check and use the publisher's definitive version for pagination, volume/issue, and date of publication details. And where the final published version is provided on the Research Portal, if citing you are again advised to check the publisher's website for any subsequent corrections.
Age and Ageing, 2010
Background: dementia and visual impairment are common in older adults, and both conditions create... more Background: dementia and visual impairment are common in older adults, and both conditions create a high risk of disability. Care professionals lack evidence on how best to support older adults with both conditions. Objective: the study investigated attitudes towards working with older adults with concurrent sight loss and dementia, the challenges involved and suggestions for service development. Methods: a qualitative study was conducted comprising 18 in-depth interviews and two focus groups with care professionals within mental health and low vision services. Results: care professionals were alert to the high levels of risk among patients with joint sight loss and dementia. In-depth interviews revealed that insufficient time and expertise can lead to an overcautious approach that prioritises the reduction of risk rather than the promotion of independence. Focus groups highlighted the role that joint working can play in supporting older adults' valued roles and activities. Barriers to joint working were identified alongside strategies to assist the process. Conclusion: it is essential that care professionals and service providers acknowledge and respond to the complex needs of this population. Joint working was considered key to assessing risks and targeting interventions. The research workshop presented here provides a useful format for improving practice across inter-professional boundaries.
The Cartographic Journal, 2002
Abstract The face of the geographical information industry and its applications are evolving as r... more Abstract The face of the geographical information industry and its applications are evolving as rapidly as the landscape of Great Britain. In an increasingly digital age where technology advances by the day, how is Ordnance Survey, Britain's mapping agency for over 200 years, positioning itself? The Director General and Chief Executive explains how Ordnance Survey is fusing heritage and innovation to lead the way in the geographical information revolution.
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Papers by Vanessa Lawrence