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Sally Unsworth

Bio: Sally Unsworth is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Thematic analysis. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 3 publications receiving 26 citations.

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: There should be a policy shift away from trying to “piggy back” care of people with substance misuse problems onto practitioners in other clinical specialties, as effective substance misuse treatment is best delivered by trained addiction practitioners.
Abstract: Aims and method: To repeat a survey (reported 2007) of the attitudes of staff in a general hospital setting towards working with people who have substance misuse problems. Therapeutic attitude and the frequency of undertaking tasks related to dealing with substance misuse problems were measured using a modified version of the Alcohol and Alcohol Problems Perception Questionnaire (AAPPQ). The questionnaire was given to staff on wards in general hospitals where people with substance misuse problems are commonly admitted.Results: The questionnaire return rate of 24% was lower than 2007 and the possible reasons are discussed. Doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants all reported low levels of therapeutic commitment and lower than 2007. Older doctors scored the lowest and younger doctors highest. Brief training seemed to have a positive effect.Implications: The authors conclude that there should be a policy shift away from trying to “piggy back” care of people with substance misuse problems onto pract...

11 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Values for reliable change and clinically significant change for the Leeds Dependence Questionnaire and Social Satisfaction Questionnaire are determined and add to the evidence for the performance of the LDQ, CORE-10 and SSQ as dimension measures of addiction.
Abstract: Aims and method To determine values for reliable change and clinically significant change for the Leeds Dependence Questionnaire (LDQ) and Social Satisfaction Questionnaire (SSQ). The performance of these two measures with the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (CORE-10) as three dimension measures of addiction was then explored. Results The reliable change statistic for both LDQ and SSQ was ⩾4; the cut-offs for clinically significant change were LDQ ⩽10 males, ⩽5 females, and SSQ ⩾16. There was no overlap of 95% CIs for means by gender between 'well-functioning' and pre- and post-treatment populations. Clinical implications These data enable the measurement of clinically significant change using the LDQ and SSQ and add to the evidence for the performance of the LDQ, CORE-10 and SSQ as dimension measures of addiction. The CORE-10 and SSQ can be used as treatment outcome measures for mental health problems other than addiction.

8 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Four overarching themes were identified in the analysis of interview data as characterising the process of co-producing an aftercare programme: achieving common ground, roles and responsibilities, the activities programme and the road to recovery.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and delivery of an aftercare programme called Learning To Live Again, which was co-produced between service users and clinic staff. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 37 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 project stakeholders who were service users, mentors, university and clinical staff. The data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings – Four overarching themes were identified in the analysis of interview data as characterising the process of co-producing an aftercare programme. These were: achieving common ground, roles and responsibilities, the activities programme and the road to recovery. Interdependence of service users and clinicians was given strong emphasis. Practical implications – A number of challenges arise in co-producing an aftercare programme which is largely service user led and adds to the local recovery capital. The benefits of co-producing aftercare outweigh the difficulties a...

7 citations


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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The ICECAP-A and EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) have been used for the economic evaluation of treatments for substance use disorders.

35 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A systematic review examining the types and benefits of activities, and the factors that facilitate CP in drug treatment services found a range of CP activities were identified, and benefits included increased consumer satisfaction, and improved health service delivery.
Abstract: Purpose It is unclear how consumer participation (CP) can be optimised to transform drug and alcohol treatment services and improve health outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a systematic review examining the types and benefits of activities, and the factors that facilitate CP in drug treatment services. Design/methodology/approach A structured search of four databases was undertaken to identify peer reviewed primary research literature in English. Screened articles were appraised. A content analysis was applied to examine the types and outcomes of CP and the associated factors affecting the process. In total, 16 articles were included for review. Findings A range of CP activities were identified, and benefits included increased consumer satisfaction, and improved health service delivery. Factors that facilitated the process of CP included positive attitudes of both consumers and providers and employment of people with a lived experience of drug use. However, the lack of consumer and organisational capacity, negative attitudes of providers and power imbalances between consumers and providers constrained CP efforts. Practical implications To maximise the benefits of CP in drug and alcohol treatment services, negative attitudes about CP and power dynamics between consumers and health providers need to be addressed. This can be achieved by the strategic use of strengths-based interventions and consumer led education to enhance social capital. Originality/value This is the first known review to examine the benefits and facilitators of CP in drug treatment services.

23 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Investigation of the views of service users, family and friends on what constitutes a good outcome for the treatment of substance misuse problems found significant weight was placed, by both SUs and their family andFriends, on abstinence and ways of maintaining abstinence.
Abstract: Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the views of service users (SUs), family and friends on what constitutes a good outcome for the treatment of substance misuse problems.Methods: Six focus groups were arranged to explore and identify important elements of good outcome. Transcripts of the focus groups were analysed using thematic analysis. The content of the main theme, good outcome, was cross checked with SUs and the four authors. The main theme was analysed further into sub-themes.Findings: Participants were 24 SUs and 12 family and friend members recruited from specialist drug and alcohol services. The participants represented a broad range of treatment journey experiences in a variety of treatment modalities. A total of 20 outcome elements were elicited and categorised into seven sub-themes: abstinence, health, activities, relationships, social circumstances, self-awareness and wellbeing of family and friends.Conclusions: The focus of this study was on the ideal outcome rather than intermed...

16 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Results indicated that student nurses had the least tolerant attitudes, reinforcing the need for a specific educational focus on working with illicit drug users in nurse education.

15 citations