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Susan Hunter

Bio: Susan Hunter is an academic researcher from University of Edinburgh. The author has contributed to research in topics: Learning disability & Mental health. The author has an hindex of 11, co-authored 20 publications receiving 310 citations.

Papers
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It was found that although service users felt there was increased opportunity for their voices to be heard, this was not matched by having increased influence over professional decision-making, especially in relation to drug treatments.
Abstract: Compulsory psychiatric treatment is highly contested, and little research has focused specifically on direct experiences. The Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (Scotland) Act, 2003 introduced new roles and provisions including community treatment orders, and was designed to increase participation, ensure treatment was beneficial and was the 'least restrictive' alternative. This article draws on findings from semi-structured interviews with 49 individuals, who had experienced compulsion under this new legislation during 2007-2008, that were part of a broader cohort study. Interviews with service users were conducted at two stages with 80% agreeing to be interviewed twice. The sample included people on a variety of compulsory orders from four Health Board areas, some of whom had been detained for the first time, while others reported 'revolving door' experiences. Peer researchers who were mental health service users carried out the interviews in partnership with professional researchers. The findings suggest that legislation had a limited impact on participation in the process of compulsion. Consensus was that although service users felt there was increased opportunity for their voices to be heard, this was not matched by having increased influence over professional decision-making, especially in relation to drug treatments. According to people's direct experiences, the passing of the legislation in itself had done little to change the dominant psychiatric paradigm. While providing a foundation for improving the process of compulsion, the findings suggest that as well as legislative reform, fundamental shifts in practice are needed both in terms of the nature of therapeutic relationships, and in embracing more holistic and recovery perspectives.

51 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A focused scoping review of the published literature on self-directed support focused on the evidence base available to inform the Test Sites' efforts to reduce bureaucracy or ‘red tape’ for people choosing their own social care and support; the available evidence about leadership and training to support these changes and about the use of specific transitional funding to ease the process of implementation.
Abstract: This article presents findings from a focused scoping review of the published literature on self-directed support (SDS), the term adopted by the Scottish Government to refer to its policy to improve social care outcomes and choices for people using publicly funded services and to distinguish it from personalisation, the term more commonly used in England, and from consumer-directed-care and cash for counselling. The review was undertaken to inform an evaluation of the early adopters of SDS, funded by the Scottish Government 2009–2011, and was updated with later literature. It focused on the evidence base available to inform the Test Sites' (pilot local authorities) efforts to reduce bureaucracy or ‘red tape’ for people choosing their own social care and support; the available evidence about leadership and training to support these changes and about the use of specific transitional funding to ease the process of implementation. The findings of the literature review around these three themes are presented a...

38 citations

01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a report on the published literature on the barriers and facilitators of self-directed support, which was undertaken to inform a research study funded by the Scottish Government 2009-2011 that is evaluating initiatives in three local authorities.
Abstract: This is a report on the published literature on the barriers and facilitators of self- directed support. It was undertaken to inform a research study funded by the Scottish Government 2009-2011 that is evaluating initiatives in three local authorities. These initiatives aim to improve take up of self-directed support for people eligible for social care and other public funds. The three test site areas are working to reduce bureaucracy; to make the processes easy and 'light touch'; and to provide training and leadership to people working on these developments. Scottish Government has provided extra money to assist these three authorities and to help people in other areas learn from their experiences.

38 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (MHCT Act) implemented in 2005 aspired to change this for the better as mentioned in this paper, however, many carers still felt isolated and unsupported.
Abstract: Carers are seen as legitimate stakeholders in wider policy processes and increasingly as ‘co-producers’ and key providers of care. Mental health carers, however, especially those caring for relatives subject to compulsory care and treatment, often feel overlooked and marginalised, caring in complex circumstances with little or no professional support. The Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (MHCT Act) implemented in 2005 aspired to change this for the better. This article focuses specifically on findings from seven focus groups and 10 individual interviews with 33 carers from three Health Board areas and the State Hospital in Scotland. Interviews were conducted at two stages during 2007 and 2008 as part of a wider study. Participating carers were supporting relatives who were under different compulsory measures and so had experience of new procedures under the MHCT Act. The data were gathered as part of a cohort study exploring service users’, carers’ and professionals’ early experiences of the Act’s implementation. A topic guide was used to explore the impact of compulsion on carers; the ‘Named Person’ role; Mental Health Tribunals; the principles underpinning the MHCT Act; and suggestions for improving the law. The study found that new provisions, in particular the Named Person role and Mental Health Tribunals, had resulted in positive change. However, many carers still felt isolated and unsupported. They remained critical of the lack of consultation and involvement at both individual and collective levels. Few were aware of their right to a carer’s assessment and many were sceptical that this would make any difference. Acknowledging the study’s limitations, we discuss the implications for practice in light of broader policy agendas of personalisation, recovery, recognition for carers and promotion of more community-based mental health services.

29 citations

Journal Article
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used findings from research commissioned in Scotland to investigate the range of employment support available to people with learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and found that for the majority, their aspirations for real paid jobs remain unfulfilled.
Abstract: Supported employment is consistently identified as an effective employment or practice model Its economic, social and other benefits are well documented, although several studies show variable outcomes especially in terms of economic benefits It has been claimed that supported employment is widely implemented, not only in the United States, but also in many European countries including the UK and Scotland However, this paper uses findings from research commissioned in Scotland to investigate the range of employment support available to people with learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and shows that for the majority, their aspirations for real paid jobs remain unfulfilled Indeed, some of what currently passes for supported employment would not meet international conventions for defining supported employment The findings are discussed in the context of a literature review of best practice The research identified examples of good practice, which provide just cause for celebration and fertile ground for growth Nonetheless, the inconsistencies found arguably demonstrate that implementation of the model is weak or variable at best, which undermines the potential benefits of supported employment Better and consistent implementation and, consequently, better outcomes from supported employment requires greater emphasis to be placed on self-determination, person centred planning, a career based approach and quality job development, all ensuring that the person remains at the centre of the process Establishing a UK definition of, and quality standards in, supported employment would be beneficial

28 citations


Cited by
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This article explored the notion that a hierarchy of impairment exists from the perspectives of both disabled and non-disabled people, and concluded that further research is required in relation to disabled people's attitudes toward other disabled people, in general, and other impairment groups.
Abstract: This article seeks to explore, through the literature, the notion that a hierarchy of impairment exists from the perspectives of both disabled and non-disabled people. The literature suggests that disabled people, like non-disabled people, do not always wish to be associated with other impairment groups for a variety of complex reasons, including competing for scarce allocations of funding/resources, sexual attraction, stigma, etc. The article concludes that further research is required in relation to disabled people's attitudes toward other disabled people, in general, and other impairment groups. Such research would expand our knowledge with respect to the degree to which disabled people view themselves as a homogenous in-group, as a set of separate impairment groups, or viewing impairment as only one facet of identity. These findings would help the disability movement to achieve greater inclusiveness amongst different impairments.

246 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors' online web service was introduced by using a wish to work as a comprehensive on the web electronic digital collection that gives access to many PDF file e-book catalog.
Abstract: Our online web service was introduced by using a wish to work as a comprehensive on the web electronic digital collection that gives access to many PDF file e-book catalog. You could find many kinds of e-guide as well as other literatures from your documents data base. Particular preferred subjects that spread out on our catalog are famous books, solution key, assessment test questions and solution, guide sample, training information, test test, user handbook, consumer guidance, support instruction, repair handbook, and so forth.

230 citations

Journal ArticleDOI

203 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, employment outcomes revealed from adult outcome studies and national datasets as well as internal and external challenges that people with autism spectrum disorder may face in finding and maintaining employment are discussed.
Abstract: Employment is fundamental to the well-being of individuals including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purposes of this review are to provide an over- view ofemployment-relatedresearchin individuals withASD and increase our understanding of the factors that affect the employment situation of this population. Topics explored are employment outcomes revealed from adult outcome studies and national datasets as well as internal and external challenges that people with ASD may face in finding and maintaining employment. Social difficulties, comorbidity, ed- ucation level, family support, employers' attitudes, access to services, and disability incentives have been implicated as factors that play an important role in predicting employment. Existing research evidence for specific employment training programs and strategies to successful employment are also introduced in regards to supported employment, transition services, assistive technology, and multidisciplinary collabo- ration. Finally, implications from both clinical practice and research perspective are provided.

176 citations

01 Jul 1988

141 citations