inside this the ‘dementia’ edition issue: the … · inside this the ‘dementia’ edition the...

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]

P a g e 2

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

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

P a g e 3 V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 2

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.

P a g e 4


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.


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

P a g e 6


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.


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.


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.

P a g e 1 0


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:





• Physical Activity Groups

• Information and support on different symptoms, such as sleep

hygiene and hydration.



• 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


• Carer support and information to help them understand and

deal with symptoms


• 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

P a g e 1 1 V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 2

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:





• 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.



• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

• Talking Mats



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

P a g e 1 2


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


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

P a g e 1 4


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

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

Dementia Expert Group


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.

P a g e 1 6


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

inside this the ‘dementia’ edition issue: the … · inside this the ‘dementia’ edition the...

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