Browsing by Author "Apps, Lindsay"

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    The development of a self-management intervention for stroke survivors - My Life After Stroke (MLAS)
    (Taylor and Francis, 2022-02-03) Johnson, Vicki L; Apps, Lindsay; Hadjiconstantinou, Michelle; Carey, Marian E; Kreit, Elizabeth; Mullis, Ricky; Mant, Jonathon; Davies, Melanie J
    Purpose Long-term needs of stroke survivors (especially psychosocial needs and stroke prevention) are not adequately addressed. Self-management programmes exist but the optimal content and delivery approach is unclear. We aim to describe the process undertook to develop a structured self-management programme to address these unmet needs. Materials and Methods Based on the Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions, the development involved three phases: ‘Exploring the idea’: Evidence synthesis and patient and public involvement (PPI) with stroke survivors, carers and healthcare professionals. ‘The iterative phase’: Development and iterative refinement of the format, content, underpinning theories and philosophy of the self-management programme My Life After Stroke (MLAS), with PPI. MLAS consists of two individual appointments and four group sessions over nine weeks, delivered interactively by two trained facilitators. It aims to build independence, confidence and hope and focusses on stroke prevention, maximising physical potential, social support and managing emotional responses. MLAS is grounded in the narrative approach and social learning theory. ‘Ready for research’: The refinement of a facilitator curriculum and participant resources to support programme delivery. Results Through a systematic process, we developed an evidence- and theory-based self-management programme for stroke survivors Conclusions MLAS warrants evaluation in a feasibility study.
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    The Experience of Living with Mesothelioma: A Meta-ethnographic Review and Synthesis of the Qualitative Literature.
    (American Psychological Association, 2021-12-05) Lond, Benjamin; Quincey, Kerry; Apps, Lindsay; Darlison, Liz; Williamson, I. R.
    Objective: Mesothelioma is a life limiting cancer caused by previous exposure to asbestos. Due to the continued use of asbestos products internationally, the condition presents an increasing risk to global health with case numbers peaking in industrially developed nations. With the cancer reducing patient well-being, this study aimed to synthesises the qualitative findings of studies exploring the experiences of patients living with mesothelioma to generate new conceptual insights and guide therapeutic care. Method: Thirteen databases were systematically searched: Academic Search Premier, BioMed Central, British Nursing Database, CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Library, Europe PubMed Central, MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, Science Direct, Scopus, Social Care Online, and Web of Science, between August and September 2020. Included articles were subject to quality appraisal using CASP checklists, and their respective findings analysed using a meta-ethnographic form of qualitative data synthesis. Results: Twenty-two articles met the inclusion criteria, and the data synthesis produced three themes: (1) ‘complex trauma’; (2) ‘psycho-behavioural coping strategies’; and (3) ‘external sources of support’. Combined, these themes form a novel conceptual framework and awareness of the patient experience that presents the lived trauma of disease alongside a patients coping processes and support pathways. Conclusion: Robust therapeutic support is needed to address the psychosocial and existential burden shouldered by people with mesothelioma. Therapies which promote sentiments of acceptance, hope and benefit finding are proposed alongside initiatives that foster patient empowerment and meaning, and further promote patient choice in deciding end-of-life care. Recommendations for future research are also made.
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    Experiences of individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease using a novel web-based rehabilitation programme: SPACE FOR COPD
    (MA Healthcare, 2019) Bourne, Claire; Chaplin, Emma; Chantrell, Stacey; Singh, Sally; Apps, Lindsay
    Background: The SPACE for COPD self-management programme has been integrated into an online programme for patients to pursue at home with the support of healthcare professionals. Aim: To identify barriers and facilitators to participation in the web-based programme and to identify further development of the website. Method: This was a nested qualitative study as part of a feasibility study investigating web-based rehabilitation compared to standard pulmonary rehabilitation. Framework analysis was performed to identify themes. Findings: Four overarching themes were identified; programme content and reported gains; embedding the programme into daily routines; barriers to participating in the programme and support. These themes describe benefits to the programme including improved activity levels, exercise intensity and knowledge of the condition, as well as incorporation of exercise into daily routine. Both completers and non-completers acknowledged the importance of motivation and self-discipline to follow the programme and that the flexibility of the programme could help or hinder engagement as a result. Support from healthcare professionals was important and utilised for encouragement, health advice and technical support. Conclusion: The experiences of COPD patients using this web-based rehabilitation programme present how patients can benefit from such a resource and integrate it into their daily lifestyle.
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    The feasibility of a self-management programme (My Life After Stroke; MLAS) for stroke survivors
    (Taylor and Francis, 2022-02-01) Apps, Lindsay; Kreit, Elizabeth; Johnson, Vicki; Mant, Jonathon; Mullis, Ricky; Davies, Melanie
    An evidence-based, theory-driven self-management programme ‘My Life After Stroke’ (MLAS) was developed to address the longer-term unmet needs of stroke survivors. This study’s aim was to test the acceptability and feasibility of MLAS as well as exploring what outcomes measures to include as part of further testing. Methods Stroke registers in four GP practices across Leicester and Cambridge were screened, invite letters sent to eligible stroke survivors and written, informed consent gained. Questionnaires including Southampton Stroke Self-Management Questionnaire (SSSMQ) were completed before and after MLAS. Participants (and carers) attended MLAS (consisting of two individual appointments and four group sessions) over nine weeks, delivered by two trained facilitators. Feedback was gained from participants (after the final group session and final individual appointment) and facilitators. Results Seventeen of 36 interested stroke survivors participated alongside seven associated carers. 15/17 completed the programme and attendance ranged from 13-17 per session. A positive change of 3.5 of the SSSMQ was observed. Positive feedback was gained from facilitators and 14/15 participants recommended MLAS (one did not respond). Conclusions MLAS was a feasible self-management programme for stroke survivors and warrants further testing as part of the Improving Primary Care After Stroke (IPCAS) cluster randomised controlled trial.
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    Healthcare worker knowledge and attitudes towards uniform laundering during the COVID-19 pandemic
    (Elsevier, 2021-12-29) Owen, Lucy; Apps, Lindsay; Stanulewicz, Natalia; Hall, Andrew; Laird, Katie
    Background: The COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns towards domestic laundering of healthcare worker (HCW) uniforms; this is common practice in countries such as the United Kingdom (UK) and United States. Previous research suggested 4-32% of nurses did not adhere to laundry policies, which could be an infection control risk. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of UK healthcare workers towards domestic laundering of uniforms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Online and paper questionnaires were distributed to HCWs and nursing students who regularly wear uniforms. Differences in knowledge between HCWs were analysed by Chi-squared tests and attitudes were examined using exploratory factor analysis. Results: 86% of participants (n=1099 of 1277) laundered their uniforms domestically. Respondents were confident in laundering their uniforms appropriately (71%), however 17% failed to launder at the recommended temperature (60°C). Most participants (68%) would prefer their employer launder their uniforms, with mixed negative emotions towards domestic laundering. Limited provision of uniforms and changing/storage facilities were a barrier to following guidelines. Conclusion: Most HCWs domestically launder their uniforms, despite a preference for professional laundering. One-fifth of HCWs deviated from the UK National Health Service uniform guidelines; onsite changing facilities were the most significant barrier towards adherence.
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    Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of UK healthcare workers towards uniform laundering polices during the COVID-19 pandemic
    (2021-07-09) Owen, Lucy; Apps, Lindsay; Stanulewicz, Natalia; Hall, Andrew; Laird, Katie
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    The psychological impact of living with peritoneal mesothelioma: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
    (Sage, 2024-11-25) Lond, Benjamin J.; Apps, Lindsay; Quincey, Kerry; Williamson, I. R.
    Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare life-limiting cancer that is likely to have an extremely negative impact on mental health; however, no studies to date have explored the impact and needs of those living with the condition. Ten individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma (eight women, two men) participated in interviews and could share and discuss photographs to convey their illness experiences. Data analysis was informed by ‘Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis’. Two themes are presented: ‘Experiences of Care’ and ‘Psychological Distress’. Individuals experienced a lengthy diagnostic journey with little follow-up support. Women also reported negative impacts on body image due to abdominal swelling and scaring, diminished sexual ability and loss of fertility. Individuals recalled vivid feelings of anxiety and post-traumatic stress, and tried to cope by compartmentalising their fears and modifying diets. These findings demonstrate the need to further signpost services, help individuals manage gendered issues, and alleviate feelings of anxiety.