Publication: Construct validity of the Maslach Burnout Inventory in mental health workers: differentiation from traumatic stress disorders

Helmes, Edward, Cheshire, Kim N., and Walters, Anne I. (2015) Construct validity of the Maslach Burnout Inventory in mental health workers: differentiation from traumatic stress disorders. Archives of Business Research, 3 (6). pp. 149-163.

http://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/43124/

Abstract
The construct of psychological burnout has been in the literature for decades, and has been largely assessed through C. Maslach's Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Much of the research on the MBI has been on human service and education workers and has stressed the differentiation of groups. Here we summarize the results of two studies with groups of therapists and explore the relative ability of burnout as assessed by the MBI to differentiate str ess disorders that are likely to arise in therapists who deal with clients who have been exposed to severe forms of psychological or physical trauma, namely posttraumatic stress disorder and compassion fatigue or secondary traumatic stress disorder (STSD). Study 1 compared 21 workers from sexual assault centres, 47 from women's refuges, and 21 other counselors and found higher levels of burnout and posttraumatic stress disorder in the sexual assault workers. Study 2 differentiated 19 therapists with postt raumatic stress disorder from secondary traumatic stress disorder in a second group of 51 therapists exposed to many clients with traumatic experiences, and contrasted them with a group of 55 generic mental health workers. Results showed that the groups d id not differ in burnout, but the measure of secondary stress disorder did differentiate the two groups with traumatic stress disorders from the generic mental health workers. While the MBI showed some ability to distinguish therapists with symptoms of PT SD from other practitioners, it was less able to discriminate cases of STSD.

Publication: Effect of bolus viscosity on the safety and efficacy of swallowing and the kinematics of the swallow response in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia

Newman, Roger, Vilardell, Natàlia, Clavé, Pere, and Speyer, Renée (2016) Effect of bolus viscosity on the safety and efficacy of swallowing and the kinematics of the swallow response in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia: white paper by the European Society for Swallowing Disorders (ESSD). Dysphagia, 31 (2). pp. 232-249.

http://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/43556/

Abstract

Background: Fluid thickening is a well-established management strategy for oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). However, the effects of thickening agents on the physiology of impaired swallow responses are not fully understood, and there is no agreement on the degree of bolus thickening.

Aim: To review the literature and to produce a white paper of the European Society for Swallowing Disorders (ESSD) describing the evidence in the literature on the effect that bolus modification has upon the physiology, efficacy and safety of swallowing in adults with OD.

Methods: A systematic search was performed using the electronic Pubmed and Embase databases. Articles in English available up to July 2015 were considered. The inclusion criteria swallowing studies on adults over 18 years of age; healthy people or patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia; bolus modification; effects of bolus modification on swallow safety (penetration/aspiration) and efficacy; and/or physiology and original articles written in English. The exclusion criteria consisted of oesophageal dysphagia and conference abstracts or presentations. The quality of the selected papers and the level of research evidence were assessed by standard quality assessments.

Results: At the end of the selection process, 33 articles were considered. The quality of all included studies was assessed using systematic, reproducible, and quantitative tools (Kmet and NHMRC) concluding that all the selected articles reached a valid level of evidence. The literature search gathered data from various sources, ranging from double-blind randomised control trials to systematic reviews focused on changes occurring in swallowing physiology caused by thickened fluids. Main results suggest that increasing bolus viscosity (a) results in increased safety of swallowing, (b) also results in increased amounts of oral and/or pharyngeal residue which may result in post-swallow airway invasion, (c) impacts the physiology with increased lingual pressure patterns, no major changes in impaired airway protection mechanisms, and controversial effects on oral and pharyngeal transit time, hyoid displacements, onset of UOS opening and bolus velocity—with several articles suggesting the therapeutic effect of thickeners is also due to intrinsic bolus properties, (d) reduces palatability of thickened fluids and (e) correlates with increased risk of dehydration and decreased quality of life although the severity of dysphagia may be an confounding factor.

Conclusions: The ESSD concludes that there is evidence for increasing viscosity to reduce the risk of airway invasion and that it is a valid management strategy for OD. However, new thickening agents should be developed to avoid the negative effects of increasing viscosity on residue, palatability, and treatment compliance. New randomised controlled trials should establish the optimal viscosity level for each phenotype of dysphagic patients and descriptors, terminology and viscosity measurements must be standardised. This white paper is the first step towards the development of a clinical guideline on bolus modification for patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Seeking participants for an experiment-based study

Study - The Influence of Information Type on a Categorisation Task

Seeking participants for an experiment-based study.

Anybody is eligible to participate.

The experiment involves learning how to categorise images of skin lesions as cancerous or benign, reading information about cancer screening, and categorising images of skin lesions.

The experiment is being conducted at the Psychology Department at JCU.

If you are interested in participating, please contact the Principal Investigator, Chelsea Muscat at chelsea.muscat@my.jcu.edu.au or her supervisor, Dr Anne Swinbourne at anne.swinbourne@jcu.edu.au.

Publication: Is population flow an unintended consequence of alcohol management plans?

Usher, Kim, Woods, Cindy, Lynch, Paul, Pointing, Boris, Budden, Lea, Barker, Ruth, Catchpoole, Jesani, and Clough, Alan (2016) Is population flow an unintended consequence of alcohol management plans? Journal of Clinical Nursing. (In Press)

http://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/45352/

Jo Wale Seminar: Training Super Shrinks: Aspiration, Learnings Program and Implications for a Clinical Psychology Training

Jocelyn Wale Seminar Series – 2016

Guest Speaker Professor Robert Schweitzer.
Training Super Shrinks: Aspiration, Learnings Program and Implications for a Clinical Psychology Training

Date: Friday 30th September
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm (AEST); 2:00pm – 3:00pm (SGT)
Venue: JCU Townsville (Room 134.010); video linked to JCU Cairns (A21.001); JCU Singapore (A1-01).

Abstract:
I was responsible for establishing the post graduate clinical psychology training program at QUT in 2002. The training was founded upon an active program of knowledge acquisition, clinical research and practice, and in later years, the consistent application of client outcome monitoring. The outcome monitoring of client outcomes lent itself to a number of research studies aimed at identifying factors related to the identification of characteristics of the most effective therapists and processes. I will take this opportunity to outline several studies in which I have been involved, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of factors which contribute to effective client outcomes. This will be followed by a more in-depth discussion of implementing routine outcome monitoring methodologies which have demonstrated their utility to enhance client outcomes. Challenges in implementing such systems will be discussed, as well as ethical issues concerning our duty of care to clients in the training of clinical psychologists.

Hosted by the Department of Psychology, College of Healthcare Sciences.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1125903344164603/

Publication: A review of occupational therapy's contribution to and involvement in the work-to-retirement transition process: an Australian perspective

Boehm, Jackie, Franklin, Richard C., Broome, Kieran, and Yau, Matthew K. (2016) A review of occupational therapy's contribution to and involvement in the work-to-retirement transition process: an Australian perspective. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 63 (4). pp. 277-292.

http://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/45610/

CHS Seminar Series: Institutional misconduct by male juvenile offenders: Determinants and risk

CHS Seminar Series

Institutional misconduct by male juvenile offenders: Determinants and risk
Presented by: Associate Professor Garry Kidd

Date: Friday 7 October, 2016
Time: 3.00-4.00pm (AEST); 1.00-2.00pm (SGT)
Location: 145-030 (JCU Townsville); A002-201 (JCU Cairns); A1-01 (JCU Singapore).

Identification of determinants of institutional misconduct by juvenile offenders caries promise for enhancement of behavioural management strategies employed in juvenile correctional settings. Although there is a large volume of research on predictors of institutional misconduct by adults, there is little research on the adjustment of delinquent youths within correctional facilities. In this study, we investigated a range of determinants of actual assaultive misconduct by incarcerated juvenile offenders. While research on juvenile offenders has traditionally focused on the study of risk factors, this study highlights the importance of assessing and tapping in to the protective factors and strengths of this population in order to enhance risk assessment and to guide development of more effective prevention and intervention programs.

https://www.facebook.com/events/340797622929254/

Australia's Health 2016

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's 15th biennial health report was today launched by the Hon. Sussan Ley MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, Minister for Sport.

This edition of Australia's Health (2016), profiles current health issues in a collection of feature articles and statistical snapshots that cover a range of areas, including:

• The health status of Australians 
• Health expenditure 
• The major causes of ill health 
• Determinants of health 
• Health through the life course 
• Health of Indigenous Australians 
• Preventing and treating ill health 
• Health system performance 

The main publication is accompanied by a summary report, Australia's health 2016-in brief

Click on the links (below) to view the report and media release.

• Media release: 85 out of 100 Australians say they're healthy-but are we really?
• Report: Australia's health 2016
• Summary report: Australia's health 2016-in brief

Publication: Time kinetics of physical activity, sitting, and quality of life measures within a regional workplace: a cross-sectional analysis

Lindsay, Daniel B., Devine, Sue, Sealey, Rebecca M., and Leicht, Anthony S. (2016) Time kinetics of physical activity, sitting, and quality of life measures within a regional workplace: a cross-sectional analysis. BMC Public Health, 16.

http://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/45265/

Jocelyn Wale Seminar: Understanding Stalking Behaviour

Jocelyn Wale Seminar Series – 2016

Guest Speaker Dr. Troy McEwan 
Understanding Stalking Behaviour

Date: Friday 16th September
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm (AEST), 2:00pm – 3:00pm (Singapore)
Venue: JCU Townsville - Room 134.010
Video linked to JCU Cairns - Room A21.001; Singapore - Room A1-01.

Abstract:
Stalking is a common and problematic behaviour, affecting up to 15% of Australians throughout their lifetime. While research over the last 25 years has clarified basic facts about stalking, such as how often it occurs, who stalks, who is targeted, how frequently it involves physical violence, and its impacts, we still have a limited understanding of why stalking emerges in some interpersonal situations and not others. In the 2016 Jocelyn Wale Seminar, Dr McEwan will canvass existing theories of stalking, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, before outlining a new integrated theory of stalking behaviour that considers how cognition, affect, and psychopathology interact to produce stalking behaviour in some situations and not others.

Hosted by the Department of Psychology, College of Healthcare Sciences.

To register your interest in attending the presentation, please visit https://alumni.jcu.edu.au/JoWales2016

Publication: Intra-examiner reliability of lumbar spine and neuro-dynamic flexibility measurements in an older and overweight healthy asymptomatic population

Flavell, Carol Ann, Gordon, Susan, and Watt, Kerrianne (2016) Intra-examiner reliability of lumbar spine and neuro-dynamic flexibility measurements in an older and overweight healthy asymptomatic population. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. (In Press)

http://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/45286/

Jocelyn Wale Seminar - LifeMatters: Mental Skills and Games for Sport and Life

Jocelyn Wale Seminar Series – 2016

Guest Speaker: Professor Stephanie Hanrahan
LifeMatters: Mental Skills and Games for Sport and Life

Date: Friday 9th September
Time: 4:00-5:00pm (AEST); 2:00-3:00pm (Singapore)
Venue: JCU Cairns - Room A21.001
Video linked to: JCU Townsville – Room 134.010; JCU Singapore - Room A1-01.

Abstract:
LifeMatters is a multi-session program that combines the teaching of mental skills and games. The program is based, in part, on self-determination theory with the aim of meeting the basic psychological needs of relatedness, autonomy, and competence. The mental skills include activation control, goal setting, concentration/attention, imagery, self-talk, and self-confidence. The games are designed to be fun, but at the same time teach trust, communication, and problem solving. The initial program was 15 sessions and was run with teenagers at an orphanage in Mexico. Results showed significant increases in life satisfaction and self-worth. Through feedback, the program has been modified to 10 sessions and has been run in the slums of Buenos Aires, with teenagers living in poverty in Baja California, with inner city kids in Cleveland, Ohio, with former gang members and drug addicts in Mexico, and with teachers/coaches/students in Botswana, Africa. Results indicate that in addition to increases in life satisfaction and self-worth, there are also increases in happiness, resilience, confidence, and perceived competence. Qualitative data also support the value of the LifeMatters program.

Hosted by the Discipline of Psychology, College of Healthcare Sciences.

To register your interest in attending the presentation, please visit - https://alumni.jcu.edu.au/JoWales2016

Publication: From trauma to incarceration: exploring the trajectory in a qualitative study in male prison inmates from north Queensland, Australia

Honorato, Bronwyn, Caltabiano, Nerina, and Clough, Alan R. (2016) From trauma to incarceration: exploring the trajectory in a qualitative study in male prison inmates from north Queensland, Australia. Health & Justice, 4 (3). pp. 1-10.

http://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/44963/

JCU Nursing students set to strengthen skills in Indonesia

More than 140 James Cook University students will have the opportunity to learn more about the Indo-Pacific region with the university receiving nearly $470,000 in New Colombo Plan (NCP) funding.

JCU students will travel to Cambodia, Indonesia, Vanuatu, Singapore, India, Thailand and Fiji after $468,600 was announced yesterday in the 2017 round of funding.

Overall, for 2016-2019 JCU will receive $1.52 million.

The NCP is a Federal Government initiative in which Australian university students are sent abroad to learn, build friendships and strengthen ties with neighbouring Indo-Pacific countries.

Study options include semester-based learning, teaching practicums, research, field studies and clinical placements.

A group of JCU Nursing students will head to Indonesia - the first time Nursing students have been able to undertake the overseas placements under this plan.

Of the funded projects for 2017, 15 Nursing students will head to Indonesia next year, with another 20 to follow in 2018, and an additional 25 to travel there in 2019.

Dr Karen Yates, Senior Lecturer in Nursing, Midwifery and Nutrition, said it was an exciting opportunity for Nursing students.

“This placement will allow them to work beside nursing and other health care staff, while contributing to a developing community in a meaningful and sustainable way,” Dr Yates said.

“Students will join with local nursing and medical services to deliver supervised nursing services, implement community health promotion strategies for disadvantaged populations in diverse settings.

“This experience will enable students to develop an overview of health care provision and their role as a global citizen.”

A total of 15 Education students will be off to Cambodia, 10 French language students to Vanuatu, 10 Social Work students to India, eight Archaeology students to Thailand, and the largest group - 64 Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Physicians Assistant students  - are off to Fiji.

In addition, 20 Tropical Planning students will travel to Singapore, to work with JCU’s Singapore campus and the National University of Singapore.

JCU’s Mobility Manager from the Division of Global Strategy and Engagement, Linda Rust, said the scheme provides fantastic opportunities for students.

“They will be immersed in the language and culture, and will develop new international networks while gaining valuable work experience,” she said.

Reproduced from https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2016/september/jcu-nursing-students-set-to-strengthen-skills-in-indonesia

Publication: Postactivation potentiation of dynamic conditioning contractions on rowing sprint performance

Doma, Kenji, Sinclair, Wade H., Hervert, Sarah R., and Leicht, Anthony S. (2016) Postactivation potentiation of dynamic conditioning contractions on rowing sprint performance. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, (In Press)

http://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/44132/