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Purpose: Sociometric studies and adult reports have established that children with Language Disorder (LD) are at risk of peer relationship difficulties. However, we have limited knowledge of how children with LD understand friendship, whom they deem as a good or bad friend, and what role their friendship concepts play in their relationships with peers. This exploratory study aimed to conduct a qualitative investigation into the friendship concepts that children with LD hold and to explore their strategies for making friends. Methods: We conducted multiple, art‐informed interviews on the topic of friendship with 14 children with LD at the age of 6–8 years. Participating children were based in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. They attended enhanced provision, specific speech and language classes and mainstream classrooms. We used framework analysis to map children's responses to Selman's (1979) developmental model of interpersonal understanding, which espouses a theory of children's social development within the context of peer relationships. Results: The understanding of friendship formation in children with LD varied from physical presence to mutual support and sharing. Children's ideas about a good/bad friend represented the lowest developmental stage. Participants from the mainstream classroom demonstrated the highest stages of interpersonal understanding. Children with LD did not mention their language abilities as a barrier to making friends. Conclusion: There are limited studies exploring friendship directly from children with LD, and this study provides insights into this gap, by utilising art‐informed interviews. Children's immature understanding of a good/bad friend points towards a potential susceptibility to false friends, which we suggest needs further empirical validation. We also found that children with LD did not pay attention to their language difficulties when making friends, which raises questions about the ways diagnoses are shared with children. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Children with Language Disorder (LD) are at risk of peer relationship difficulties. Studies to date are based on sociometrics and adult reports. Only a few studies employ participatory approaches to research with children, directly engaging children with LD when exploring their friendships What this paper adds: This paper directly asks children with LD about their understanding of friendship and strategies for making friends.Physical proximity and play are important to children.s understanding of friendship especially in recognising good and bad friends. This indicates potential reasons for children with LD being susceptible to false friendsAdditionally, children with LD do not perceive language and communication as a barrier to making friends. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Concepts around friendship and good/bad friends should be routinely assessed and targeted (if appropriate) in interventions. The study highlights the need to continue discussing practices around sharing diagnoses with children with LD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People with Parkinson's disease (PD) do not always access specialist outpatient services in a timely manner in Ireland. The perspectives of people living with PD, relating to service access, are largely absent in the existing literature. Aim: To explore experiences of PD service access for people living with PD, using a qualitative approach. Methods: Purposive maximum variation sampling was used. Semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted with 25 service users, including people with PD (n = 22) and supporting carers (n = 3). Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Interviews ranged in duration from 30 to 90 min. Data were managed in NVivo 12 and interpreted inductively using thematic analysis. The researchers were reflexive throughout the research process. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist was employed to maximise transparency. Results: The findings highlight several key barriers to and facilitators of equitable and timely service access. Three key themes were identified comprising experiences of PD service access including 'geographical inequity', 'discriminatory practices', and 'public and private system deficits'. Together, these themes illustrate how a two‐tiered and under‐resourced health system lacks capacity, in terms of infrastructure and workforce, to meet PD needs for both public and private patients in Ireland. Conclusions: These findings point to problems for PD care, relating to (i) how the health system is structured, (ii) the under‐provision and under‐resourcing of specialist outpatient PD services, including medical, nursing, and multidisciplinary posts, and (iii) insufficient PD awareness education and training across health settings. The findings also show that telemedicine can provide opportunities for making access to certain aspects of PD care more flexible and equitable, but the feasibility and acceptability of technology‐enabled care must be assessed on an individual basis. Implications for policy, practice and research are discussed. Patient or Public Contribution: The design and conduct of this study were supported by an expert advisory group (EAG) of 10 co‐researchers living with PD. The EAG reviewed the interview schedule and the protocol for this study and provided detailed feedback from their perspective, to improve the methods, including the interview approach. The group also reviewed the findings of the study and contributed their insights on the meaning of the findings, which fed into this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People with post‐stroke aphasia (PWA) are more likely to experience serious mood disorders compared with those without. Emotional regulation may be important for influencing life participation after stroke. Understanding emotional regulation in the context of aphasia is important for promoting personally defined recovery, psychological well‐being and life participation. Aims: To explore how individuals experience and regulate negative emotional responses to aphasia as part of re‐engaging with life. Methods & Procedures: In‐depth semi‐structured qualitative interviews with 14 PWA were conducted. The focus and design were developed with public and patient involvement contributors. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied. Outcomes & Results: Analysis generated three themes, which captured inherent diversity across participants in terms of emotional experiences, responses and regulation strategies: (1) emotional upheaval at all stages of recovery; (2) regulating emotional upheaval; and (3) discerning possibilities for life participation. Emotional regulation occurred both within and without the context of formal support services. Conclusions & Implications: Individuals may be differently (en)abled in responding positively, with implications for aphasia psychological support and self‐management interventions. The findings may inform future interventions to optimize well‐being and personally meaningful outcomes for PWA. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: PWA experience significant psychosocial upheaval and are at risk of mood disorders. Emotional regulation may be important for influencing one's emotional state, social participation and relationships after stroke. There is a need to better understand the ways in which PWA experience and regulate their emotions to develop better support for personally defined recovery. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: PWA may experience significant and pervasive mood disorders in the long term after stroke. This may be compounded by worries for their children's well‐being. Some, but not all, regulate emotions by drawing on positivity, determination, gratitude or stoicism. Having (supportive) opportunities to experience the impact of aphasia is important for discerning helpful strategies and participation opportunities. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Confronting altered abilities requires supportive, responsive opportunities sensitive to emotional responses. Opportunities for peer support and/or meaningful emotional support and compassion from family and friends are important therapeutic targets. Therapeutic input should pay attention to any familial and parenting concerns that may be compounding low mood. Although emotional regulation and recovery may occur without formal support, mental health services must be organized in such a way that PWA can access as needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young people's voices detailing how they experienced engagement with the criminal justice system following child sexual abuse, what was helpful or unhelpful and how services can be improved to minimise secondary victimisation and maximise the potential for healing are largely absent from the research literature. This paper draws on semi‐structured interviews with a culturally diverse sample (n = 47) of young people aged 14 to 25 across Ireland and Canada about their experiences of disclosure and engagement with systems. Data were collected pertaining to experiences engaging with law enforcement personnel using thematic analysis with a trauma‐informed lens. The research identified three key themes: the importance of feeling safe through kindness, transparency and being believed; the importance of having a say; and the importance of timely court processes. The study builds on the small body of qualitative research illustrating young people's lived experiences of engaging with the criminal justice system and provides empirical support for promoting a trauma‐informed approach in how police engage with young people. Guidance is offered for police professionals on how to engage with adolescents following sexual abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An increasing number of children in the UK and Ireland are growing up speaking more than one language. The many advantages of bilingualism are acknowledged; however, this increased linguistic diversity presents particular challenges for speech and language therapists (SLTs). The case is often more complex with speakers of minority languages such as Welsh and Irish, which are acquired almost exclusively in bilingual contexts. Lack of appropriate standardized assessments for bilinguals is a key issue for SLTs internationally; however, little is known about the practices, personal perspectives or wider challenges faced by SLTs in assessing minority language skills. We focus on SLTs working with English–Irish bilinguals across Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI) where status, use and exposure to Irish differ significantly. Aims: To investigate the perceptions and practices of SLTs in NI and the ROI in the assessment of bilingual English–Irish‐speaking children. Methods & Procedures: A 33‐item online survey was distributed to SLTs working with children in community settings in NI and the ROI. Outcomes & Results: A total of 181 SLTs completed the survey. The majority of respondents had bilingual English–Irish‐speaking children on their caseloads; however, less than one‐quarter had assessed Irish language skills. Responses indicate confusion as to whether best‐practice guidelines applied in this particular context where the majority of speakers have English as their first language and limited domains of exposure to Irish outside of the education system. Resources available to assess Irish language skills were found to be limited. Informal analysis of language samples emerged as the most popular assessment tool. SLTs in the ROI had a significantly higher level of competence in the Irish language than SLTs in NI. This reduced the challenge of assessment. Many SLTs reported scoring assessments standardized on monolingual populations when assessing English language skills in bilingual English–Irish‐speaking children. Conclusions & Implications: Our findings highlight the challenges faced by SLTs in meeting best‐practice guidelines in the assessment of speakers of minority languages such as Irish. Further work is needed to ensure clinicians and other professionals have access to information and enhanced training on bilingual language acquisition in minority language contexts and implications for assessment and diagnosis. This study underlines the need for further research on the acquisition of minority languages as well as the development of alternative assessment tools to assist SLTs in meeting the needs of this population. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: Existing research indicates that SLTs face challenges in assessing bilingual clients. Lack of assessment resources is a global issue, particularly with respect to minority languages. Emerging research indicates that SLTs and other professionals are dissatisfied with current resources for assessing Irish‐speaking bilinguals and are struggling to meet best‐practice guidelines. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: The status of the Irish language differs significantly between NI and the ROI, while English is the dominant language in both areas. This study provides the first exploration of current assessment practices for bilingual English–Irish‐speaking children as reported by SLTs across both regions. The challenges of assessing bilingual clients in many other countries are mirrored by SLTs in NI and the ROI. The majority of children acquiring Irish are doing so in a specific context: the immersion education setting. This raises uncertainty for SLTs about whether the definition of bilingualism actually applies. Despite clinicians and clients sharing the same majority language, the complexity of minority language assessment remains. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: SLTs require specific support and resources to help them meet the assessment needs of bilingual English–Irish‐speaking children. Ongoing education and training are required for clinicians and other professionals to facilitate understanding of the complexities surrounding bilingual speakers of minority languages and the application of best‐practice guidelines. A greater understanding of the context in which children are acquiring Irish and the impact this may have on their acquisition of English would further support clinicians in identifying speech, language and communication needs in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Placements are a core component of learning within speech and language therapy (SLT) undergraduate and postgraduate university programmes. They facilitate the development of students' professional and clinical competencies and socialization into the profession. It is indicated that an optimal environment for placement learning often pivots on the mentoring, supervision and feedback the student receives. Aims: To explore the perspectives of student SLTs in the Republic of Ireland in relation to factors that would best support their learning and competency development on placement. Methods & Procedures: Qualitative data were collected from an anonymous online student survey that consisted of eight open‐ended questions. Thematic analysis was applied to the data. Excerpts from the data were selected to illustrate the themes constructed. Outcomes & Results: A total of 117 students responded. Four salient themes were generated that capture the students' perspectives of an optimal environment for placement learning and competency development. Conclusions & Implications: This study supports quality assurance within the practice education of student SLTs and highlights aspects of an optimal learning environment that practice educators can strive to develop. In parallel, this study points to the need for improved supports from university personnel and placement site managers, and an increased need for student preparedness and self‐reflection. Implications for continuing professional development specific to the role of a practice educator is described, in addition to the recommendation of an expanded perspective of supervision within SLT. What this paper addsWhat is already known on the subjectPlacements are an integral component of SLT undergraduate and postgraduate university programmes that enable students to translate theory to practice. Placement involves a transition from structured and predictable learning of the classroom to more dynamic learning environment within the placement site. Assessment of placement is carried out by practice educators using competency assessment tools. An optimal environment for placement learning often pivots on the mentoring, supervision and feedback that the student receives from their practice educator.What this paper adds to existing knowledgeThis study explores student SLTs' voices in relation to what they consider an optimal environment for placement learning should be and what they believe may best support them in their journey to develop their clinical competencies. It supports quality assurance of the practice education of our future colleagues.What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?The findings of this enquiry emphasize the distinction between competence as a SLT and competence as a practice educator and have subsequent implications for the content of continuing professional development for practice educators. In particular, an expanded perspective of the models and frameworks of supervision to promote and implement within the practice education of SLT students is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is the term used for a group of genetic skin fragility disorders. For those living with EB, pain represents a constant challenge, with blistering and tasks such as changing dressings, adding to the distress. This paper focuses on describing and exploring the health‐care needs of children, adults and families who are affected by EB. The specific aim of the paper is to identify the needs of the EB population with a view towards informing the development of a community liaison service to support adults living with EB and the parents/carers of children living with EB. Setting and Participants: Interviews with six adults and the parents of eight children with EB were conducted. The data were analysed thematically. All participants were resident on the island of Ireland and are therefore reflecting on services in this geographic region. Results: Participants' needs were grouped into five themes: support managing physical health‐care issues; access to community/home‐based services; EB‐specific information and psychosocial support; effective interaction with health‐care professionals; and advice regarding benefits and entitlements. Discussion and Conclusions: This article represents the health‐care needs and preferences of a broad spectrum of those with EB, highlighting the need for a comprehensive service regardless of the severity of the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As the life expectancy of people with intellectual disability increases, they may now outlive their parents or their parents' ability to continue to care. Siblings of adults with intellectual disability often succeed their parents as primary carers. Little is known about the health and well‐being of this important cohort of carers who will be both caring for and ageing alongside their brother or sister with intellectual disability. The Carer's Study within The Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS‐TILDA) provides a unique insight into the health and well‐being of family carers of older adults with intellectual disability including sibling carers in Ireland. This article reports on the findings from waves 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the IDS‐TILDA Carer's Study. Methods: The IDS‐TILDA Carer's Study surveys family carers of older people (aged 40 years and older) with intellectual disability on a 3‐yearly cycle. The family carers complete a self‐administered, mixed‐methods questionnaire. The qualitative data are analysed thematically, and a descriptive analysis of the quantitative data is conducted using SPSS. Findings: In each wave, sibling carers comprised a significant proportion of the Carer's Study participants: W1 58%; W2: 61.4%; W3: 76.7%; and W4: 45.8%. The siblings were predominantly female, not in paid employment and were caring without the support of a spouse or partner. Across the four waves, siblings reported good general health. However, a high prevalence of particular conditions including back pain, aching joints and stress was also reported, and in each wave, siblings reported feeling completely overwhelmed by their care responsibilities. Although sibling carers reported that they have considered the future, only a minority have progressed to action in this regard. Conclusions: There is evidence of the strong relational and emotional commitment by the siblings to their brother or sister with intellectual disability. However, through the four waves of data, there was also evidence of physical, mental and financial toll. An urgent need exists to identify and engage with siblings to protect their well‐being as they provide care for an increasingly ageing sibling. Accessible Summaries: When the parents of people with intellectual die or can no longer provide care and support, brothers and/or sisters may take over the role.Little is known about the lives of these brothers and sisters and whether they need support.Our study asks brothers and sisters about their lives, their health and the good and more difficult things about being a carer.This paper reports on the results of four surveys over 9 years.Most brothers and sisters felt that their health was good but because many reported health problems, more support should be available to brothers and sisters who are carers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public health nurses (PHNs) in Ireland provide preventative child health. An evidence‐based National Healthy Childhood Program (NHCP) has been in development since 2016. The final program implementation, including training all PHNs coincided with the Covid‐19 pandemic. Objective: To describe implementation and evaluation of a blended training program for PHNs Design: The evaluation used quantitative and qualitative methods underpinned by an implementation science framework to assess the training program. The three‐phase blended training was led by a Training and Resources implementation team. Data from a national cohort of PHNs (n = 1671) who completed training were descriptively analysed. Results: The majority of PHNs completed a suite of four online units (phase 1), as well as self‐directed and asynchronous content in phase 2. Results of phase 2 indicated it met participant needs in terms of knowledge but outstanding needs in terms of skills remained. Phase 3 (a modified Face to Face Clinical Skills Review) was completed by 1671 PHNs over a 5‐month period in 2020. Evaluation was very positive in terms of organisation and usefulness for practice. Conclusions: Despite challenges the NHCP training implementation goals were met. A well‐designed blended learning training program met service delivery imperatives and PHN needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD) has been found to carry stigma and poor hope of recovery. More recently, it has been regarded as a treatable condition through psychotherapy. Despite this, patients often experience lengthy hospitalizations, limited access to treatment, and poor outcomes. This paper describes the experiences of psychiatric nurses working with people diagnosed with BPD in acute mental health in‐patient settings in Ireland. Seven nurses were interviewed, and the transcripts were analysed using a reflective and inductive approach. Overall, the nurses did not feel confident that their interventions were effective or valued by the wider service or patients. The nurses articulated their invidious professional circumstances, whereby they were required to act in ways, which ran counter to their vision of therapeutic or recovery‐focused work. These views and perceptions that in‐patient care is often ineffectual are widely echoed in the literature. We contend that the effect of this circumstance for these nurses approaches moral distress. The nurses were aware of more effective methods of care and treatment for BPD but perceived that they were unable to influence the culture of in‐patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a qualitative study completed with 16 designated liaison persons (DLPs) for child protection in Ireland. The care practices and systems in place in Irish primary schools that support child protection work are the particular focus of this paper. Recent changes in legislation, following the publication of the Children First Act 2015 (Government of Ireland, Irish Statute Book; Office of the Attorney General), are considered. The Act recognises all teachers registered with the Teaching Council as mandated persons. Mandated persons are recognised as persons who work with children and young people and are required to report child abuse, above a defined threshold, which comes to their attention in the course of their professional or employment duties. Semi‐structured interviews were completed with the DLPs, and an exploratory approach using interpretative phenomenologial analysis was deemed the most suitable method of analysis for the study. Five superordinate themes emerged from the findings, alongside a number of subordinate themes; the theme 'The School Story' which focuses on the care practices that are undertaken in schools daily is illuminated throughout this paper. The findings highlight the need for formal acknowledgement of this work in schools and also for greater interagency communication and collaboration in the area of child protection. 'This paper presents the results of a qualitative study completed with 16 designated liaison persons (DLPs) for child protection in Ireland' Key Practitioner Messages: Teachers, in their day‐to‐day work in schools and through the care structures in place in schools, contribute in a significant way to the safety and protection of children.There is a need for greater communication and collaboration between schools and the Child and Family Agency to support children at risk of abuse effectively.There should be formal recognition in the evaluations undertaken by the Department of Education of the care practices that exist in schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a contemporary context dominated by reports of the historical institutional abuse of children and young people in residential children's homes, and where the voice of workers is largely absent, this study explores the views and experiences of 26 workers in the Republic of Ireland regarding relationship‐based practice. Using an exploratory, qualitative approach and informed by 'appreciative inquiry'; semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with 26 residential care workers. The findings highlight that relationship‐based practice has not been fully understood and/or embraced in practice because of a culture of fear that has permeated the Irish residential childcare system. Using theoretical concepts associated with the sociology of fear, the paper explores their effects on practice and argues that these are amplified given the current low status of residential care workers, the impact of media reports and the influence of current discourses around professional practice in which 'objective' and 'emotionally detached' practice is viewed as synonymous with efficiency and effectiveness. The paper ends by considering implications for professional practice in residential childcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irish Travellers are a minority ethnic group within the Irish state with a distinct culture and set of traditions. Travellers experience mental health inequalities, high rates of mental ill health, and structural and individual barriers to mental health supports. A Traveller Mental Health Liaison Nurse (TMHLN) was introduced in a healthcare region in Ireland to provide greater mental health‐related support to Travellers. This paper presents a description of the TMHLN role following a multi‐stakeholder evaluation. The research design was descriptive qualitative and the findings are reported using COREQ criteria. Thirty‐four key stakeholders were interviewed individually or as part of focus groups. Thematic analysis generated two broad themes: the role context, and the specific activities of the role. Mental health nursing experience and understanding of local issues and services were key, as was use of language, building trusting relations, creating the metaphorical, and having the physical, space for working. Specific activities involved in‐reach and outreach work, including one‐to‐one mental health support provision, delivery of education/training sessions to Travellers and service providers, (re)establishing links to specialist services, integrated and interagency working, and promoting cultural competency. The findings set out a role with a greater emphasis on the use of recovery technologies, having an emphasis on psychosocial interventions and self‐care, and less focus on biomedical technologies, signs and symptoms, and clinical outcomes. This study contributes to knowledge on the role of a MHLN as this relates to working with marginalized minority groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper draws on three studies conducted in Australia, Canada and Ireland which explore the factors influencing research utilisation in the child protection sector in each country. The paper recognises that research uptake is complicated by a number of factors. It also acknowledges critiques which cite the equally significant influence of ideologies, context, unpredictability, time constraints and political expediency. However, all three studies recognised the increasing importance of evidence-based practice. The methods used in the three studies were not identical but the frameworks used were sufficiently similar to enable the classification of both common and dissimilar barriers and facilitators to research use. Those which they identified were categorised into four types: individual, organisational, environmental and characteristics relating to the nature of research material. Implications were identified for policy makers, service providers and research producers. The point was made that we now live in a period where unprecedented means of knowledge transfer and exchange provide unique opportunities to improve the lives of children and families. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Messages Avail of opportunities to attend learning events., Draw on research findings when conducting assessments, writing reports, devising intervention plans, evaluating programmes and tendering for funding., Establish links with research centres., Become involved in the conduct of research., Support colleagues (champions) who display particular interest and motivation in the use of research evidence by recognising and/or rewarding effort., Avail of opportunities to undertake further study that includes a research component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research goals were to obtain an understanding of who the users of e‐books in the NHS are, what they are using e‐books for, and when and how they use them. This article presents the methodology used and the findings from the research. It also explores the outputs and next steps from the research, both for the individual countries and collectively. The Five Nations group, (library leads in England, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Scotland and Wales) commissioned research into healthcare staff use and non‐use of e‐books to understand the behaviours, needs and expectations of healthcare staff and to identify shared challenges around e‐books to inform policy and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fundamental Cause Theory (FCT) is among the most influential explanations for health inequalities. The theory posits that the social gradient in health persists because higher‐socioeconomic status (SES) groups are systematically more able to take advantage of new medical innovations and health‐enhancing knowledge due to their greater access to resources. Taking the life histories of people with diabetes (PwD) (N = 17) in the Republic of Ireland as a case study, this paper aims to elucidate the behaviours and agencies underlying 'fundamental causality' through examining how PwD of contrasting SES respond to disease management information. Findings highlight how the most common barriers to effective diabetes control were chronic psychological distress, combined with the cultural significance of alcohol consumption, which was central to both the social and economic subsistence of male participants in particular. However, higher‐SES groups were more likely to experience a 'turnabout' in their life, whereby they could remove themselves from the conditions giving rise to their distress and move into a social space where more health‐enhancing behaviours were possible. It concludes with a discussion of potential mechanisms that may explain why such turnabouts were more likely to occur in the case of higher‐SES groups and the implications for FCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ireland experienced a major fiscal crisis from 2008 to 2013. This paper explores clinician responses to crisis‐related control initiatives at one of Ireland's largest university hospitals. Using qualitative research methods within an interpretative framework, our study suggests that some clinicians responded with antipathy, whereas others attempted to engage with managerial demands. Using notions of organizational and occupational professionalism, we link the observed heterogeneity of these responses to factors such as the perceived usefulness of control information, the clinician management relationship, and the clinicians' specialism. Our analysis supports a nuanced interpretation of clinician behavior where their position along a continuum from resistance to collaboration is affected by group characteristics and beliefs as well as the way control information is collated and disseminated. These findings have implications for the implementation of control measures in various contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research highlights the role of key actors and relationships in supporting the educational attainment and progress of children in care and care leavers. We know less about how relationships influence the educational journeys of people with care experience over time and how to support the educational progress and engagement of adults with care experience. The principle of "linked lives" is central to the life course perspective referring to the interdependence of human lives throughout the life course. This paper explores how the principle of linked lives can illuminate our understanding of how relationships positively influence the educational journeys of adults with care experience over time. Educational life history interviews were conducted with 18 care‐experienced adults (aged 24–36) in Ireland. Findings suggest that the principle of linked lives is a valuable conceptual tool for providing new insights on this issue. Four key themes were identified: (a) opportunities for educational support are present across the life course; (b) "family" is a central source of educational support; (c) there is intergenerational capacity for educational support; and (d) relationships beyond the "family" are supportive of education. Implications for practice, policy, and research are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a qualitative analysis of front‐line practices regarding emergency removals in Finnish and Irish child protection. It examines how the responses to children's immediate danger are framed by legislation and how front‐line practitioners assess the child's situation and make emergency placement decisions. The data consist of interviews with 16 Irish and 33 Finnish social workers. These child welfare protection systems respond differently to a task that appears to be similar. The Irish team‐based practice rests on the social workers' shared assessment of the child's needs, and the formal decision is made by the courts (or police officers at night‐time); and the Finnish practice involves only one single social worker who makes both the assessment and the removal decision. The Irish system is tightly time regulated, whereas the Finnish system provides a more flexible time frame. Both approaches put a lot of stress on social workers' practice, which also includes creative workarounds (e.g., "planned emergency removals" in Finland). Future research will need to explore these features from the point of view of a child's right to protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cyberbullying is an international Public Health concern. Efforts to understand and address it can be enhanced by involving young people. This paper describes a rights‐based collaboration with young people in a qualitative exploration of cyberbullying. It describes the establishment, implementation and evaluation of a Young Person's Advisory Group as well as identifying the impact on the research process and the young people involved. Methods: Sixteen postprimary school students met with researchers on five occasions in a youth centre. Sessions focused on building the young people's capacity to engage with the research, designing the qualitative study, interpreting study findings and evaluating the collaboration process. Results: The Advisory Group highlighted a lack of understanding and appropriate action with regard to cyberbullying but believed that their involvement would ultimately help adults to understand their perspective. Evaluation findings indicate that members were supported to form as well as express their views on the design, conduct and interpretation of the research and that these views were acted upon by adult researchers. Their involvement helped to ensure that the research was relevant and reflective of the experiences, interests, values and norms of young people. Conclusion: Young people can contribute a unique perspective to the research process that is otherwise not accessible to adult researchers. The approach described in this study is a feasible and effective way of operationalizing young people's involvement in health research and could be adapted to explore other topics of relevance to young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resilience literature has stressed the potential of both children's educational experiences and their friendships to act as protective factors against adversity. However, less is known about how children living with adversity navigate these 'everyday' aspects of social terrain and the particular challenges that they face. This paper explores the meaning and experience of peer relationships to one group of children living in residential care in Ireland. Drawing on a larger study of school and care, it explores data gathered from 16 children, aged 8 to 18, who were living in eight different children's homes on the east coast of Ireland. The findings suggest that the children were acutely aware of their 'care' status and developed a number of strategies to manage this identity in school. It appears that more often than not, children described being left to their own devises to manage friendships and peer relationships. Thus, despite being a crucial source of both stress and support, peer relationships did not appear to be regarded as an issue that adults should be involved with. This raises questions for practice about what children should be supported with and the way in which peer relationships are potentially overlooked by social work, residential and school staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research identifies the increased exposure of birth children of foster carers to experiences of separation, grief, and loss due to the transient nature of foster care, but little is known about how birth children manage this loss. This paper reports findings from a qualitative study that examined the retrospective experiences of 15 adult birth children of foster carers (aged between 18 and 28 years) in Ireland. Findings suggest that birth children experience grief and loss when foster children leave their families. They report experiencing a range of emotional responses such as guilt, blame, and sadness. A reluctance to discuss their emotional responses with either their parents or foster care professionals was also reported. Instead, birth children developed strategies to manage the loss, such as distancing themselves from the foster care process. The study highlights the importance of social workers and foster carers explaining to birth children why foster children are leaving and, where possible, maintaining contact between birth children and foster children. Additionally, findings indicate the need for birth children to have safe nonjudgmental spaces to discuss their emotional reactions to loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Increased awareness of testicular diseases can lead to early diagnosis. Evidence suggests that men's awareness of testicular diseases is low, with many expressing their willingness to delay help‐seeking for symptoms of concern. The risk of testicular diseases is higher in gender and sexual minority groups. In this study, we discuss the codesign, refinement and launch of 'On the Ball', an inclusive community‐based 'testicular awareness' campaign. Methods: The World Café participatory research methodology was used. Individuals from Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer+ friendly organisations, testicular cancer survivors, policymakers, media/marketing experts and graphic designers were recruited. Participants were handed a brief for 'On the Ball', which was designed based on feedback from a previous World Café workshop. They were assigned to three tables. Participants rotated tables at random for three 20‐min rounds of conversations. Each table had a facilitator who focussed on one element of the campaign brief. Data were collected using audio recorders and in writing and were analysed thematically. Results: Thirteen individuals participated in the workshop. The following themes emerged from the data: (i) campaign identity, (ii) campaign delivery and (iii) campaign impact. Participants recommended enhancements to the campaign logo, slogan, social media posts and poster. They suggested delivering the campaign online via social media and offline using various print and broadcast media. Participants recommended targeting areas with a large number of men such as workplaces. To help measure the impact of the campaign, participants proposed capturing social media analytics and tracking statistics relating to testicular diseases. Recommendations were used to refine the 'On the Ball' campaign and launch it in a university. In total, 411 students engaged with the various elements of the campaign during the soft launch. Conclusions: 'On the Ball' campaign visuals ought to be inclusive. Online and offline campaign delivery is warranted to reach out to a wider cohort. Campaign impact can be captured using social media analytics as well as measuring clinical outcomes relating to testicular diseases. Future research is needed to implement the campaign online and offline, explore its impact and evaluate its feasibility, acceptability, cost and effect on promoting testicular awareness. Patient or Public Contribution: The 'On the Ball' campaign was codesigned and refined with members of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer+ friendly organisations, testicular cancer survivors, health policymakers, media and marketing experts and graphic designers using the World Café participatory research methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the ways in which the politics of migration impacts upon the everyday geographies of immigrant young people living in Ireland. We contrast the ways in which young people's participation in socio-spatial practices, at varying scales, are shaped in different ways specifically because of the immigration procedures they are subjected to. We draw on material from a longitudinal, qualitative research project in which we have used a range of participatory methods with young people aged 13 to 18 who are living in Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worldwide growth in formal youth mentoring programmes over the past two decades is partly a response to the perception that young people facing adversity do not have access to supportive relationships with adults and positive role models in their communities to the degree they once had. Formal mentoring programmes facilitate the development of a friendship or ‘match’ between an older volunteer and a young person, with the objective of supporting the young persons’ personal and social development. Drawing on 66 semi‐structured interviews with young people, parents, mentors and caseworkers associated with nine youth mentoring matches in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Programme in Ireland, this paper analyses the forms of social support evident in the mentor–mentee relationships and highlights how the mentoring relationship was perceived to have impacted on the well‐being of the young people participating. The findings reflect the consensus in the mentoring literature that close, well‐established mentoring relationships have the potential to bring about meaningful change in the lives of young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to: (1) use cognitive task analysis to describe final year nursing students situation awareness in recognising, responding and escalating care of deteriorating patients in ward settings; and (2) make recommendations for training and practice. Design: A mixed methods cognitive task analysis with a convergent triangulation design. Method: Data collection involved observations of 33 final year nursing students in simulated deteriorating patient scenarios and retrospective cognitive interviews. A process tracing technique was applied to identify the cues to deterioration participants perceived; how cue perception altered as situational demands increased; the extent that participants made connections between perceived cues and reached a situational understanding; and the factors that influenced and constrained participants situation awareness. Qualitative and quantitative findings are woven together and presented using descriptive statistics, illustrative quotations and timeline extractions. Results: The median cue perception was 65.4% and 57.6% in the medical and surgical scenarios, respectively. Perception was negatively influenced by incomplete vital sign monitoring as situations escalated; limited physical assessments; passive scanning behaviours; poor task automaticity; and excessive cognitive demands. Incomplete perception, poor cue integration and underdeveloped mental models influenced situational understanding. Escalation calls did not always accurately reflect situations and a reporting mindset was evident. Clinical exposure to deteriorating patients was described as variable and opportunistic. Reporting Method: The study is reported in accordance with the Good Reporting of a Mixed Methods Study (GRAMMS) checklist. Patient or Public Contribution: Patients and public were not involved in this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patient and public involvement (PPI) is a critical priority in research, policy, academia and advocacy organizations. PPI in dementia research is gaining momentum. However, these efforts are missing in international projects aimed at those living with advanced dementia in long‐term care (LTC) homes. Additional complexities can arise in enacting PPI within the context of integration of a palliative approach to care and experiences around end‐of‐life in (EOL) dementia. The mySupport study involved implementing the Family Carer Decision Support (FCDS) intervention for care partners of those living with advanced dementia in LTC in six countries. Research Design and Objective: An interpretive description study was conducted to explore the perspectives of international researchers from six countries on engaging people with lived experiences of dementia and EOL care in research processes. The findings from this study informed the development of a PPI strategy and a subsequent toolkit for the FCDS intervention. Findings: Thirty‐eight interviews were completed with project researchers: 12 from the United Kingdom, 8 from Canada, 7 from Ireland, 4 each from Italy and The Netherlands and 3 from the Czech Republic. Four broad themes describe international researchers' perspectives on advancing methods of engagement for people with lived experiences of dementia and EOL in international PPI activities: (1) Groundwork to engage in research; (2) planning for research activities is key; (3) focus on meaningful engagement and (4) having foresight for practical issues shaping PPI. Discussion and Implications: International projects that involve PPI can present many sources of challenges. The findings in this study highlight important considerations for foundational work for incorporating PPI in international projects. Learning from world leaders and those with lived experiences in various regions can be insightful and help share tools and resources. Patient or Public Contribution: PPI was envisioned as a critical part of conducting the mySupport study. The findings from this study informed the development of a PPI strategy and an international Strategic Guiding Council that included family carers of those living with advanced dementia in LTC homes in six countries. This manuscript focused on the perspectives of researchers on their engagement with people with lived experiences of dementia and EOL. The perspectives of persons with lived experiences on engaging in the mySupport research study will be reported in a forthcoming manuscript. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores findings from an exploratory study on sibling relationships following adoption reunion in adulthood. The qualitative data was gathered through in‐depth interviews with 33 adopted adults who were reunited with their birth sibling(s) through an adoption agency in the Republic of Ireland. The findings throw light upon the development of the emotional, often complex, relationships which may emerge when siblings meet for the first time in adult life. Factors influential in facilitating or hindering these post‐reunion relationships are discussed. The important insights are then considered in the context of the wider international literature on adoption, search and reunion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The specific healthcare needs and concerns for older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ( LGBT) persons have not been explored to any degree within Ireland. Aims and objectives The aim of this paper, which is part of a larger study, is to detail older LGBT persons' usage, experiences and concerns with accessing healthcare services, disclosing their LGBT identity to professionals, preferences for care and their suggestions for improvement in services, including nursing services. Design A mixed methods research design combining quantitative survey and qualitative interview approaches of equal significance was used. Methods 144 respondents completed an 84-item questionnaire concerning their use of healthcare services, experiences and needs. The qualitative phase involved in-depth interviews where 36 participants' experiences and concerns around health services were explored more in-depth. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative analysis employed the constant comparative process to generate the leading themes. Results Only one in three participants believed that healthcare professionals have sufficient knowledge of LGBT issues, and less than half (43%) felt respected as an LGBT person by healthcare professionals. Although 26% had chosen not to reveal their LGBT status for fear of a negative response, many positive encounters of coming out to healthcare professionals were relayed in the interviews. LGBT persons have specific concerns around residential care, particularly in relation to the perception that the Irish healthcare services emanate a heteronormative culture. Conclusions Irish healthcare services need to reflect on how they currently engage with older LGBT persons at both an organisational and practitioner level. Consideration needs to be given to the specific concerns of ageing LGBT persons, particularly in relation to long-term residential care. Implications for practice Healthcare practitioners need to be knowledgeable of, and sensitive to, LGBT issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The views and opinions of people who use mental health services are being increasingly acknowledged in relation to rights-based, socially-inclusive, and recovery-oriented care. However, little is known of the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender ( LGBT) people in this respect. The aim of the present study was to explore the experiences and needs of LGBT people in relation to mental health services. The study was an exploratory design utilizing mixed methods. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using a survey instrument ( n = 125) and in-depth semistructured interviews ( n = 20) with a sample of people who had completed the survey. This paper will report on the findings from the interview data. The data were thematically analysed, and the main themes that emerged included accessing services, treatment choices, mental health service experiences, and other supports. The findings inform the discussion, and recommendations are made in terms of future mental health practice, education, and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore the extent, nature and consequences of sexual violence in later life. Methods: Data were obtained from all police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on rape and sexual assault by penetration (Sexual Offences Act 2003) offences involving a victim aged ≥ 60 years, recorded between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2013. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 27 practitioners working in specialist violence or age‐related organisations and with three female survivors. Results: The majority of victims were female, and most offenders were male. Offenders were generally younger than victims, and most offences occurred in the victim's home, although one in five occurred in a care home. Physical, psychological and social consequences were described which create specific challenges in accessing and receiving support. Conclusion: An intersectional life course analysis of sexual violence is required to develop a better understanding of the consequences, particularly for older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two complementary explanations have been offered by social psychologists to account for the universal hold of national identity, first that national identity is ideologically assumed, as it forms the 'banal' background of everyday life, and second that national identity is 'hotly' constructed and contested in political and everyday settings to great effect. However, 'banal' and 'hot' aspects of national identity have been found to be distributed unevenly across national and subnational groups and banality itself can be strategically used to distinguish between different groups. The present paper develops these ideas by examining possible reasons for these different modes and strategies of identity expression. Drawing upon intergroup theories of minority and majority relations, we examine how a group who see themselves unequivocally as a minority, Irish Travellers, talk about their national identity in comparison to an age and gender-matched sample of Irish students. We find that Travellers proactively display and claim 'hot' national identity in order to establish their Irishness. Irish students 'do banality', police the boundaries and reputation of Irishness, and actively reject and disparage proactive displays of Irishness. The implications for discursive understandings of identity, the study of intra-national group relations and policies of minority inclusion are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which explores the opinions of key members of Irish equine industries, government bodies, and organisations on how to improve equine welfare and unregulated gatherings in Ireland. The study uses three qualitative research methods including focus groups, semistructured interviews, and workshop. The study reveals that equine welfare could be improved by a Code of Practice for horse gatherings, humane horse disposal, and comprehensive identification system.

ABSTRACT The families of homeless young people are most often portrayed as a precipitating factor in their homelessness. However, recent studies, particularly those taking a longitudinal approach, have drawn attention to the enabling role of family members and their positive influence on the housing trajectories of homeless youth. Drawing on selected findings from an ongoing longitudinal qualitative study of homeless young people in Dublin, Ireland, this paper aims to build on this relatively fertile area of research. We demonstrate the supportive role of the families of young people who experience homelessness (often as a consequence of difficult family environments) and specifically examine how family re-engagement is negotiated and achieved. The findings highlight a number of dimensions of transition and change. Prominent among these is the importance of renewed trust and communication. Young people and their parents also had to accept responsibility for areas of life that previously served to undermine their relationships and were implicated in the circumstances surrounding a young person's premature home-leaving. Tensions and resistances on the part of young people are highlighted, demonstrating the adaptive mechanisms at work as they attempt to re-engage with family members. The implications of the findings for social work intervention with homeless youth are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Separated Children in Europe Programme's Statement of Good Practice (Save the Children and UNHCR, 2004) advises that every separated child should be allocated an independent guardian or adviser. However, there is wide variation in how this advice has been interpreted across Europe, with some guardians being professional and others volunteers, with some focusing primarily on the legal status of separated children and others on the children's general care and wellbeing. In Ireland, there is no guardianship system designed specifically for separated children. This paper analyses the legal and policy context of guardianship for separated children in Ireland and draws on research undertaken with 16 professionals who provide services for separated children. The research findings highlight a number of key themes including: 'cracks' in the asylum process through which separated children and young people fall; conflicts between legalistic and holistic interpretations of guardianship; variations of informal and formal advocacy for separated children in practice; and the potential of guardians to facilitate children's 'voices' and 'best interests'. The article points to the fundamental tension between migration and child care policy that potentially undermines the development of a guardianship service for separated children. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the dominant characteristics of contemporary software development is the global distribution of tasks, of developers, of information and of technologies. Undoubtedly, such distribution engenders new coordination challenges in the form of distance-related interdependencies. One of the predominant processes of addressing these challenges is electronic meetings (or teleconferences). However, the functions of these meetings for coordination purposes are not yet understood. The distinctive conventions of teleconferences and their causal relationships that lead to optimal coordination of global software development (GSD) projects are also not yet understood. In this paper, the functions of teleconferences held by globally distributed software developers to coordinate their work in the face of global distribution of resources, cross-site information interdependencies and continuously changing software requirements are analysed. The analysis is based on a qualitative study of how a subunit of 13 software developers, distributed across three sites in the USA and one in Republic of Ireland, used teleconferences to address its coordination challenges. The paper proffers a teleconference approach to GSD coordination by arguing that the functions of teleconferences manifest in software developers' multitasking; their ready access to all their information as additional benefits; flexibility in their communicative behaviours; and a reduction in their structure overload. This approach draws attention to these manifestations as distinctive conventions of the de-structured meeting, which de-structuring is occasioned by organic information processing needs in teleconferencing. This approach also explains why the combination of global distribution and teleconferences is a strategic opportunity for information processing for software process coordination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on a study of service users' views on Irish child protection services. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 67 service users, including young people between 13 and 23. The findings showed that despite refocusing and public service management reforms, service users still experience involvement with the services as intimidating and stressful and while they acknowledged opportunities to participate in the child protection process, they found the experience to be very difficult. Their definition of 'needs' was somewhat at odds with that suggested in official documentation, and they viewed the execution of a child protection plan more as a coercive requirement to comply with 'tasks' set by workers than a conjoint effort to enhance their children's welfare. As in previous studies, the data showed how the development of good relationships between workers and service users could compensate for the harsher aspects of involvement with child protection. In addition, this study demonstrated a high level of discernment on the part of service users, highlighting their expectation of quality standards in respect of courtesy, respect, accountability, transparency and practitioner expertise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asylum-seeking unaccompanied minors contend with numerous challenges as they adjust to living in a new country. Although increasing attention has been paid to their capacity for resilience, little research has been done on the exact manner in which they cope. This paper describes some of the insights gleaned from a qualitative study undertaken with unaccompanied minors living in Ireland. Six different coping strategies are identified, namely: (1) Maintaining continuity in a changed context, (2) Adjusting by learning and changing, (3) Adopting a positive outlook, (4) Suppressing emotions and seeking distraction, (5) Acting independently, and (6) Distrusting. These are described in turn. Particular attention is paid to the role of religion in relation to the participants' coping strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Maternity services underwent much change during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Research on the impact on miscarriage care and experiences during this time is sparse. Within a national evaluation of recurrent miscarriage care, we qualitatively explored stakeholder views and experiences of recurrent miscarriage services in Ireland. This study describes the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on those experiences and perceptions of care. Methods: People with professional and lived experience of recurrent miscarriage and service engagement were actively involved in this qualitative study from idea generation to analysis and reporting. We recruited women and men with two or more consecutive first‐trimester miscarriages, and people involved in the management/delivery of recurrent miscarriage services and supports. We used purposive sampling to ensure that perspectives across disciplinary or lived experience, geographical, and health service administrative areas, were included. We conducted semi‐structured interviews, virtually all due to COVID‐19 restrictions, between June 2020 and February 2021. These were audio‐recorded, and data were transcribed, and subsequently analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: We interviewed 42 service providers and 13 women and 7 men with experience of recurrent miscarriage. We actively generated two central themes during data analysis. The first—'Disconnected'—describes how many women navigated miscarriage diagnosis and management and care in subsequent pregnancies alone; many felt that this resulted in increased trauma. At the same time, men struggled with not being present to support their partners and described feeling disconnected. The second theme highlighted 'The perceived dispensability of recurrent miscarriage services and supports'. Some service providers felt that service reduction and redeployment demonstrated a lack of value in the service. Virtual clinics facilitated access to services, but a preference for in‐person care was highlighted. Conclusion: Our analysis provides rich insights into the significant impacts that the COVID‐19 pandemic has had on the way recurrent miscarriage care is provided and experienced, with important implications for early pregnancy, miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage care. Services have undergone significant changes and, while these may be temporary, how services should be delivered in the future requires consideration, particularly given the deficits in care and care experiences highlighted prepandemic. Patient or Public Contribution: Members of the multidisciplinary RE:CURRENT Project Research Advisory Group (including four parent advocates, two of whom are co‐authors on this article) were actively involved throughout the study, including the generation of topic guides and the refining of themes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Ireland, one in every 25 individuals is living with and beyond cancer, placing survivorship care at the forefront of strategic planning and service requirements. Several unmet needs of cancer survivors were identified in the National Cancer Strategy 2017–2026. Further reports from national bodies have highlighted how these unmet needs, including those of a nutritional nature, have not been prioritised. In Ireland, little information is available on how cancer diagnosis changes cancer survivors' perceptions of food and nutrition. Thus, this study aimed to describe cancer survivors' relationship with nutrition. Survivors who lived on the Island of Ireland and were at least 6 months post‐treatment were eligible. Five semi‐structured focus groups and two individual interviews were conducted online (n = 20). Focus groups and interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The cohort was mostly female breast cancer survivors (n = 12) with an average age of 51.3 ± 12 years. Emergent themes illustrated how a cancer diagnosis appears to motivate cancer survivors to immediate positive dietary changes. Many new dietary introductions were in line with cancer survivor recommendations, while dietary supplement use and some nonevidence‐supported actions were revealed. A minority of participants continued their original dietary intake prior to their diagnosis. Participants reported the impact of treatment‐related side effects on their relationship with nutrition. The participants emphasised a desire to receive dietary advice from health professionals while undergoing treatment and survivorship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for late‐life dementia, but dementia prevention strategies have yet to be comprehensively evaluated in people with diabetes. The Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) demonstrated cognitive benefits of a 2‐year multidomain lifestyle intervention. However, given the intensive nature of FINGER, there is uncertainty about whether it can be implemented in other high‐risk populations. Our aim was to explore attitudes towards dementia risk, and barriers to an intervention based on the FINGER model in older adults with type 2 diabetes living in rural areas of Ireland. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with 21 adults (11 men and 10 women) aged 60+ years with type 2 diabetes living in border regions of north and south Ireland. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: There was limited understanding of diabetes as a risk factor for late‐life dementia. The main barriers to engagement with the multidomain intervention were eating foods that were not compatible with cultural norms, time and travel constraints, and perceived lack of self‐efficacy and self‐motivation for adopting the desired diet, exercise and computerised cognitive training (CCT) behaviours. Facilitators for intervention acceptability included the provision of culturally tailored and personalised education, support from a trusted source, and inclusion of goal setting and self‐monitoring behavioural strategies. Conclusions: While there was high acceptability for a brain health intervention, several barriers including cultural food norms and low self‐efficacy for adopting the diet, exercise and CCT components would need to be considered in the intervention design. Findings from this study will be used to inform local decisions regarding the adaptation of FINGER for people with type 2 diabetes. The feasibility of the adapted multidomain intervention will then be evaluated in a future pilot trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study explored the experiences of service users of Adult Mental Health and Primary Care services in Ireland in receiving teletherapy during the COVID‐19 pandemic to provide an illustration of these experiences which may inform future applications of teletherapy. Method: Semi‐structured telephone interviews about participants' experiences with teletherapy were conducted, the transcripts of which were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Six themes were generated: Early Apprehensions, Adaptations Improving Experiences, The Therapeutic Space, Seeing and Being Seen, Technical Difficulties: The Loss of "The Moment," and The Security of a Pre‐Existing Relationship. Conclusion: Generated themes highlight both the range of experiences that clients can have during teletherapy, and some of the most significant factors which influence these experiences. The quality and effectiveness of teletherapy are often susceptible to factors outside of therapists' and clients' control. In most cases, it may be best considered as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, traditional in‐person services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Modifiable factors such as substance use, lack of attendance at antenatal care, overweight or obesity and sleeping position are associated with a higher risk of stillbirth. This qualitative study aimed to explore women's experiences of modifiable factors during pregnancy and their awareness of stillbirth. Methods: Purposive sampling was implemented by hospital staff in a large tertiary maternity hospital in Ireland between November 2020 and March 2021. Women were approached during their stay in the hospital and were invited to participate in a semistructured interview 3–5 months later. Eligible women were primiparous, >18 years of age and had an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery. Eighteen women who consented to be followed up were interviewed at 3–5 months postpartum. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: Four themes were identified: attitudes towards behaviour change, awareness regarding stillbirth and risk factors, the silence around stillbirth and risks, and attitudes towards receiving information about stillbirth. Women spoke about behaviour change in terms of outcomes, and most changes (e.g., ceasing alcohol consumption) were perceived as easy to manage. Awareness of stillbirth was limited among the women interviewed, and the association between risk behaviours and stillbirth was not known by any woman. Results suggest that there is a silence around stillbirth, including in antenatal care, which hinders information provision. However, most women highlighted the value of receiving information and extra education about modifiable risk factors and stillbirth. Conclusion: There is a general lack of understanding of the link between behavioural risk factors and potential pregnancy outcomes such as stillbirth. Providing further information to women about stillbirth and providing additional support with behaviour change might contribute to enhancing preventive efforts. Patient or Public Contribution: Patients were involved in this study by providing their experiences of antenatal care which were used as primary data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Nurse leaders influence workplace culture; however, little is known about ethnic cultural influences on nurse leader development. This research aims to identify personal strategies promoting effective leadership by nurse leaders from European small island countries. Design: Descriptive qualitative study. Methods: In 2017, nineteen semi‐structured interviews with nurse leaders from England, Greece, Republic of Ireland and Malta explored leadership journeys, strategies employed to support their growth and development, and how cultural identity played a role. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four main themes and 12 subthemes captured the strategies and approaches of the nurse leaders: (1) Influences, (2) Communication, (3) Process and (4) Relationships. These findings reflect and validate the five transformational leadership practices of the Exemplary Leadership Model. While cultural island identity was discussed, there was a shared cultural identity within the role of "nurse leader" that spanned all islands. Patient or Public Contributions: Nineteen nurse leaders contributed to this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Women's experiences of pregnancy, birth and motherhood extend beyond healthcare provision and the immediate postpartum. Women's social, cultural and political environments shape the positive or negative effects of their experiences through this transition. However, there is limited research concerning the factors that women identify as being protective or promotive of maternal well‐being in the perinatal period and motherhood transition. Objective: To explore women's views on the factors within healthcare, social, cultural, organizational, environmental and political domains that do or can work well in creating positive perinatal experiences. Design, Setting and Participants: A qualitative descriptive study with embedded public and participant involvement (PPI). Participants were 24 women who were maternity care service users giving birth in Ireland. Results: Three themes were developed. The first theme, 'tone of care', related to women's interactions with and attitudes of healthcare professionals in setting the tone for the care they experienced. The second theme, 'postpartum presence and support', concerned the professional postpartum supports and services that women found beneficial in the motherhood transition. The final theme, 'flexibility for new families' addresses social and organizational issues around parents returning to paid employment. Discussion and Conclusion: Women suggested multiple avenues for promoting positive perinatal experiences for women giving birth in Ireland, which may be implemented at healthcare and policy levels. Women identified that maternal health education focuses on supporting informed decision‐making processes as a positive and worry‐alleviating resource. Additionally, women valued being met by healthcare professionals who regard women as the decision makers in their care experience. Exchanges in which healthcare professionals validate and encourage women in their mothering role and actively involve their partners as caregivers left lasting positive impressions. Extended and professional postpartum support was a common issue, and phone lines or drop‐in clinics were suggested as invaluable and affirming assets where women could access personalized support with healthcare professionals who had the knowledge and skills to genuinely approach women's concerns. Social and organizational considerations involved supporting parents to balance their responsibilities as new or growing families in the return to work. Public or Patient Contribution: Maternity care service users were involved in the interviews and manuscript preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Experts by Experience involvement in the education of health professionals has gained momentum as an important strategy in ensuring quality, person‐centred education. Despite being a requirement for occupational therapy programs in Australia and internationally, involvement is variable and limited. Barriers to the implementation of academic roles have been identified, including negative attitudes of colleagues, systemic barriers, and insufficient evidence of their value. Mental health academics who do not identify as having lived experience (referred to as allies) have provided crucial support for Experts by Experience. Understanding their perspectives on implementation barriers and how they can be addressed is crucial to facilitating a broader level of meaningful involvement. Methods: A qualitative exploratory research project was conducted, involving in‐depth interviews with mental health academic allies (n = 16) from Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand. Participants were from the disciplines of nursing, occupational therapy, social work, and psychiatry. Data were analysed thematically. Findings: Two main themes were identified from the data analysis process: convincing colleagues and dealing with university barriers. Participants described varying attitudes from colleagues towards Experts by Experience, with many not understanding or appreciating their contribution to education and student outcomes. At the university level, reluctance to embrace innovation and funding and other resource shortages presented impediments to the implementation of Expert by Experience roles. Participants described using creative measures to overcome institutional barriers and encourage greater acceptance of such roles by colleagues. Conclusion: This research describes how allies experienced and overcame barriers they faced when supporting the implementation of academic positions for Experts by Experience. Allies have an important role to play in overcoming systemic barriers, and the approaches they have taken to achieve this may be an important source of learning for others with similar aspirations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research reports on qualitative interviews with 31 participants who are Irish parents, identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer (LGBQ), and who expressed difficulty in the process of obtaining birth certificates for their children. Our aim was to use personal information management (PIM) and personal digital archiving (PDA) as a lens to explore the invisible work that the Irish government requires of a sexual minority parent group to obtain "equal" treatment in the birth registration and birth certificate process. Our findings suggest overlap with existing information behavior research (IB) that explore invisible information work, IB as a burden, information marginalization, information vulnerability, and information overload, and the everyday in IB. We propose a new framework: personal information burden (PIM‐B) which is characterized by additional PIM activities, negative affect, lack of identity self extension to the personal information, and additional information seeking. We propose that a PIM‐B may be used as an indicator of inequality in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Fatigue is an overlooked symptom for musculoskeletal diseases, including rare conditions like systemic sclerosis (SSc). The purpose of this study were the following: (1) to adapt the content and delivery method of an existing fatigue intervention, and (2) to determine the feasibility of Fatigue and Activity Management Education in Systemic Sclerosis (FAME‐iSS). Methods: In Phase 1 adaptations were recorded using the Framework for Modification and Adaptations. In Phase 2, participants completed the 6‐week FAME‐iSS intervention and baseline, post‐intervention, and 3‐month follow‐up assessments measuring fatigue levels, fatigue impact, mental health, self‐efficacy, and use of energy conservation strategies. Qualitative data included a post‐intervention focus group and 3‐month follow‐up interviews. Results: Three main changes were made to the original intervention: (1) the content was adapted from management of Lupus‐related fatigue to management of SSc‐related fatigue, (2) context for delivery from Ireland to United States, and (3) in‐person to online format. Participants (n = 4) were 51.8 ± 12.1 years old, had been diagnosed with SSc for 12.0 ± 8.0 years, were receiving disability support, and had college degrees. All participants had 100% attendance and completed all study activities. Participants had positive comments about the programme format, content, and implementation. Post‐intervention, improvements were observed in most measures. Moderate effect sizes were noted in fatigue and self‐efficacy scores. Conclusion: Participants' positive responses supported the need for FAME‐iSS for people with SSc. Even with the small sample, FAME‐iSS led to improvements in fatigue and use of energy conservation strategies. The online format allowed for participation and sharing of ideas, especially during the global pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The current qualitative study aimed to investigate psychologists' experiences of teletherapy throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic, with a particular focus on teletherapy's impact on therapeutic relationships. Method: Fifteen participants, consisting of clinical and counselling psychologists employed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland, participated in semi‐structured interviews conducted via telephone. Results: Constructionist thematic analysis yielded three prominent themes: (i) psychologists experienced a lack of control over therapeutic boundaries with their clients, such as the setting and time in which sessions take place. Teletherapy also encroaches on psychologists' personal boundaries from having aspects of their home lives becoming associated with clients' trauma; (ii) psychologists have to work much harder to make the connection with clients due to the substantial loss of information, including non‐verbal cues, transmitted across teletherapeutic platforms; and (iii) psychologists themselves feel uncontained from being insufficiently supported by the HSE, which impacts on their ability to contain high‐risk clients via teletherapy. Conclusions: Various aspects of the therapeutic relationship, including therapeutic boundaries between psychologists and their clients, and psychologists' ability to make the connection and foster containment with their clients, were impacted by teletherapy. Psychologists need to feel heard, supported and appreciated to ensure optimal delivery of teletherapy in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Miscarriage is one of the most common complications of pregnancy, and recurrent miscarriage affects approximately 1% of couples. The psychological impact of early pregnancy loss on women has been well documented in the literature; however, the burden of miscarriage on men remains largely unexplored. Methods: This qualitative research involved semi‐structured interviews with five men whose partners had experienced at least two consecutive miscarriages. Participants were recruited through an early pregnancy loss clinic in a large, tertiary maternity hospital. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results: Recurrent miscarriage had a pronounced psychological impact on all the men interviewed, which worsened with each successive miscarriage. Three primary themes were developed from the data: (1) the deeply emotional experiences of men following recurrent miscarriage; (2) frustrations experienced during the provision of support following recurrent miscarriage; and (3) a sense of feeling unimportant. Lack of timely provision of information about miscarriage as well as lack of access to services were highlighted as deficiencies in the quality of care provided after recurrent miscarriage. Conclusion: The experiences of men after recurrent miscarriage are based largely on their assumed role as the protector and supporter of their partner, which often results in neglect of their own psychological needs. The support required by men is similar to that required by women, and greater access to information and services is needed to improve the experiences of men following recurrent miscarriage. Patient Contribution: Participants were recruited through the Pregnancy Loss Clinic at Cork University Maternity Hospital and were identified by specialist midwives. Participants were approached and interviewed by one of the researchers. Participation was voluntary and the men received no financial contribution for their time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]