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Background: Incarcerated trans women experience significant victimization, mistreatment, barriers to gender-affirming care, and human rights violations, conferring high risk for trauma, psychological distress, self-harm, and suicide. Across the globe, most carceral settings are segregated by sex assigned at birth and governed by housing policies that restrict gender expression—elevating ‘safety and security’ above the housing preferences of incarcerated people. Aim/methods: Drawing upon the lived experiences of 24 formerly incarcerated trans women in Australia and the United States and employing Elizabeth Freeman’s notion of chrononormativity, Rae Rosenberg’s concept of heteronormative time, and Kadji Amin’s use of queer temporality, this paper explores trans women’s carceral housing preferences and contextual experiences, including how housing preferences challenge governing chrononormative and reformist carceral housing systems. Findings: Participants freely discussed their perspectives regarding housing options which through thematic analysis generated four options for housing: 1) men’s carceral settings; 2) women’s carceral settings; 3) trans- and gay-specific housing blocks; and 4) being housed in protective custody or other settings. There appeared to be a relationship between the number of times the person had been incarcerated, the duration of their incarceration, and where they preferred to be housed. Conclusions: This analysis contributes to richer understandings regarding trans women’s experiences while incarcerated. This paper also informs the complexities and nuances surrounding housing preferences from the perspectives of trans women themselves and considers possible opportunities to enhance human rights, health and wellbeing when engaging in transformative approaches to incarceration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the development and implementation of a peer-support program Always There in a large public mental health service in Queensland, Australia. The program is modelled on Scott's three tier model of peer support, with trained responders providing emotional support to staff following a traumatic adverse event, or when experiencing acute or cumulative stress. Support is provided in complete confidentiality. Main lessons learned in the 2 years since the launch of the program are shared in this paper, outlining successes such as improvements in staff's perception of organisational culture, and challenges related to embedding the program to "business as usual". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Through an account of prevailing experiences of art and mental illness, this paper aims to raise awareness, open dialogue and create agency about art created by people with experience of mental illness.Methods:This paper draws on personal narrative and inquiry by an artist with mental illness and data collected as part of a larger participatory action research project that investigated understandings of identity, art and mental illness.Result:An inquiry through art raised awareness and attentiveness to the importance of choice in identity construction and exposed frequent dichotomies in art and mental illness that were negotiated to eschew prescribed social stratification. As an artist, the first author challenged values present in one idea and absent in the other, and the options and concessions available to authorise her own dialogue and agency of being an artist.Conclusion:Constructing an identity is an important part of being human, the labels that we choose or are chosen for us attribute to our identity. Reflections and recommendations are offered to consider expanded ways of thinking about art and mental illness and the functions that art play in identity construction. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The insights of people who have experienced mental health issues are at the core of recovery frameworks. The inclusion of peer support workers in clinical care teams is crucial to a recovery-supportive focus. Peer support workers facilitate egalitarian spaces for non-peer staff and consumers to frankly discuss the lived experience of mental illness. This study was part of a larger evaluation study which aimed to explore the implementation of a newly formed community-based mental health team in South-East Queensland, Australia. The paper reports the role of peer support workers and answers two research questions: "How is peer support work constructed in an interprofessional clinical care team?" and (2) "How do interprofessional mental health clinical care teams respond to the inclusion of peer support workers as team members?" Three themes were identified: peer support worker' ability to navigate a legitimate place within care teams, their value to the team once they established legitimacy and their ability to traverse the care landscape. Ultimately, successful integration in interprofessional teams was dependent upon the ability of clinical staff to focus on unique strengths that peer support workers bring, in addition to lived experience with mental illness as a carer or consumer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an ongoing global shortage of mental health nurses. Within Australia, the principal strategy of offering a postgraduate education programme with various incentives to encourage nurses back to study has not been successful. This has led to the consideration of radical alternatives, including the return to pre-registration specialisation in mental health. The successful introduction of this strategy would require the full support of industry partners. To date, the voice of industry has not been heard in relation to this issue. The aim of this paper is to present the views of an Australian sample of mental health nursing directors regarding the resources and other factors required, should undergraduate specialist programmes in mental health be developed, to ensure they are relevant and likely to be successful. A qualitative exploratory research project was undertaken to explore the perspectives and opinions of industry partners. In-depth interviews were conducted with nursing directors ( n = 12) in Queensland Australia. Five main themes were identified: relationships with universities; clinical placement preparation and support; workplace culture; facilitators and preceptors; and practical student learning. Genuine collaboration between the two organisations was considered crucial for delivering a quality programme and providing the required support for students. Transformative leadership could inform this collaboration by promoting acknowledgement of and respect for differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fathers in families raising children with disabilities are under-researched. Fathers' perspectives can be better accommodated in childhood disability services that operate on a family-centred paradigm if their perspectives are understood. This study aimed to investigate the perspectives of fathers on caring and family life, work, and health. A mixed-methods design with an online questionnaire included open-ended questions and three instruments: Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS); Health Promoting Activities Scale (HPAS-M); Fathers of Children with Developmental Challenges (FCDC) Scale. Fathers (n = 33) reported high depressive (58%), anxiety (37%), and stress symptoms (61%). Fathers reported low participation in health-promoting activity with less than weekly: planning health activities (58%); solo physical activity (26%); social activity (3%); time relaxing (16%). Sixty-four percent worked full-time, although work was reported to be challenged by family responsibilities. Fathers described directly caring for their children although service interactions were low and delegated to mothers. Fathers in this study reported stress, mental health issues, and low participation in healthy activity. Fathers experienced challenges related to career progression and job choices due to family responsibilities. Providing individualised and responsive support to fathers of a child with a disability would better support the family unit. Fathers of children with a disability in this study experienced high mental health symptoms. Fathers were involved with their child's care at home but had low service interactions suggesting that service providers need to discover new ways to better engage fathers. Fathers experienced challenges to participation in paid work secondary to care responsibilities for their child with a disability and resulting needs of their family. Services that better support fathers are important to promote better health and wellbeing and support families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore face validity of a preliminary conceptual framework for rehabilitation (the HEAR Framework), which is grounded in the narratives of people with spinal cord injury. Using a quantitative online survey, experienced spinal cord injury rehabilitation practitioners were asked to compare the overall Framework, and its three components and nine elements, against usual practice. Participants rated the helpfulness and ease of implementation of each component. Perceived training needs, to support the implementation of the Framework were also explored. Respondents were given the opportunity to provide qualitative feedback about the Framework. Thirty-four participants completed the survey. Median rating of congruence of the Framework with usual practice was 6 (out of 10). The Help component of the Framework was rated as more like usual practice than the Encourage and Accept components. Median rating of the potential helpfulness to practice, of all the elements of the Framework was 5 (out of 5). Participants rated the elements within the Help component of the Framework as easiest to implement. Teaching assertiveness, promoting flexible thinking and fostering responsive communication were the highest rated training topics related to implementation of the Framework. Face validity testing suggests the preliminary HEAR Framework is promising as a basis for spinal cord injury rehabilitation theory. Broad-based testing is required to progress the promise of the Framework. Spinal cord injury rehabilitation lacks conceptual frameworks to guide practice. This validity study suggests moderate alignment between the preliminary HEAR Framework and usual practice (based on the perceptions of professionals in a spinal cord injury service). The Framework may be useful to individual rehabilitation practitioners as a basis for clinical reflection. The Framework may be useful as a practice development tool for teams of rehabilitation practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to explore psychologists' attitudes towards the use of video conferencing technology (VCT) to deliver therapy. Method: Participants (N = 12) were recruited via opportunistic sampling either via the Australian Psychological Society website or social media. Participants (three males and nine females) were located in Queensland. They were aged between 23 and 50 years of age (mean age = 32.91, SD = 9.36), held varying levels of experience in psychology (<1 year to 12 years) and types of endorsement (e.g. provisional, general, clinical and health). A semistructured interview schedule was applied in‐person (n = 7) or via telephone (n = 5). Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) five‐step method for assessing qualitative data in psychology. Results: Results indicated that psychologists' attitudes towards VCT to deliver therapy paralleled the tri‐component definition of attitudes proposed by Breckler (1984) and Rajecki (1982). Subthemes reflecting these components included perceived limitations or benefits of VCT (i.e. a cognitive component), a sense of comfort when using VCT (i.e. an affective component), and a general tendency to resist or embrace VCT (i.e. a behavioural disposition). Conclusions: Key barriers and facilitators identified underscore the need for training to improve knowledge and awareness of VCT, including its evidence base. Specifically, the assistance of 'embracers' to provide training in VCT (e.g. adapting microskills to a different medium and using technology flexibly) may also dispel negative views held by psychologists regarding VCT and its effectiveness and consequently facilitate a wider adoption of VCT throughout Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clear links have been established between low health literacy (HL) levels and poor health outcomes. One means of improvement may be found in the rapidly growing paid home care workforce, whose direct and frequent contact with aged/disabled care recipients positions them to provide HL support. This study examines Australian homecare worker (HCW) experiences in HL when providing assistance to their care recipients. A self-reported cross-sectional survey collected data from 75 HCWs. They reported concerns about their clients' HL, yet were cautious about providing support in this area. HL levels of the HCWs themselves were unconvincing, and the majority requested targeted education and training. Further research is needed into HL levels of both HCWs and care recipients, client demographics, the types of HL support being requested of HCWs, a more detailed scoping of the HCW role, and the curriculum and pedagogies which may comprise a HL education and training program for HCWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare encounters are important in ensuring safe access to medical or surgical care for transgender people. Previous literature suggests many transgender people have had negative encounters with healthcare professionals. In Australia, there is limited research about this population and their healthcare, and less from regional locations. Aims: This study primarily aimed to explore both transgender client and clinician perspectives and experiences of healthcare interactions. A secondary aim was to investigate increased presentations to sexual health clinics in North Queensland by people wishing to transition. Methods: Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were used to gather data from 23 participants. Interview transcripts were inductively analyzed and themes developed. Results: Four themes emerged relating to healthcare encounters and the regional setting of North Queensland. These showed that support from family and peers is important for transgender mental health and wellbeing, and that person-centered clinicians who acknowledge a holistic approach to transgender care also form part of the support network for transgender individuals particularly in the regional setting. The internet was found to play a significant role in this study's findings. Discussion: A collaborative holistic approach to transgender healthcare should be taken by client and clinician to best support the transgender individual during transition. The establishment of Australian guidelines and online peer support groups would facilitate this approach, particularly in rural or regional areas where specialist services are limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to pilot and evaluate an integrated model for HIV self-testing (HIVST) service delivery in a peer-led Queensland community setting to increase access to HIVST, particularly for men who have sex with men (MSM) living in regional, remote and rural areas. It seeks to provide evidence that would overcome some of the key objections previously raised to HIVST. Recruitment strategies have been designed to engage hard to reach MSM populations in testing. Awareness of the trial will be generated through advertising on social media platforms, including dating applications, word of mouth and HIV related websites. Participants will access an HIVST online ordering system hosted by a HIV community organisation. This system: (1) enables on-line informed consent; 2) gives clients the choice to accept verbal pre-test information from a trained peer test facilitator or not; and (3) allows for ordering of the HIVST kit after completion of an online survey (with demographic information and testing history etc.). Clients receive the kits via the post; and at 2 weeks receive a follow-up phone-call and SMS link to a post-test survey. If the test is non-reactive, clients can opt for test reminders. If reactive, referral to clinical services, peer navigation and support systems are provided. This study addresses important gaps in understanding of acceptable and feasible methods to integrate HIVST into an existing peer-led testing service and into the broader suite of HIV testing options and services. The findings will inform the actions needed to enhance access to HIVST for MSM wishing to use this technology in Australia and elsewhere, especially those who have never tested and infrequent testers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: P plates (or decals) identify a driver's license status to other road users. They are a compulsory part of the graduated driver licensing system in Queensland, Australia, for drivers on a P1 (provisional 1) or P2 (provisional 2) license. This study explored the perceptions of young drivers regarding the display of P plates (decals) in Queensland, Australia.Methods: In this study, 226 young drivers with a provisional (intermediate/restricted) license completed a 30-min online survey between October 2013 and June 2014. t Tests were used to compare the opinions of people who displayed their plates nearly always with those who displayed them less frequently.Results: Participants approved of the requirement to display P plates with 69% of those on a P1 license and 79% on a P2 license supporting the condition to display P1 (red) plates. Participants on a P1 license (62%) and a P2 license (68%) also approved the requirement to display P2 (green) plates. However, young drivers also perceived that the display of P plates (measured from 1 = never to 5 = nearly all the time) enabled newly licensed drivers to be targeted by police and other drivers (those who do not always display P plates: M = 3.72, SD = 0.94; those who nearly always display P plates: M = 3.43, SD = 1.09).Conclusions: The study findings suggest that participants who nearly always display their P plates are more likely to report that having to display their plates resulted in them driving more carefully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Healthcare providers increasingly expect that allied health staff will not only translate research evidence into their clinical practice, but also generate research. Little is known about how well prepared clinicians are to meet these expectations. Research suggests that allied health professionals, including speech-language pathologists, have moderate levels of interest in research, but only little-to-moderate experience participating in research activities. The present study aimed to explore the experiences and attitudes of speech-language pathologists in regards to undertaking research in their clinical settings. Method: Focus groups were conducted with 21 practising speech-language pathologists (13 research engaged, eight not research engaged). The focus groups were transcribed and the data analysed qualitatively using content analysis. Result: Two overarching themes mediated research engagement. Engagement in research was shaped by whether participants overcame any 'fear' of research and the unique characteristics of their clinical context. Contextualizing and further shaping participants' experiences of these themes were personal factors, such as initiative and proactivity. Conclusion: The success of increasing the research engagement of the speech-language pathology workforce may be contingent on providing clinicians with more exposure to research opportunities and mentors as well as ensuring organizational structures are in place to encourage, support and facilitate research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]