Hutchinson, L (2020) Training as a Health Psychologist within an Occupational Health and NHS Setting: Exploration of Paramedic Wellbeing and Experiences of Behaviour Change Intervention Development. Doctoral thesis, Liverpool John Moores University.

Text EThesisLHutchinsonFinalSubmissionPORTFOLIO.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (3MB)

Abstract

Introduction: This portfolio comprises evidence towards the fulfilment of five competencies that satisfy the qualification of the Health Psychology Professional Doctorate; research, teaching and training, consultancy, behaviour change interventions and professional skills. Methods: A logical rationale was employed in building knowledge and skills to work with emergency services. Firstly, a systematic review was conducted in order to ascertain an understanding of existing research surrounding the lifestyle and wellbeing of ambulance workers. This highlighted a novel gap in research which was subsequently explored in empirical papers one and two. While the research was being undertaken, professional skills were consistently being developed in an occupational health setting with the conducting of wellbeing triage appointments. Further, experiences in teaching were sought and training programmes were developed and delivered. An additional NHS placement afforded opportunity to work in a therapeutic environment delivering behaviour change interventions under appropriate supervision. Results: The research established a significant gap in the role of individual and lifestyle in emergency service workers’ mental health. Following exploration of these factors, sleep emerged as the most significant predictor to mental health issues alongside other lifestyle factors, alcohol and physical activity. Further, resilience, satisfaction with life and stress all play a significant role in the mental health of emergency services workers. These findings provided rationale to the development, delivery and evaluation of a sleep improvement and fatigue management intervention. With reference to the remaining competencies; teaching and training, consultancy and professional skills, the various experiences highlighted in this portfolio evidence professional development as a trainee. Discussion: The research focused upon employees of the emergency services, offering topical knowledge and insight that support the trainee’s development in the occupational health sector. Further, wider experience was fostered within the NHS to broaden the trainee’s skills and employability. ii Conclusion: Overall, this portfolio documents a range of experiences that a trainee has engaged with in order to satisfy the requirements for the professional doctorate in health psychology.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	health psychology; professional doctorate
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Divisions:	Psychology (from Sep 2019)
Date Deposited:	03 Dec 2020 11:07
Last Modified:	13 Sep 2022 15:30
DOI or ID number:	10.24377/LJMU.t.00014125
Supervisors:	Forshaw, M and Poole, H
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/14125

View Item