supported by
HEALTH PROMOTION REBECCA ADAIR, MEDICARE PHARMACY, DUNDONALD
Rebecca Adair, Medicare Pharmacy, Dundonald with Ian Strachan, Chairman of the NPA and UCA President, Cliff McElhinney
northern Ireland has the highest rate of acquired brain injury (aBI) in the Uk [headway]. causes of brain injury can include meningitis, stroke and road traffic accidents. the cause of brain injury is often a sudden and unexpected event yet the impact to the person is significant and long term. While those who have suffered an aBI will obtain medical treatment and rehabilitation, the needs of the individual do not end on completion of rehabilitation. a lack of follow up and ongoing support once discharged has been shown to result in the loss of gains previously made in rehabilitation.
local Belfast charity Brain Injury Matters (BIM) provides on-going support to those with an aBI to help rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. last year, BIM partnered with Medicare Pharmacy group aided by Building community Pharmacy Partnership (BcPP) funding for a project based on addressing the ‘taboo’ of mental health issues in those affected by aBI.
having already completed a BcPP project, pharmacist, rebecca adair, had demonstrated the skills and experience to deliver successful presentations and learning. rebecca has first-hand experience of the effects of an aBI on immediate family members - caused by a stroke and brain tumour. this provided a personal interest in the project and genuine empathy with participants.
a previous BIM BcPP project identified mental health as issues participants were keen to explore. Subsequently, a project proposal was sent to all 100
adults registered with BIM. they were provided a written outline of the project and invited to participate. a response rate of 30 per cent was achieved, enabling a division of participants into two groups of fifteen individuals - ranging in age from 26 years old to mid 60s. at the initial meeting a good rapport was established between rebecca and service users who were willing to openly recount and share mental health struggles along their road to recovery. reduced mobility makes it more difficult for individuals to leave their homes, increasing dependence on others.
a programme was developed to address the ‘taboo’ of mental health which explored reasons for suffering from low mood/anxiety and looked at methods to improve mental health outcomes, including medication and self management through a healthy lifestyle. the planned programme involved monthly sessions, with a varied programme allowing rebecca to take the lead on alternate months with outside speakers, addressing the issues raised.
the primary objective was to acknowledge the prevalence of mental health issues for those suffering from an aBI and provide practical solutions to promote positive emotional wellbeing. rebecca led sessions focused on issues such as identifying the existence of mental health problems in those post aBI and on identifying different presentations of mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, loss of confidence, sleep disturbances, lack of enjoyment in activities individuals previously
enjoyed. She also explored the role of medication in improving mental health – with conversations tailored to medications specific to group participants. Participants were encouraged to bring a list of their medication to aid them to have greater ownership of their medication.
the sessions also provided the opportunity for participants to express emotions, manage mood and enhance self-esteem. this was explored through music sessions, which included drama and mindfulness to engage with service users. With input from participants as to their favourite artists, confidence was built and stress lowered by recreating favourite songs either through singing or with the aid of percussion instruments. With rebecca fluent in playing violin and piano, her ability to immerse in this aspect of the programme enabled consistency across the sessions and encouraged participation from the group members, leading by example.
regular monthly contact with rebecca over eight months strengthened the relationship between the two organisations – through presentations that she led, her willingness to bring her musical skills in playing the violin during music sessions, or the simple one-to-one advice given to individuals over coffee. Subsequently, the relationship was such that members of the BIM team often sought advice from rebecca at the local pharmacy, where she provided information for them on issues such as the Minor ailments Service.
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