title: Micro-skills of group formulations in care settings.
abstract: This study examines some of the micro-skills associated with the moment-to-moment decisions and actions involved in delivering group formulation sessions in dementia care settings. We discuss the therapeutic framework used by therapists from a number of Challenging Behaviour Services in the UK (Newcastle, Northumberland, South Tyneside, Teesside, Sutton and Merton, Northern Ireland) which is frequently referred to as the Newcastle or Colombo approach. Through a theoretical review and practice illustration, the study pays particular attention to the role of therapists' questions and questioning styles in group formulation sessions, providing a framework which aims to facilitate care staffs' understanding, reflection and empathy regarding their residents who are displaying 'challenging behaviours'. The study also provides a potential guide to the training of therapists working in this area and thereby attempts to benefit clinical practices in an area where pharmacological approaches are usually the treatment of choice.
authors.affiliation: Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne University, UK.
authors.forename: Louisa J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Jackman
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wood-Mitchell
authors.forename: Ian A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: James
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D032882:Comprehension; D003657:Decision Making; D003704:Dementia / Q000628:therapy*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D004645:Empathy; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D012112:Residential Facilities; D012919:Social Behavior; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: care staff; challenging behaviour; formulation