1. Creative Solutions for People with Intellectual Disability, Autism & Mental Health Difficulties – the Role of Research Within Praxis Care
Gavin Davidson, Professor of Social Care
Praxis Chair of Social Care

2. Overview of the presentation
Introduction – my background and context
The role of research
Praxis Chair of Social Care
Research programme
Next steps and an invitation to get involved

3. Background and context
Mental health social work
First post-qualifying post was as a support worker for Praxis Care in 1995 (Kimberley House)
Northern Trust – deinstitutionalisation, assertive outreach and as an Approved Social Worker
The need for research and the potential of research to facilitate change
Queen’s University Belfast since 2008

4. The role of research To develop, understand and test services
Important caution – “... it is perfectly possible for good- hearted, well-trained, well-meaning staff, employing the most promising approaches and theories available to them, to make no difference at all to, or even worsen, the condition of those they are seeking to help.” (Sheldon & Macdonald, 2009: 66)
Institutionalisation
Procedural justice
Trauma informed care

5. Praxis Chair of Social Care
Praxis Care’s commitment to providing the most effective services possible
Appointed 1st May 2018
Role – develop, understand and test interventions, inform service development, promote service user and staff involvement in research, engage with policy-makers, establish international networks
Nevin Ringland, Chief Executive Officer
Development, Care and Research Committee
Paul Webb, Research Manager
Centre for Evidence and Social Innovation

6. Research Programme
Evidence synthesis – reviewing and presenting research
Exploratory research – innovation and service development
Evaluative research – testing interventions

7. Evidence synthesis
Scoping reviews to rapidly provide an overview of the available evidence
Three planned over the next three months: forensic services; services for adults with intellectual disabilities and behaviours that challenge; services for people with a diagnosis of personality disorder
Systematic reviews (supported by the UK and Ireland Campbell Centre): trauma informed care (commissioned by the Safeguarding Board NI); housing led by John Cowman; design; others based on the scoping reviews
Identification of other possible reviews
Format for dissemination – how to get research into practice

8. Exploratory research Exploratory research Supported decision making
Funded by DRILL
Led by Praxis Care (PI - Paul Webb)
Peer researchers
Relevance to policy and practice

9. Exploratory research

10. Evaluative research Supported Decision Making training intervention
Physical Activity co-produced intervention
Analysis and exploration of untoward events data
Routinely collected outcome data
Praxis model of care – taxonomy of services to identify and test critical components

11. Next steps Research programme
Further engagement with service users and staff
PhD proposals
Identify funding opportunities
Develop regional and international networks
Dissemination of research – conventional (reports, conference presentations and journal articles) and innovative (peer researchers, review summaries, technology)
Policy engagement – Reform of Adult Social Care, Code of Practice for the MCA, ESRC Social Care

12. Invitation to get involved
Keen to hear issues and develop ideas
Research training and engagement
Service developments
North/South opportunities
Research for better outcomes