Publications
32 results found
Clunie G, Belsi A, Roe J, et al., 2023, “Is there something wrong with your voice?” A qualitative study of the voice concerns of people with laryngotracheal stenosis, International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, Vol: 58, Pages: 376-389, ISSN: 1368-2822
BackgroundAcquired laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is a rare condition that causes breathlessness and dyspnoea. Patients have reconstructive airway surgery to improve their breathing difficulties, but both LTS and the surgery can cause voice difficulties. The existing evidence base for management of the voice difficulties for adults with LTS focuses on symptoms. There is limited information to provide clinical guidance for speech and language therapists (SLTs), and limited understanding of the impact of voice changes on adults with LTS. AimTo investigate the lived experience of adults with laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS), who have had reconstructive surgery; here focussing on voice concerns with the aim of guiding clinical care for SLTs.Methods & ProceduresA phenomenological, qualitative study design was used. Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were completed with adults living with LTS who had had reconstructive surgery. Audio-recordings were transcribed and inductive thematic analysis was used by the research team to identify themes and sub-themes. Outcomes & ResultsA total of 24 participants (5 focus groups and 2 interviews) took part in the study before thematic saturation was identified in analysis. Three main themes were identified specific to the experience of living with LTS: the Medical, Physical and Emotional journey. All participants referenced voice difficulties as they related to each of these overall themes. Sub-themes directly related to voice included: experience of surgery, information provision, staff expertise/complacency, symptoms, symptom management, identity, support networks, impact on life and living with a chronic condition. Conclusions & ImplicationsIn this qualitative study participants have described the integral part voice difficulties play in their lived experience of LTS and reconstructive surgery. This is considered in the context of their clinical care and the need for individualised management and information prov
Turner S, Belsi A, McGregor AH, 2022, Issues faced by people with amputation(s) during lower limb prosthetic rehabilitation: a thematic analysis, Prosthetics and Orthotics International, Vol: 46, Pages: 61-67, ISSN: 0309-3646
Background: Successful rehabilitation is essential to improve the physical and mental outcomes of people with lower limb amputation(s). Individuals have different goals and expectations of successful rehabilitation and experience issues that affect their quality of life.Objectives: To determine factors affecting lower limb prosthetic rehabilitation from people with amputation(s), important for studies focusing on prosthetic and socket design and fitting because they provide context of need and user issues.Study design: Thematic analysis of semistructured interviews.Methods: Ten people with amputation(s) were self-selected from a survey identifying factors affecting lower limb prosthetic rehabilitation. The telephone interviews were semistructured exploring the biggest impactors on and frustrations with rehabilitation and the socket. A thematic analysis was completed by following the undermentioned steps: familiarization, coding, generating themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming themes, and reporting.Results: Five distinct but interrelated themes were identified: External to Prosthesis, Body Impactors, Consequences of Ill-Fit, Prosthesis Irritants, and Work and Social Impact. Those living with amputation(s) mentioned prosthetic-related issues affecting their work and social life, including difficulties wearing their prosthesis all day, the socket's rigidity, and the ability to participate in hobbies.Conclusions: The study provides new insights into the issues experienced during prosthetic rehabilitation, highlighting impacts beyond just physical health consequences. The study provides an evidence base for areas of the rehabilitation journey which could be improved to improve the quality of life of people with amputation(s)
Turner S, Belsi A, McGregor AH, 2022, Issues faced by prosthetists and physiotherapists during lower-limb prosthetic rehabilitation: a thematic analysis, Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, Vol: 2, ISSN: 2673-6861
Successful prosthetic rehabilitation is essential to improve the physical and mental outcomes of people with lower-limb amputation. Evaluation of prosthetic services from a prosthesis user perspective have been published and commissioned by the national bodies, however, the perspectives of clinicians working with service users during rehabilitation have not to date been sought. We sought to determine factors impacting lower-limb prosthetic rehabilitation from a clinician’s perspective to inform studies focusing on prosthetic and socket design and fitting. Six clinician (2 prosthetists, 4 physiotherapists) interviewees were self-selected from a survey exploring issues and frustrations during lower-limb prosthetic rehabilitation. Semi-structured interviews explored the impactors on and frustrations with rehabilitation and the prosthetic socket. A thematic analysis was subsequently conducted to identify themes in the responses. Five themes were identified: Service Disparity, Body Impactors, Consequences of Ill-Fit, Prosthesis Irritants, and Limitations of Practice. Each theme, though distinct, relates to the others either as a cause or consequence and should be viewed as such. Addressing the themes will have benefits beyond the issues addressed but also expand into the other themes. This study provides an insight into the clinician perspectives on lower-limb prosthetic rehabilitation, which has not been formally documented to date.
Belsi A, Susannah E, Murtagh G, et al., 2021, First Year students' experiences from online teaching of clinical communication skills at Imperial College London School of Medicine, International Conference on Communication in Healthcare 2021
Belsi A, Eves S, Frame K, et al., 2021, Lessons Learnt and Implemented from the first online Simulated Patient Sessions in Clinical Communication at Imperial College London, International Conference for Communication in Healthcare 2021
Clunie GM, Belsi A, Roe JWG, et al., 2021, Not just dyspnoea: swallowing as a concern for adults with laryngotracheal stenosis undergoing airway reconstruction, Dysphagia, Vol: 37, Pages: 365-374, ISSN: 0179-051X
Acquired laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is a rare condition causing dyspnea and stridor. Patients often require multiple surgical procedures with no guarantee of a definitive outcome. Difficulty swallowing is a recognised problem associated with LTS and the reconstructive surgeries required to manage the condition. The breathlessness patient’s experience impacts on swallowing, and the vulnerable structures of the larynx are implicated during complex surgeries. This leads to dysphagia post-surgery, with some patients experiencing more chronic symptoms depending on the biomechanical impact of the surgery, or a pre-existing dysphagia. Despite this there is limited observational research about the dysphagia associated with LTS, with no exploration of the patient experience. Our aim was to investigate patient experience of living with LTS focussing on dysphagia in order to guide clinical practice. A qualitative study was completed using focus groups and semi-structured interviews with 24 patients who have had reconstructive surgery for LTS. Thematic analysis was used to identify three over-arching themes: The Physical Journey, The Emotional Journey and The Medical Journey. Key sub-themes included the importance of self-management and control, presence of symptoms, benefits of therapy, living with a life-long condition, fear and anxiety, autonomy, medicalisation of normal processes and the dichotomy between staff expertise and complacency. Swallowing was connected to all themes. The results are reviewed with consideration of the wider literature of lived experience particularly in relation to other chronic conditions and those that carry a high symptom burden such as head and neck cancer. Future clinical and research recommendations have been made. Akin to other clinical groups, adults with LTS are keen that management of their swallowing is person-centred and holistic.
Clunie G, Belsi A, Roe J, et al., 2020, Not Just Dyspnoea – Swallowing as a Concern for Adults with Laryngotracheal Stenosis Who Undergo Reconstructive Surgery?, UK Swallowing Research Group 2020 Conference
Belsi A, Murtagh G, 2018, Peer tutoring in clinical communication teaching: the experience of 1st year students and their peer tutors, MedEdPublish, Vol: 7, ISSN: 2312-7996
This study explored the impact of peer tutoring in Clinical Communication teaching as it was expressed in the views of Year 1 students and their Peer Tutors at Imperial College London.Methods: a mixed methods approach was used combining questionnaires and focus groups. Quantitative findings were analysed using SPSS v23 and qualitative findings were analysed using Framework Methodology.Results: the findings suggest a very positive experience for both Year 1 students and their Peer Tutors with the former reporting feeling supported to practice and improve on their Clinical Communication Skills in a collaborative environment, being taught and learning from peers who would share their past educational experiences. No significant differences were found between students taught by Peer Tutors and those taught by Course Tutors. Peer Tutors on the other hand, reported an equally positive experience, which gave them an insight into teaching, improved their leadership and feedback skills, enhanced their confidence and helped them reflect on their own Clinical Communication skills.Conclusion: peer tutoring has many advantages as an educational method in medical education and Clinical Communication teaching and should be promoted in medical curricula.
Belsi A, Papi E, McGregor AH, 2016, The impact of wearable technology on psychosocial factors of osteoarthritis management: a qualitative study, BMJ Open, Vol: 6, ISSN: 2044-6055
Objectives To identify the impact the use of wearable technology could have in patients with osteoarthritis in terms of communication with healthcare providers and patients’ empowerment to manage their condition.Design Qualitative study using focus groups with patients with osteoarthritis; data from patients’ responses were analysed using Framework Methodology.Participants 21 patients with knee osteoarthritis from the London area (age range 45–65 years) participated in a total of four focus groups. Recruitment continued until data saturation.Setting The study was conducted in a university setting.Results Patients’ responses suggested a positive attitude on the impact wearable technology could have on the management of osteoarthritis. It was perceived that the use of wearable devices would benefit patients in terms of feeling in control of their condition, providing them with awareness of their progress, empowering in terms of self-management and improving communication with their clinician.Conclusions This paper suggests positive patient perspectives on the perceived benefits wearable technology could have on the management of osteoarthritis. The data that could be collected with the use of wearable technology could be beneficial both to patients and clinicians. The information obtained from this study suggests that introducing wearable technology into patient-centred care could enhance patient experience in the field of osteoarthritis and beyond.
Papi E, Belsi A, McGregor AH, 2015, A knee monitoring device and the preferences of patients living with osteoarthritis: A qualitative study, BMJ Open, Vol: 5, ISSN: 2044-6055
Greenfield G, Ignatowicz AM, Belsi A, et al., 2014, Wake up, wake up! It's me! It's my life! patient narratives on person-centeredness in the integrated care context: a qualitative study., BMC Health Services Research, Vol: 14, ISSN: 1472-6963
BackgroundPerson-centered care emphasizes a holistic, humanistic approach that puts patients first, at the center of medical care. Person-centeredness is also considered a core element of integrated care. Yet typologies of integrated care mainly describe how patients fit within integrated services, rather than how services fit into the patient¿s world. Patient-centeredness has been commonly defined through physician¿s behaviors aimed at delivering patient-centered care. Yet, it is unclear how `person-centeredness¿ is realized in integrated care through the patient voice. We aimed to explore patient narratives of person-centeredness in the integrated care context.MethodsWe conducted a phenomenological, qualitative study, including semi-structured interviews with 22 patients registered in the Northwest London Integrated Care Pilot. We incorporated Grounded Theory approach principles, including substantive open and selective coding, development of concepts and categories, and constant comparison.ResultsWe identified six themes representing core `ingredients¿ of person-centeredness in the integrated care context: ¿Holism¿, ¿Naming¿, ¿Heed¿, ¿Compassion¿, ¿Continuity of care¿, and ¿Agency and Empowerment¿, all depicting patient expectations and assumptions on doctor and patient roles in integrated care. We bring examples showing that when these needs are met, patient experience of care is at its best. Yet many patients felt `unseen¿ by their providers and the healthcare system. We describe how these six themes can portray a continuum between having own physical and emotional `Space¿ to be `seen¿ and heard vs. feeling `translucent¿, `unseen¿, and unheard. These two conflicting experiences raise questions about current typologies of the patient-physician relationship as a `dyad¿, the meanings patients attributed to `care&
Belsi A, Asimakopoulou K, Donaldson N, et al., 2014, Motivation to study dental professions in one London Dental Institute, EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION, Vol: 18, Pages: 24-30, ISSN: 1396-5883
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Curry N, Harris M, Gunn L, et al., 2013, Integrated care pilot in north west London: a mixed methods evaluation
Curry N, Harris M, Gunn LH, et al., 2013, Integrated care pilot in north west London: a mixed methods evaluation, International Journal of Integrated Care, Vol: 13, ISSN: 1568-4156
Belsi A, Gonzalez-Maffe J, Jones K, et al., 2013, Care home managers’ views of dental services for older people living in nursing and residential homes in inner city London, Community Dental Health
Pappas Y, Ignatowicz A, Jones Nielsen J, et al., 2013, NHS North West London Integrated Care Pilot: Year one evaluation
Durkan C, Belsi A, Johnson R, et al., 2012, Career choice, pathways and continuing professional development of dental nurses at one institution, BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL, Vol: 213, ISSN: 0007-0610
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- Citations: 4
Durkan C, Belsi A, Johnson R, et al., 2012, Summary of: Career choice, pathways and continuing professional development of dental nurses at one institution, BRITISH DENTAL JOURNAL, Vol: 213, Pages: 68-69, ISSN: 0007-0610
Belsi A, Ghotane SG, Asimakopoulou K, et al., 2012, Final-year Hygiene/Therapy Students’ Career Aspirations in One London Dental Institute (oral presentation), International Association for Dental Research General Session
Belsi A, Asimakopoulou K, Gallagher JE, 2012, Professional Mobility Within Dentistry: The Case Of Dental Care Professionals at King’s College London Dental Institute (poster presentation), British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry, Spring Scientific Meeting
Belsi A, Asimakopoulou K, Gallagher JE, 2011, Hygiene/Therapy students' motivation to study in one London dental school, BSODR Meeting (Oral Presentation), British Society for Oral and Dental Research
Belsi A, Gallagher JE, Asimakopoulou K, 2011, Personality profile of students entering dentistry, hygiene/therapy and dental nursing at one London dental institute., Eur J Dent Educ, Vol: 15, Pages: 80-84
INTRODUCTION: King's College London Dental Institute (KCLDI) is the largest school in the UK, training dental professionals: Dentists, Hygienists/Therapists and Dental Nurses. Although previous work has examined dental students, there is a dearth of studies on the personality profile of students of hygiene/therapy and dental nursing. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the personality profile of students studying dentistry, hygiene/therapy and dental nursing at KCLDI, by programme, sex and ethnicity. METHODS AND MATERIALS: All entrants into dentistry, hygiene/therapy and dental nursing at KCLDI were invited to participate in the study. A self report questionnaire including the brief version of the Five-Factor Model and personal details was administered to the 218 recruited students in groups and under supervised conditions. RESULTS: One-way ANOVA on data from 148 questionnaires revealed significant differences; the medical graduate entrants to dentistry appeared to have a more extraverted profile than hygiene/therapy entrants (P<0.04). The graduate entrants to dentistry were more open to experiences than the direct entrants (P<0.03) and the dental nursing trainees (P<0.03). The medical graduate entrants also appeared more open to experiences than the dental nursing trainees; the latter also appeared to have a more sensitive profile compared to the medical entry students (P<0.03). No differences were found between groups in agreeableness and conscientiousness. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest the presence of personality differences between entrants to dentistry, hygiene/therapy and dental nursing. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Belsi A, Asimakopoulou K, Gallagher JE, 2010, Personality profile of students entering dentistry at King’s College London, (Poster presentation), 4th Scientific Meeting of the Pan European Federation of International Association of Dental Research
Belsi A, Asimakopoulou K, Donaldson N, et al., 2010, Well-being and personality of students from one London Dental Institute (poster presentation), International Association for Dental Research, General Session
Belsi A, Asimakopoulou K, Donaldson N, et al., 2010, Motivation of Student Dental Professionals at One London School (poster presentation), International Association for Dental Research, General Session
Belsi A, Asimakopoulou K, Gallagher JE, 2010, Career Expectations of Hygiene/Therapy and Dental Nursing Students at King’s College London Dental Institute (Poster presentation), British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry, Spring Scientific Meeting
Belsi A, Asimakopoulou K, Gallagher JE, 2009, Motivation, Background and Career Intentions of Hygiene/Therapy Students (Oral presentation), British Society for Dental Research
Belsi A, Asimakopoulou K, Gallagher JE, 2009, Motivation, Background and Career Intentions of Dental Nursing Students (Oral presentation), British Society for Dental Research
Belsi A, Asimakopoulou K, Gallagher JE, 2009, Personality Profile of Students Entering Hygiene/Therapy, Dental Nursing and Dentistry (graduate entry) at King’s College London (Poster presentation), British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry, Spring Scientific Meeting
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