A constructive-critical response to Creative Health: The Arts for Health and Wellbeing (July 2017) by the All–Party Parliamentary Group on Arts,Health and Wellbeing

The recent report from the United Kingdom (UK) All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing is receiving widespread publicity across the media. Newspaper articles and social media posts espouse the benefits and importance of employing creative arts within the health domain, citing the report as proof of this. The report is inclusive of the entire range of arts practices, while its recommendations relate in the most part to UK policy and systems. The focus of this article is specific to visual arts practices and art therapy (art-for-health), but may have relevance across arts modalities and approaches (arts and health). This article questions the approach to the evidence taken in the report, and highlights the need for rigour, balance and impartiality in conducting research and presenting evidence. A case is made for the use of formal systematic reviews as appropriate ways to develop the evidence base. Another suggestion is a request for more explicit consideration of the ideological commitments underpinning beliefs about purpose and value within art therapy and the wider arts and health arena.     

How is Anxiety Identified and Diagnosed in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability? A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder display a pattern of social communication deficits and restricted and repetitive behaviors that leave them particularly vulnerable to developing anxiety. The presence of a co-occurring Intellectual Disability further complicates the situation, compromising traditional diagnostic techniques and processes. The dual diagnosis of ASD and ID appears to result in specific behavioral patterns that affect the way anxiety is identified in this population.

Method: A scoping review was undertaken to explore what is currently known about the way anxiety is identified and diagnosed in individuals with ASD and ID.

Results: In the limited research available consistent themes of difficulties with the diagnostic process, inconsistencies among measurement tools and the need to consider behavioral symptomology were found.

Conclusion: Further research needs to be conducted to enhance our understanding of how anxiety is identified in those with ASD and ID. This research could more accurately inform reliable diagnostic processes and lead to better treatment and outcomes for this population.     

Multicenter Evaluation of 434 Hospital Deaths From COVID-19: How Can We Improve End-of-Life Care During a Pandemic?

ContextThe pandemic has substantially increased the workload of hospital palliative care providers, requiring them to be responsive and innovative despite limited information on the specific end of life care needs of patients with COVID-19. Multi-site data detailing clinical characteristics of patient deaths from large populations, managed by specialist and generalist palliative care providers are lacking.ObjectivesTo conduct a large multicenter study examining characteristics of COVID-19 hospital deaths and implications for care.MethodsA multi-center retrospective evaluation examined 434 COVID-19 deaths in 5 hospital trusts over the period March 23, 2020 to May 10, 2020.ResultsEighty three percent of patients were over 70.32% were admitted from care homes. Diagnostic timing indicated over 90% of those who died contracted the virus in the community. Dying was recognized in over 90% of patients, with the possibility of dying being identified less than 48 hours from admission for a third. In over a quarter, death occurred less than 24 hours later. Patients who were recognized to be dying more than 72 hours prior to death were most likely to have access to medication for symptom control.ConclusionThis large multicenter study comprehensively describes COVID-19 deaths throughout the hospital setting. Clinicians are alert to and diagnose dying appropriately in most patients. Outcomes could be improved by advance care planning to establish preferences, including whether hospital admission is desirable, and alongside this, support the prompt use of anticipatory subcutaneous medications and syringe drivers if needed. Finally, rapid discharges and direct hospice admissions could better utilize hospice beds and improve care.     

Cognition in breast cancer survivors: A pilot study of interval and continuous exercise

Objectives

The current study investigated the effects of two exercise interventions on cognitive function amongst breast cancer survivors.

Exploring the half-life of glyphosate in human urine samples

Background

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has recently classified glyphosate as a Group 2A ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’. Due to this carcinogenic classification and resulting international debate, there is an increased demand for studies evaluating human health effects from glyphosate exposures. There is currently limited information on human exposures to glyphosate and a paucity of data regarding glyphosate's biological half-life in humans.

More than just a seat at the table: the power of youth voice in ending youth homelessness in the United States

ABSTRACT

Each year, over 600 youth under the age of 25 experience literal homelessness in Austin, Texas. Of these youth, 76% have a history of involvement with foster care or the juvenile justice system—far exceeding the rates of system involvement observed among homeless youth in other large communities in the United States (approximately 54%; Voices of Youth Count, 2017). Recently, Austin was selected by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development as one of ten communities nationwide to participate in the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP), a federal initiative designed to effectively end youth homelessness by 2020. Youth with lived experience are central players in the development and implementation of Austin's response to the youth homelessness crisis. A group of twelve of these youth (the “Austin Youth Collective to End Youth Homelessness,” or AYC) serve as key decision-making partners within the Austin YHDP team. Representatives of the AYC are deeply involved at every level of the community planning process, from the development of youth-centric housing options to system redesign efforts to ensure that youth do not exit the foster care or juvenile justice systems to homelessness. The article provides an overview of the development and contributions of the AYC—including their programmatic recommendations and advocacy work—as well as key recommendations for communities looking to leverage youth voice at the systems level.