Rebecca Milne
I am an MSc student at the University of Bath studying Applied Forensic Psychology with Counselling. This is my first experience in mental health services and I currently work at Bristol Specialist Drug and Alcohol Services as an Honorary Assistant Psychologist, working with service users with complex mental health and substance use needs. I have particular interest in working with trauma and exploring short-term interventions to develop stability and provide opportunity for further treatment. For future work, I hope to have the chance to gain experience and knowledge in a variety of fields.
An evaluation of the Moving on After Trauma video intervention for substance use service users
Aims This project aimed to evaluate the video delivery of the Moving on After Trauma (MOAT) intervention for substance use service users.
Design This is a qualitative piece requesting feedback from service users assessed for MOAT.
Setting Individuals could watch videos and complete the evaluation in their own environment.
Participants 18 mixed gender participants were assessed for MOAT and were not required to be abstinent.
Intervention The MOAT intervention fits into phase one of the trauma treatment pathway, focusing on normalisation, psychoeducation and providing distress management skills. This intervention is appropriate due to the prevalence of traumatic experiences in individuals with problematic substance use. This version of MOAT involved six pre-recorded videos to be watched once a week, with regular telephone check-ins with an allocated worker.
Measurements The survey was made up of five open questions aiming to determine the experience and impact of MOAT, while requesting ideas for improvement.
Findings and Conclusions Of the 18 assessed for MOAT, all seven that were sent videos watched at least one and two finished the intervention. Some reasons for not finishing were recorded, but many service users gave no reason and had no further contact. Two responded to the survey. This delivery method is novel, but the lack of response provides a difficult foundation for evaluation and improvement, which can provide insight in itself. While low levels of contact are expected of this client group, barriers to engagement are considered to further develop this stabilisation intervention for substance use service users.