Edinburgh Napier University – Page 9 – The NEN

Research reveals extent of trauma caused by Russian invasion of Ukraine

It is the first study to assess CPTSD prevalence in an active warzone

Addressing the post-traumatic stress caused by the Russian war on Ukraine should play a significant part in the humanitarian response to the conflict, according to new research.

The study, co-led by Edinburgh Napier University’s Professor Thanos Karatzias, is the first to ever assess the prevalence of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) in an active warzone – and comes as the first anniversary of the invasion approaches.

It found 40.5% of the 2,000 participants, made up of adults living in Ukraine between July and September 2022, met the global standard threshold for either PTSD or CPTSD. This compares to a prevalence of 26.5% detected in recent analysis of adult survivors of war and around 10% or less in places unaffected by conflict.

The rates were higher in the east of the country, already occupied by Russia in recent years, although people in every region had been severely affected. Respondents also reported very high rates of war-related stressors, such as having an experience of threat to their personal safety, financial security, or local environment.

It is hoped the research could help inform measures to support Ukrainians impacted by the war.

Professor Karatzias, from ENU’s School of Health and Social Care, said: “Almost a year on from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we are beginning to understand the extent of the psychological toll it will be taking on civilians.

“We found people have often been exposed to several potentially traumatic events in that time, whether it is hearing an air-raid siren, facing the destruction of local infrastructure or losing a loved one.

“If and when this war ends, we will need to think about ways we can help people move on with their lives. The humanitarian response, which is already hugely complex, will require some innovative thinking to address these psychological harms.”

Among the other findings were a higher prevalence of CPTSD (compared to PTSD) among female respondents, suggesting the conditions of war in Ukraine have left women more vulnerable to it than men. CPTSD is a more complex condition than PTSD – based on six clusters of symptoms – and may require longer interventions for recovery.

The report also notes that existing trauma treatments would likely be beneficial to support those affected by this conflict – with online delivery a potential solution, given the geographically dispersed population.

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‘Fighting fire with a water pistol’ – study shows soaring mental health challenges for frontline Covid nurses

CANDID study surveyed hundreds of health workers

Nurses who worked in critical care during the COVID pandemic are at an increased risk of mental health problems according to a study, which has found three quarters showed signs of psychological distress, while a third reported clinically significant symptoms of post-traumatic stress.

The project, named CANDID, was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and co-led by academics at Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Dundee.

They surveyed more than 400 critical care nurses (CCNs), as well as 200 who were redeployed to critical care (RDNs), across units in Scotland, England and Wales. 45 were also interviewed in depth, with one describing working shifts amid the crisis as being ‘like fighting a fire with a water pistol’.

The survey found growing levels of burnout among staff, compared to a similar study carried out before the pandemic by members of the team (Dr Louise McCallum), with a quarter of nurses planning to leave their role in the next year. Respondents expressed concerns about the quality of patient care and reduced attention to staff wellbeing and development during the pandemic.

Chief Investigator Professor Diane Dixon of Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Applied Sciences said: “The challenges thrown at nurses during the COVID-19 crisis have clearly left lasting concerns not just for their own wellbeing, but for the health service itself.

“They are likely to endure well beyond the end of the pandemic.”

Chief Investigator Dr Janice Rattray of the University of Dundee’s School of Health Sciences said: “These results are concerning as burnout is contagious, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress do not always resolve on their own. The NHS needs to prioritise the well-being of these nurses.

“Failure to address staff wellbeing is likely to have negative consequences for staff recruitment and retention, patient safety and quality of care.”

CANDID was carried out between January 2021 and June 2022, comparing its survey results directly with those from previous research in 2018. The percentage of nurses self-reporting levels of psychological distress and burnout through emotional exhaustion that would likely have a psychological diagnosis if interviewed clinically more than doubled in that time.

The study, which will now go through a peer-reviewing process, also measured the impact on organisational outcomes. Each of these worsened. Nurses reported reduced job satisfaction, less certainty about their future working for the NHS and were more likely to be planning to leave their role. Nurses also reported that both quality of care and patient safety had declined.

Although it was not recorded in the 2018 survey, a third of the nurses who responded reported clinically concerning symptoms of posttraumatic stress. During interviews, some spoke about the stress of dealing with relatives unable to see their loved ones in hospitals, as well as a feeling of isolation among RDNs separated from their usual teams.

The study recommends the NHS prioritises the welfare of CCNs and RDNs, implements workplace planning, supports them to recover from the pandemic, and creates an environment that will allow them to thrive in future.

Emergency service collaboration shows ‘ground-breaking’ results in disadvantaged community

Research suggests vanguard initiative helped people previously unreached by services

A study led by the Scottish Centre for Policing & Public Health at Edinburgh Napier University has found a collaborative initiative between emergency services in a disadvantaged community had a potentially ‘ground-breaking’ impact.

Researchers conducted an exploratory evaluation of a Strategic Delivery Partnership ‘vanguard initiative’, which saw public service agencies Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service establish a ‘team around the community’ model of cross-service response.

The report published today found the initiative transformed traditional practice and helped to address several problems faced by people who found it hard to engage with services. Officers worked full-time in a community hub in the area’s primary school and pro-actively established trusting relationships with people to identify problems, provide solutions and protect people in crisis.

The study made seventeen recommendations, such as the need for more robust evidence on the vanguard initiative, resolving tension between ‘top-down’ and ‘bottom-up’ operational working and carefully selecting the officers involved, while retaining the ones who helped to build trusting relationships.

Professor Nadine Dougall of Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Health and Social Care said: “This research could act as a model for providing crucial public services in disadvantaged communities across the country.

“Although more work needs to be done to establish the full effectiveness of the vanguard initiative, these findings suggest this model of connective working managed to reach people who were previously either unable or reluctant to get support from emergency services.

“Issues which are common in disadvantaged communities, like drug supply, anti-social behaviour, and personal safety, appear to be much better addressed by this public health and trauma-informed approach to reduce inequalities and enhance community resilience.”

The rapid research evaluation and case study assessment the vanguard initiative was based on a community in Scotland identified as being in the top 1% of most deprived Scottish areas.

It has the highest number of alcohol and other drugs admissions in the local authority area, a high prevalence of violence, and its most common crimes relate to substance use and vandalism.

The study, funded by the Scottish Institute for Policing Research, and supported by the Scottish Ambulance Service, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, was conducted between March and June 2022, using in-depth interviews with the services involved.

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12 January event to showcase Edinburgh Napier’s tech innovation

Edinburgh Napier University’s newly launched Innovation Hub will host a symposium to showcase the future of technology innovation in Scotland, as part of its effort to inspire academic research into reality.

The Hub has been set up to link the world-leading expertise and wide experience of ENU’s academics and researchers with external business communities from a wide variety of sectors, with a view of establishing commercial collaboration to support business growth and development.

Hosted at the Edinburgh Napier University’s Merchiston campus, this Symposium on Technology Innovation and Collaboration on 12 January will gather industry and academic leaders of Scottish tech, including keynote guest speaker, Mark Logan, Scottish Government’s Chief Entrepreneur. He has been instrumental in the success of several start-ups, including as Chief Operating Officer of Skyscanner, one of Europe’s most successful technology companies.

This symposium will be convened by Professor Bill Buchanan OBE, Professor of Applied Cryptography at Edinburgh Napier University, who specialises in blockchain, cryptography, trust and digital identity. In 2017, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to cybersecurity.

Explaining more about the forthcoming symposium, Professor Buchanan said: “Scotland has produced two tech unicorns: Skyscanner and FanDuel. Where will the next one come from? Will it be a university spin-out or an innovative start-up?

“Over the past decade the university has spun-out a number of highly successful spin-outs, including Zonefox, which was acquired by Fortinet, Symphonic – acquired by Ping Identity – and Cyacomb, which has expanded rapidly in international markets.

“This symposium will not only showcase the latest tech innovation emerging from Edinburgh Napier, but also be a collaborative event with our industry partners who will share their knowledge and insights to inspire academics and researchers in the field of technology to engage in innovation and explore commercial collaboration.”

Presentations will include case studies of Edinburgh Napier success stories in the spin-out space, information on funding pathways, with inspirational talks about the opportunities out there and potential markets for the technologies we want to encourage our early career researchers to create.

In addition to Mark Logan’s talk on ‘The Future of Innovation in Scotland’, other guest talks will spotlight cybersecurity and fintech innovation, with presentations also on funding opportunities and research journeys.

Talks will feature guest speakers from: Scottish Enterprise; Innovate UK; DSTL; Interface Online; EU Horizon 2020; TrueDeploy; Zonefox; Cyacomb, and Edinburgh Napier’s Innovation Hub and Bright Red Triangle.

This event will take place at Edinburgh Napier University’s Merchiston campus, from 9:45am to 5pm, on Thursday 12 January 2023.

Advanced registration is essential via EventBrite.

Poetry in motion: Edinburgh Napier University professor wins Europe-wide award for science communication

Dr Sam Illingworth has drawn praise for using poetry and gaming to reach new audiences

An Edinburgh Napier University professor has won a major international award, organised by the European Geosciences Union, for his innovative communication of scientific ideas.

Dr Sam Illingworth, who uses poetry and gaming to reach underserved audiences, has been named the 2022 winner of the Katia and Maurice Krafft Award.

Dr Illingworth is an Associate Professor at ENU and has published research on how to broaden the interest and engagement in geosciences.

His textbook, Effective Science Communication has been downloaded more than 250,000 times, while his podcast and blog The Poetry of Science reaches thousands of listeners and readers every month.

Reacting to his award, Sam said: “I feel incredibly honoured to be recognised by my peers in this way, and I hope that I can use it as a platform to continue to make both science and higher education accessible to all audiences.

“There aren’t many awards in science communication and the people who have won this one before are doing some world-leading research. I hope I can use it as a platform to continue the work that I do.

“The great thing about poetry is that it enables us to look through science through a new lens.

“Its real strength is in developing a two-way dialogue, a medium which encourages other people, especially marginalised communities, to lend their voice and to be heard in scientific research.”

In addition to his research and online work, Dr Illingworth is founder and chief executive editor of Geoscience Communication. Since the journal was set up, it has supported the work of more than 500 geoscientists, with 100+ peer-reviewed papers.

The Katia and Maurice Krafft Award was first established by the EGU – Europe’s leading organisation for earth, planetary and space science research – in 2018, to recognise researchers who have developed innovative and inclusive ways of communicating a geoscience topic with a diverse audience.

It is named in honour of volcanologists Katia and Maurice Krafft, who spent their lives documenting and sharing volcanological phenomena. The most recent winners include Sarah K. Brown for her awareness films on volcanic hazards and Annie Ockelford, who developed a set of geography classroom resources.

Sam will be presented with his award at EGU23, the organisation’s general assembly, which will take place in Vienna next Spring.

Mangroves together: World-leading carbon project marks decade of conservation work

Mikoko Pamoja harnesses the ‘unsung heroes’ of the fight against climate change

The world’s first community-led mangrove conservation and restoration project supported through carbon credits is marking 10 years since it began on the south coast of Kenya.

Mikoko Pamoja, which translates as ‘mangroves together’, was set up in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University and the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute. It is run by a democratically elected committee.

It manages 117 hectares of mangrove forests in Gazi Bay, which support the livelihoods of local people by protecting the shoreline, supplying fuel, wood and fish and offering a habitat for wildlife.

Mangrove trees are of global importance as they are such powerful natural carbon sinks, storing around five times more carbon per hectare than other forests. The capture and storage of carbon in this way is sold on the global markets as carbon credits.

Over the last decade, the protection and replanting of mangrove trees through Mikoko Pamoja has avoided deforestation and saved more than 14,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Meanwhile, selling carbon credits has raised $119,000 for conservation and local development projects such as sanitation and education in the local villages of Gazi and Makongeni – funding new wells, school rooms, sports facilities and books.

Edinburgh Napier University Professor Mark Huxham, who co-founded the project, said: “Mikoko Pamoja shows how communities, scientists and governments can work together to make a difference to conservation and to improve lives.

“Conserving our natural carbon sinks, such as mangrove forests, is essential if we are to overcome the climate emergency.

“When controlled by local people, and meeting high scientific standards, money from the carbon market provides one way to help achieve this.”

The 10-year milestone comes as the COP27 environmental conference concludes in Egypt. Representatives of Mikoko Pamoja addressed delegates during last year’s event in Glasgow.

The project was recently visited by ITV News as part of its COP27 coverage – with the report describing mangroves as the ‘unsung heroes’ of the climate crisis.

It has been supported and managed by Scottish Charity the Association for Coastal Ecosystem Services, which works closely with Edinburgh Napier University.

In 2019 the charity went on to launch the Vanga Blue Forest project, following the success of Mikoko Pamoja – taking a similar model to a larger scale.

Edinburgh Napier child mortality project shortlisted for prestigious award

Partnership between Edinburgh Napier University and charity Newborns Vietnam is a finalist in the PraxisAuril Knowledge Exchange (KE) Awards 2022

Edinburgh Napier University has been shortlisted for a respected knowledge exchange (KE) award in recognition of its efforts in sharing expert knowledge and research, through a partnership with the charity Newborns Vietnam – which is helping reduce new-born mortality through improved neonatal nursing care and education.

The project, which began in 2018, has led to the development of a 16-week neonatal training programme, which aims to empower and upskill nurses at a hospital in Hanoi.

This teaching provides staff with crucial in-depth knowledge about theory and evidence-based practice, enhancing their confidence and improving their communication and leadership.

Maggie Reid, Business Development and Relationship Manager at Edinburgh Napier University, who supported the coordination of the knowledge exchange activities, said: “Since launching the partnership and education programme, we have witnessed a reduction in infection rates, an improvement in infection control practices, and most importantly, a 42.2% reduction in infant mortality at the VNC hospital and it continues to reduce as we teach.

“To date, over 70 nurses have taken part in the programme, and are finding their voice and have become excellent advocates for the babies in their care. They say this course has given them not only knowledge and deeper understanding, but also the confidence to speak up in the best interest of the babies and their families.

“In a very short time, these nurses have flourished through education and are making a real difference and have ensured there are systematic changes in clinical practice to the benefit of the baby and mother. These shared efforts for positive change have also received recognition from the Ministry of Health in Vietnam.

“This collaboration and the projects that stem from it, really highlight the power of partnerships and the importance of the role of the knowledge exchange professional in allowing this partnership to realise its objectives. The positive societal impact of knowledge exchange cannot be underplayed.”

The PraxisAuril KE Awards celebrate the people who initiate and deliver impact from research through a diverse range activities.

Edinburgh Napier has been shortlisted in the Place-based Knowledge Exchange Initiative of the Year category, an award that recognises the success of a place-based KE initiative which demonstrates the value it can have locally. This award also highlights and acknowledges the importance of the KE teams that support the academics and industry partners to realise these projects.

Linda Wallace, Head of Knowledge Exchange at Edinburgh Napier University said: “This knowledge exchange partnership has been a real success story for Edinburgh Napier and has demonstrated the wide reach and positive impact our knowledge exchange activities and partnerships can have on a global scale.

“This project supports Edinburgh Napier’s mission to advance knowledge and deliver impact that influences professional practice and policy and drives key societal change. We are delighted that since this KE partnership was initially established, we have secured further KE projects, with a further three neonatal courses in the pipeline and two more within midwifery.

“The success of this knowledge exchange model has allowed other academics and leadership teams at Edinburgh Napier to see the impact and benefits knowledge exchange projects can make to the individual, the school and the institution, as well as those within their community and further afield. We are delighted this project is receiving national recognition by being shortlisted for a PraxisAuril KE Award.”

The KE Awards are supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and work with Government Office for Technology Transfer (GOTT), the TenU, the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) and SETsquared to increase support and publicity for the important and impactful achievements of the KE profession.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony that will celebrate and showcase the KE sector in Manchester on 29 November 2022.

Car designer and entrepreneur awarded Honorary Degrees from Edinburgh Napier University

Moray Callum & Paul Atkinson are being recognised for a difference-making careers

A designer behind some of the world’s most iconic cars has been awarded an Honorary Degree by Edinburgh Napier University.

Described as of the auto industry’s most influential design leaders, Moray Callum contributed to and led teams at brands including Aston Martin, Chrysler, Peugeot, Ghia and Mazda.

It was at the US giant Ford where he spent most of his career though, becoming the first non-American to hold the title of Vice President for Design at the US motoring giant.

Born in Dumfries in 1958, Moray studied industrial design at ENU’s forerunner, Napier Technical College, before embarking on a successful career in motoring spanning nearly four decades, which took him to France, Italy, Japan and the USA.

During a graduation ceremony at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh, Moray was presented with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Design by the University’s Chancellor Will Whitehorn.

MORAY CALLUM ALUMNI AND HONORARY GRADUATE Designer of the Ford Mustang Mach E (car in photograph) October 2022

Moray said: “It is a real privilege to be awarded this degree, I feel very grateful for it. It feels particularly fitting as it was here where I decided what I wanted to do with my life.

“Edinburgh Napier was the starting point – the people here helped me realise where I wanted to go with my career.

“I would like to thank those who have helped me along the way.”

Among the highlights of Moray’s career in the automotive industry were the 2016 launch of the Ford GT, the successor to the 1960s classic GT40 and the re-introduction of the Ford Mustang the previous year.

He also helped create and introduce the 2021 F-150 Mustang Mach-E [pictured here at ENU’s Craiglockhart campus] – an all-electric reimagining of the famous supercar marque.

Other best-selling models he worked on include the Ford Transit and the F-series, as well as leading the redesign of the Mazda 5 while working in Japan in the early 2000s.

The award of Moray’s Honorary Degree follows his retirement from Ford in May of last year, marking an end to seven years as Vice President and a 38-year product development career in the industry.

Also receiving an Honorary Doctorate during this Autumn’s graduation ceremonies was entrepreneur Paul Atkinson.

In a varied career, the businessman has created leading recruitment firms and been involved with some of Scotland’s most high-profile start-up firms.

After moving to Edinburgh in 1987, Paul launched Direct Resources and RecruitmentScotland.com, eventually selling both in multi-million-pound deals.

The Yorkshire-born investor would later go on to found Head Resourcing, which is now one of four brands housed within Taranata Group, where he is now executive chairman.

Paul is also founding partner at investment fund Par Equity LLP, which has supported more than 70 businesses to the tune of £200m in the last decade – including Edinburgh Napier spin-outs Symphonic and Cyan Forensics.

As a visiting professor at ENU’s Business School and member of the Advisory Board, Paul’s Honorary Degree cements a close relationship with the University.

Grads October 2022 Honorary Graduate Paul Atkinson

Accepting the title, he said: “I am a bit overawed, but delighted to here today and humbled to receive such a prestigious award.

“I wouldn’t be here without the support of my family, friends and business colleagues through the years.

“My father was a self-made businessman and farmer in South Yorkshire and it’s his hard work, resilience, integrity and love of his friends and family, that inspired me in my journey.”

Nursing graduate wins 2022 Simon Pullin Award

Siobhan Bridges praised for her compassionate care of patients

An Edinburgh Napier University nursing student has an extra reason to celebrate her graduation after being named the 2022 winner of the Simon Pullin Award.

Siobhan Bridges, who is from Portlethen in Aberdeenshire, was praised by the award’s panel for her ability to show empathy in pressured clinical situations.

As well as the accolade, the 21-year-old has picked up a Bachelor of Nursing with Distinction in Adult Nursing during Thursday’s graduation ceremony at the Usher Hall.

Siobhan said: “This is such a great honour and privilege. I got the news on my lunch break at work and I was delighted to find out.

“I had a look at Simon Pullin’s work when I applied, and I was inspired by what he did. He’s a great role model to anyone thinking of applying on the university’s nursing programme in the way he worked with empathy and respect.

“It’s been very challenging to complete a nursing degree through a pandemic, but I am proud of what I have achieved. I’ve been on several different placements, represented the university at a conference in Madrid and I’m now working in the cardiology unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

“If I can do all that during a pandemic, I think I can probably handle anything that gets thrown at me!”

Siobhan drew praise from the award’s review panel for her experience of working with a non-English speaking patient with severe autism and complex learning difficulties by using interactive posters on an iPad, allowing him to communicate. He has since been funded by his care and housing services to use this method going forward.

She also lived up to its spirit of recognising the human side to nursing by calming a patient due to undergo a coronary procedure by telling him about her experience of being diagnosed with a heart murmur as a teenager.

Dr Stephen Smith, from Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Health & Social Care, who led the awarding panel, said: “Siobhan’s entry demonstrated her ability to provide compassionate care and work to a highly professional standard, regardless of the clinical situation and workload pressures.

“Her examples of learning from practice were powerful and touching to read. They showed a beautiful sensitivity and commitment to compassionate care.”

Jacqueline Johnston, Siobhan’s Personal Development Tutor at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Siobhan is one of the most professional students I have ever come across both in clinical and university settings.

“She is kind, caring, open, honest and puts her patients at the heart of everything she does.

“I am confident Siobhan will continue to demonstrate compassionate and caring behaviours in her future career.”

Pioneering sports official graduates mark the final whistle of their Edinburgh Napier studies

Christina Barrow and Clare Daniels are the first to complete the world-leading Masters degree for referees and umpires

Edinburgh Napier University is celebrating the achievements of two trailblazing sports officiating graduates.

Christina Barrow and Clare Daniels are the first to be shown the red scroll after completing the world’s first taught Masters degree of its kind – designed specifically for referees and umpires.

Christina took on the three-year programme with ENU alongside her work as International Officiating Manager at World Netball, a role she has achieved after only getting involved in the sport at the age of 30.

Clare undertook her studies while working as a Performance Reviewer and coach for match officials in rugby union’s Professional Group of Match Officials Team, following a successful refereeing career on the pitch.

Both carried out pioneering research as well as completing the bespoke modules on skills including decision making and communication. They have been presented with their degrees during a graduation ceremony at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh today [Wednesday 26 October].

As part of her research into the challenges faced by female match officials, Somerset-born Clare compared the world of sport with sectors like the fire service and STEM industries.

She said: “Many of the challenges female referees deal with are very similar to those women face in industry and the corporate world. I found there are a lot of things we can learn and share from other sectors.

“Before I looked at academia and thought it was nothing to do with me, but when you dip your toe in the water you see there’s a wealth of knowledge that can help make us better. I think it’s hugely underused.

“When I left college I went straight into work, but I felt that at this stage in my life I have a much more curious attitude and a desire to learn. My mindset was right.

“I’ve become more curious in how we could do things differently, asking more questions and not just accepting the way things are done. It brings a fresh perspective.”

Christina, from Chorley in Lancashire, whose research looked at wellbeing support for officials, said: “The course seemed like a perfect fit. It’s allowed me to find out things that will help other officials in netball.

“It’s been challenging – you have to dedicate yourself – but what you gain is definitely worth it. Personally, you achieve great things.

“To be an umpire, or a referee, you have to be resilient. Netball officials are managing themselves well, but the support they get could be improved. My research found that help was often unstructured.

“It’s given me a platform to understand the problem so I can solve it and represent our officials better. I think it’s also a springboard to maybe expand into other sports and see what we can learn from each other.

“I see research as a jigsaw puzzle – you’re just looking to add more pieces. Sometimes you don’t find the pieces you want, or you need to shuffle them around, but it all helps add to the picture.”

Dr Duncan Mascarenhas, Associate Professor and Programme Leader for MSc Performance Enhancement in Sports Officiating at Edinburgh Napier University said: “It’s so exciting, I’m so pleased for them. They’ve put in the hard yards. It’s a big statement for the university that we’re able to upskill these high-profile experts in their fields.

“These two students are pioneering the programme in very different contexts – Christina as an administrator and leader in netball and Clare as a former referee and now a referee coach for rugby.

“They’re trailblazers and great role models for others coming through.

“All the modules in the programme are tailored to the students’ needs. It means we’re dealing with areas of sport which have never really been tested.

“Officiating research is relatively young. It effectively began in the eighties but only really started growing in the late nineties. There’s so much that’s still unexplored and it’s an exciting area to be involved in.”