The aim of this report is to show the placement activities and how psychological theory can be applied in a specific occupational environment. During this process I was able to draw on different areas of psychology and demonstrate their relevance to various tasks. I was able to present my knowledge and understanding in a variety of modes and contexts appropriate to graduate trainnees. I was able to produce a development log reflecting on my work experience, and personal development and achievement during the work placement.
INTRODUCTION
My role in the placement work
This report is a part of the assessment of the Policy and Practice in Health Psychology II module in my MSc Health Psychology program at IST/University of Hertfordshire. As part of the master program, I was required to undertake a 100 hours of supervised work in a health related setting.
This report is my reflection on some of the aspect of work I did during my placement. My placement was done at a Surgical Laparoscopic Clinic in Athens, which specializes in bariatric surgery. My role within the health care setting was divided into three tasks and I was under supervision by a health psychologist. The first task was to design a psycho-education treatment project as part of Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Binge Eating and Bulimia Nervosa. Every Tuesday and Thursday, I was searching in the literature, to find information in order to support my project. Another task was to observe a session to see the multidisciplinary approach to obesity and eating disorders and bariatric surgery. Furthermore, another task was to observe a pre-arrange cognitive behavioral psychotherapeutic session which I had the opportunity to ask planned questions to answered directly from the patient's point of view. Finally, I participated in a group meetings once a week with my supervisor and two trainnees for discussing applications of the observation, questions about our projects and barriers in health settings.
Aim of the work placement
The aim of the work placement was to develop trainnee's understanding of the relevance of health psychology to issues of employment and career development. Also as a trainnee, I was able to develop skills in presenting my understanding and knowledge of the psychological material encountered in the curriculum within the context of a working environment.
Section 1
Multidisciplinary approach to obesity and eating disorder and bariatric surgery. Observe the stages of assessment, information giving, pre-surgery support, the dietician and psychologist approach. Treatment planning, a holistic approach.
At this stage of the placement, I had the opportunity to see how a multidisciplinary team works in obesity, eating disorders and bariatric surgery.
Nowadays, obesity is not a problem only for an aesthetic appearance and feel good but for the various health problems that an overweight person develops. Researches show that an overweight person can develop health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, certain types of cancer, sleep apnoea and osteoarthritis. (health problems)As the obesity becomes even a more serious health problem, a scientific medical approach is needed.
If the obese does not see results after a continuous diets or medical drugs, bariatric surgery is a solution for people with BMI above 40. (what is bariatric surgery?) Patients who seek bariatric surgery tupically are required to complete a behavioral examination with a mental health provider to determine their appropriateness for surgery (Devlin,2004). Bariatric surgery candidates should understand how their lives may change after surgery, including nutritional needs and mood (National Institutes of Health, 1991) A multidisciplinary team is also needed because a patient should be selected carefully after evaluation with medical, surgical, psychologist and nutritional expertise. Multidisciplinary team looks for patients which are well informed and motivated and who can discuss weight loss approaches other than surgery and the advantages and disadvantages of each. In addition, the team is able to identify and consider changes in mood and quality of life that may occur with surgery and weight loss. Mental health professionals have been included in the team because studies have shown that this specific population has a high prevalence of psychological or behavior complications. Researches have found that people who have BMI >40kg/m2 is five times more preferable to have experienced an episode of major depression than people with normal weight. Other studies have shown that 50% of bariatric candidates had experienced a depression. Another responsible factor for the increased rate of depression may be include eating disorders.according to studies, 10% to 25% of bariatric candidates suffer from Binge Eating Disorder (BED) which is characterized by large amount of food in short period (< 2hours). Quality of life seems that affect person's mood and therefore rates of depression. A person who is extremely obese reports greater bodily pain, and impairments in physical functioning, work and social interactions (Fontaine, 1996). Obese people also face discrimination in daily basis things, others often label them as "lazy, ugly and awkward" (Foster,2003).
