From conception to implementation, the development of Peer-supported Open Dialogue

This paper will present the background to the development of the Foundation course in Peer-supported Open Dialogue, Social Network and Relationship skills. Since January 2014 Russell Razzaque, Mark Hopfenbeck and Val Jackson... [ view full abstract ]

This paper will present the background to the development of the Foundation course in Peer-supported Open Dialogue, Social Network and Relationship skills. Since January 2014 Russell Razzaque, Mark Hopfenbeck and Val Jackson have worked very closely together to create the one year POD course, based on Open Dialogue and Systemic theory. The course is now accredited by AFT, Association of Family Therapy and is a Postgraduate certificate awarded by LSBU, London South Bank University. The third cohort is due to complete in October and since its inception almost 200 students have been trained, including many managers and psychiatrists. A research grant of £2.4 million is expected in December 2016 and a randomised controlled trial comparing POD to treatment as usual is currently being prepared with Professor Steve Pilling taking the lead. Consideration will be given to the contextual factors that have influenced this remarkable development such as the funding crisis within the NHS, the lack of job satisfaction for staff, the growing awareness of the damaging impact of long term use of many psychiatric medications and the strengthening voice of those with lived experience. Alongside these were the international developments particularly in Finland, Europe and the US. But these factors alone do not automatically create change, it also requires passion, dialogue, networking, relationship building and a willingness to work hard.

The presentation will also give a brief overview of the course, plans for the RCT and the long term sustainability of the approach.

Russell, Mark and Val hope to convey that others are also able to embark on their own journeys of change.