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Node-link mapping, an asset?

Vanessa Melton (Department of Psychology, Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, York, UK)
Sue Ledwith (Department of Psychology, Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, York, UK)

Advances in Dual Diagnosis

ISSN: 1757-0972

Article publication date: 15 February 2016

135

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the use of node-link mapping (NLM) on the effectiveness of a structured treatment for dual diagnosis for men living in a low-secure environment.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 15 participants were recruited and randomly allocated to one of two conditions. The control group, treatment as usual (TAU) or the treatment group, TAU with NLM. Outcome measures used were: a qualitative evaluation form, The Alcohol and Illegal Drugs Decisional Balance Scale and the Brief Situational Confidence Questionnaire.

Findings

Results indicate no statistically significant difference for either group on the pre- and post-treatment outcome measures used. Qualitative data indicated that those using NLM reported the intervention as useful and instructive more often.

Research limitations/implications

The results gained were only a snapshot of the intervention straight after treatment and did not take into account any long-term benefits of therapy such as substance use relapse rates. The outcome measures used may not have been properly understood by all respondents, or reflect practical change. The NLM tool may not have been used as confidently as TAU. The TAU condition needs to be reviewed to improve effectiveness, and NLM to be included to improve the accessibility. A study comparing other outcome tools needs to be completed. Training for staff using NLM may require coaching.

Originality/value

This paper has a high/low originality. It highlights a number of advantages to NLM when comparing this to TAU.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Dual Diagnosis Network for the help and support throughout this research. Especially Nicky Pengelly, Dan Hunt, Frank Bowers, Rachel Crabbe, Helen Irwin and Nick Todd.

Citation

Melton, V. and Ledwith, S. (2016), "Node-link mapping, an asset?", Advances in Dual Diagnosis, Vol. 9 No. 1, pp. 26-37. https://doi.org/10.1108/ADD-07-2015-0019

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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