Introduction
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Psychology Visiting Professional Programme is based on Applied Psychology in Health (APH) and is set within the hospital workplace. The programme provides visiting professionals with first hand insight in to how psychology is embedded within our multidisciplinary team so as to ensure that psychological distress can be addressed appropriately according to patient needs.
Programme aims
The programme is aimed at those who wish to learn more about Guy’s and St Thomas’ psychology services.
The programme aims to include opportunities to:
- Sit in on patient sessions, observing ward rounds and clinics
- Participate in Multidisciplinary Team Meetings (MDT) and intervention meetings
- Assist in focus groups and treatment sessions
- Support research and literature searches
- Aid with patient recruitment for studies
- Undertake a research project in relation to psychological theory and patient benefit with assistance from an internal supervisor
Format
Our programme is designed to fully integrate visitors within our psychology service so as to gain an understanding of the ways in which clinical health psychologists with patients to add value, improve clinical outcomes, and patient quality of life.
Duration
We are able to offer visiting professional programmes for overseas therapists for periods of four to eight weeks. The programme’s duration can be tailored to the specific learning requirements of those visiting the Trust.
Who can apply
This programme is intended for non-UK professionals that hold an undergraduate degree in psychology, that have the desire to become a practising psychologist or that wish to enhance their current expertise.
Psychology service
Clinical health psychologists provide support for patients and their families/carers to help cope with the psychological aspects of living with an illness, or with pre-existing problems that might be affecting the management of an illness. Their aim is to improve the overall quality of life by helping patients manage their illness and reduce the impact of disability.Clinical health psychologists provide support for patients and their families/carers to help cope with the psychological aspects of living with an illness, or with pre-existing problems that might be affecting the management of an illness. Their aim is to improve the overall quality of life by helping patients manage their illness and reduce the impact of disability.
Support is given in a variety of ways, including one-to-one sessions, family work and support groups, using evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behaviour therapy. Patients may be seen on the ward or as outpatients. We have dedicated teams in:
- oncology
- chronic pain
- cleft palate
- cochlear implant
- dental
- dermatology
- haematology
- kidney/renal
- paediatric neurodisablity
- neurofibromatosis
- sleep
Health psychology service
Medical advances have led to people with chronic illnesses such as sickle cell disease (SCD), haemophilia and myeloproliferative disorders living for much longer periods. The health psychologist’s role is to help patients with chronic conditions, such as sickle cell disease, haemophilia and myeloproliferative disorders, understand the factors that cause, maintain and exacerbate distress and to help them to employ strategies for taking control of their situation. This is achieved through cognitive behaviour therapy.
A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to visitors upon the end of their programme.
Fees
A course fee per week will be applied; this fee excludes accommodation and travelling expenses. To find out the fee amount please email vpp@gstt.nhs.uk.
Please note
Clinicians are able to offer bursaries or discounted placements on an individual basis. This is at the discretion of the Directorates of GSTT and does not affect the terms and conditions of the Visiting Professional Programme agreements.