While death is universal, reactions to death and ways of dealing with the dead body are hugely diverse, and archaeological research reveals numerous ways of dealing with the dead through time and across the world. In this paper, findings are presented which not only demonstrate the power of archaeology to promote and aid discussion around this difficult and challenging topic, but also how our approach resulted in personal growth and professional development impacts for participants. In this interdisciplinary pilot study, archaeological case studies were used in 31 structured workshops with 187 participants from health and social care backgrounds in the UK, to explore their reactions to a diverse range of materials which documented wide and varied approaches to death and the dead. Our study supports the hypothesis that the past is a powerful instigator of conversation around challenging aspects of death, and after death care and practices: 93% of participants agreed with this. That exposure to archaeological case studies and artefacts stimulates multifaceted discourse, some of it difficult, is a theme that also emerges in our data from pre, post and follow-up questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews. The material prompted participants to reflect on their biases, expectations and norms around both treatment of the dead, and of bereavement, impacting on their values, attitudes and beliefs. Moreover, 87% of participants believed the workshop would have a personal effect through thinking differently about death and bereavement, and 57% thought it would impact on how they approached death and bereavement in their professional practice. This has huge implications today, where talk of death remains troublesome, and for some, has a near-taboo status–‘taboo’ being a theme evident in some participants’ own words. The findings have an important role to play in facilitating and normalising discussions around dying and bereavement and in equipping professionals in their work with people with advanced illness.

Modern, advanced healthcare detects and monitors long-term and life-limiting illness more comprehensively than ever before. Death is now, however, often considered as medical failure, and is a virtually taboo topic of conversation in daily life. At a time when the relevance of archaeology is under scrutiny, the AHRC-funded ‘Continuing Bonds’ project – a collaboration between archaeology and palliative care – explores the potential of the past to promote discussion. Not only does archaeology illuminate the diversity of practice surrounding death, the past provides a safe, distanced platform for considering death, dying and bereavement today. Through archaeological and ethnographic case studies, healthcare professionals explore topics such as place, choice and identity, in both personal and professional life. This paper explores some of the most thought-provoking materials and participant responses, and discusses the implications for contemporary society and for the ways in which archaeologists interpret mortuary practices of the past.

. Oncology patients from Outpatient areas . Radiotherapy treatment areas . Oak Road Treatment Centre. . Community Macmillan direct referrals A bespoke proforma was completed after each consultation by the treating clinician. 413 ambulatory patient reviews took place over a 6 month period. An in depth analysis has been conducted of 236 new patient referrals between January and June 2017. Overall results show a significant impact on patient outcomes, with 21% avoided admissions, 25% facilitated early discharge and 43% avoided escalation of symptoms/GP review.Data analysis remains on going to assess readmission statistics; in particular an analysis of early OAU discharges, facilitated by the ESC clinic review of low risk neutropenic patients.The service currently operates two clinics a week on Monday and Thursday afternoons. A business case has been submitted proposing service expansion to operate daily clinics.As the first cancer centre to implement this service, we have welcomed oncology teams from other centres across the UK, enhancing practice elsewhere.

Content and FocusThis article explores the acceptability and usefulness of cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Issues specific to researching this particular group are discussed also. Both peer reviewed literature and surveys from support groups are considered.ConclusionsThe article argues that mindfulness and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy – an integration of mindfulness and cognitive therapy – may be acceptable and beneficial to people with ME/CFS. Particular advantages lie in a flexible and cost-efficient application. The author concludes that further research into mindfulness and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is warranted in this population. The article also highlights that a representative sample of people with ME/CFS is difficult to generate, and that findings can be hard to generalise.

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