Background Loneliness and social isolation are being increasingly recognized as influencing both physical and mental health. There is limited research carried out with military veterans and, to date, there is no review of existing evidence. Aims To synthesize and examine the evidence exploring aspects of social isolation and loneliness of military veterans, using a systematic narrative review strategy. Methods A database search was carried out utilizing relevant search criterion. Seven databases were searched for publications with no date restrictions. Articles were included if they involved veterans and either social isolation or loneliness. The initial search returned 484 papers, after exclusions, removal of duplications, and a reference/citation search, 17 papers remained and were included in this review. Results The retrieved papers examined four areas of loneliness and social isolation: prevalence of loneliness in the veteran population, experiences related to military service as impacting loneliness or social isolation, the relationship between mental health and loneliness or social isolation, and interventions to combat loneliness and social isolation. Differences between the experiences of younger and older veterans were also highlighted. Conclusions It is evident that military veterans present unique experiences of loneliness and social isolation, especially older veterans. This requires specific attention outside of campaigns targeted at the nonmilitary population.

Aim: There is an extensive body of research examining the efficacy of Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This systematic narrative review aimed to systematically, and narratively, review robust evidence from Randomized-Controlled Trials examining the efficacy of EMDR therapy.Method: Eight databases were searched to identify studies relevant to the study aim. Two separate systematic searches of published, peer-reviewed evidence were carried out, considering relevant studies published prior to April 2017. After exclusion of all irrelevant, or non-robust, studies, a total of two meta-analyses and four Randomized-Controlled Trials were included for review.Results: Data from meta-analyses and Randomized-Controlled Trials included in this review evidence the efficacy of EMDR therapy as a treatment for PTSD. Specifically, EMDR therapy improved PTSD diagnosis, reduced PTSD symptoms, and reduced other trauma-related symptoms. EMDR therapy was evidenced as being more effective than other trauma treatments, and was shown to be an effective therapy when delivered with different cultures. However, limitations to the current evidence exist, and much current evidence relies on small sample sizes and provides limited follow-up data.Conclusions: This systematic narrative review contributes to the current evidence base, and provides recommendations for practice and future research. This review highlights the need for additional research to further examine the use of EMDR therapy for PTSD in a range of clinical populations and cultural contexts.

Purpose Students of social research methods in search of a “Haynes manual” type set of instructions are often, if not invariably, thwarted in their ambitions and are either confronted with an abstract description which remains firmly at the level of methodology or, alternatively, an uncritical mechanical template for application. The purpose of this paper is not to rectify these deficits, but rather to make the interplay between epistemological and methodological concerns and those relating to method visible to inspection. Design/methodology/approach To illustrate this interplay, the authors present one example of a piece of applied policy research which employed a process of framework analysis. Findings It is argued that rhetorical transparency in the creation of any qualitative account enhances its authenticity, and in part, this article demonstrates that it remains possible to maintain reflexive awareness of epistemological and methodological concerns whilst at the same time pursuing clear and practical methodical guidelines. Originality/value This article provides unique approach to providing researchers with a practical guide to framework analysis with theoretical reflection on the wider methodological concerns.

Following the investigation into the Mid Staffordshire Hospital (United Kingdom) and the subsequent Francis reports (2013 and 2015), all healthcare staff, including students, are called upon to raise concerns if they are concerned about patient safety. Despite this advice, it is evident that some individuals are reluctant to do so and the reasons for this are not always well understood. Study aim: This research study provides an insight into the factors that influence student nurses to speak up or remain silent when witnessing sub-optimal care. Design: An interpretive phenomenological study using the principles of hermeneutics. The study took place in one university in the North of England and the sample consisted of twelve adult nursing students. Methods: Following ethical approval and informed consent, each participant took part in individual semi-structured interviews over a three-year period. Data was transcribed and analysed using 'Framework for Applied Policy Research'. Findings: Four key themes were identified: context of exposure, fear of punitive action, team culture and hierarchy. On the one hand, students recognised there was a professional obligation bestowed upon them to raise concerns if they witnessed sub-optimal practice, however, their willingness to do so was influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Students have to navigate their moral compass, taking cognisance of their own social identity and the identity of the organisations in which they are placed.

Word Count: 4949 Acknowledgements/Contribution/FundingMr Matt Fossey, Director of the Veteran and Families Institute, Anglia Ruskin University has contributed to the design of this study.The Royal British Legion has part funded this project. AbstractBackground