Evaluation of a hybrid student placement counselling service

Viliardos, Laura; Roddy, Jeannette

Abstract

The paper discusses a service evaluation of one TRaCCs clinic. The [anonymised for review] clinic has been collecting client data since September 2021 when all clients were seen remotely. Since 2022, the clinics have provided a hybrid service where clients can be seen face-to-face, by telephone or video link. This research was undertaken to understand the profile of clients accessing the services and to see whether there were any differences in outcome for clients by demographic or mode of therapy.
The TRaCCs collaboration was critical in supporting the establishment of the data protocol used in this research. Advertising material for the counselling service focuses on the client experience and uses non-binary pronouns. Counsellors are recruited from a variety of backgrounds. Clients self-referred, allowing autonomy. Data (CORE-10, PHQ-9 and GAD-7) was collected before each session and at the end of counselling. Analysis of fully anonymised client data was conducted using simple statistical methods.
Overall, the clinic saw 1,042 clients self-refer into the service. Of these, 390 completed all measures for their first and last sessions, 57% in the general clinic and 43% in the domestic abuse clinic. Changes in the demographics and degree of emotional distress of the clients compared to data presented at the 2023 BACP conference were noted. Some potential gender preferences were noted. A full analysis of data (currently underway) will be presented at the conference.
The completed data set is of a reasonable size and provides insight into the operation of a student training clinic. However, only 37% of self-referred clients completed measures fully. This will limit the validity and reliability of the findings.
A key implication is that engagement in TRaCCs was key in supporting the current project; the unfolding potential of TRaCCs to support multi-clinic/large-scale quantitative research is discussed. Further conclusions will be provided when the data analysis is complete. Early indications are that this TRaCCs clinic offers a good option for any individuals requiring counselling.
The counselling service was set up initially for local communities to access face to face, which potentially restricted those who found it difficult travel. Online/telephone counselling can improve access for people, but requires access to a good quality computer or telephone, which can also be limiting.

Citation

Viliardos, L., & Roddy, J. (2024, May). Evaluation of a hybrid student placement counselling service. Paper presented at 30th BACP International Research Conference 2024 Enriching research, practice and policy with lived experience, Birmingham

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: 30th BACP International Research Conference 2024 Enriching research, practice and policy with lived experience
• Conference Location: Birmingham
• Start Date: May 17, 2024
• End Date: May 18, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jun 17, 2024
• Series Title: Symposium Paper 1 - Evaluation of a hybrid student placement counselling service
• Publisher URL: https://www.bacp.co.uk/media/20748/bacp2024-research-conference-abstract-booklet-v2.pdf