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Helen West RD

@helenlouwest.bsky.social

1.4K followers 630 following 19 posts

Eating Disorders Dietitian | THIS Institute Doctoral Research Fellow at King’s College London | 🔗 My Research 👉 https://bit.ly/48JWK3I 📚 Is Butter a Carb? 👉 https://amzn.to/3CjW6xT 📍Brighton

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Helen West RD @helenlouwest.bsky.social · Dec 2

I was so delighted to share more about my doctoral research project last week at #ThisSpace2024.

If you missed it and want to catch up, you can watch it back on YouTube here:

youtu.be/2fGysu4EOjE?...

Exploring the impact of reducing NGT feeding under restraint and co-designing meal support

YouTube video by THIS Institute

youtu.be

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Reposted by Helen West RD

Dr Steph Miles (she/her) @stephmiles.bsky.social · Jul 21

I am very excited to share my new publication with @swanresearch.bsky.social on quality of life in #AnorexiaNervosa (AN). We examined health-related quality of life in women with current AN, women who were weight-restored (but not fully recovered), and healthy controls

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doi.org/10.1002/eat....

doi.org

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Reposted by Helen West RD

Oli Williams @oliwilliams.bsky.social · Jun 18

We started working on this in 2021 and there is *finally* a physical copy of the book in my hand. It feels great that other people can now read all the great work that's in this collection.

It is available as a free e-book and in paperback:

bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/recalibratin...

A copy of the book 'Recalibrating Stigma: sociologies of health and illness' edited by Gareth M. Thomas, Oli Williams, Tanisha Spratt, and Amy Chandler. The front cover of the book depicts a person out at night, lit by the light from a lamppost and looking at posters pasted onto a brick wall that are in the style of the 'WANTED' posters famously associated with the Wild West era of American history. The word 'UNWANTED' has replaced the word 'WANTED'.

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Helen West RD @helenlouwest.bsky.social · Jun 17

Excited to read this!

Congratulations to @oliwilliams.bsky.social and colleagues for the publication of their new book: Recalibrating Stigma.

May be of interest to colleagues working in eating disorders and mental health more broadly.

bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/recalibratin...

Recalibrating Stigma

Recalibrating Stigma - Sociologies of Health and Illness; Available open access digitally under CC-BY-NC-ND licence. Featuring original analyses from emerging leaders in medical sociology, this book r...

bristoluniversitypress.co.uk

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Reposted by Helen West RD

Dr Lucy Foulkes @lucyfoulkes.bsky.social · May 21

I’m in the Guardian today, arguing that we should stop them all-class mental health lessons in schools

I've thought very carefully about ‘going public’ with this, because it's a sensitive argument to make, especially in the face of so many young people struggling.

(cont 🧵)

tinyurl.com/vun92cz7

Mental-health lessons in schools sound like a great idea. The trouble is, they don’t work | Lucy Foulkes

All-class therapy sessions don’t help, and may even make matters worse. The evidence shows we need different solutions, says Dr Lucy Foulkes, an academic psychologist at Oxford University

www.theguardian.com

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Oli Williams @oliwilliams.bsky.social · May 15

Our (@gmthomas.bsky.social Tanisha Spratt @amychandler.bsky.social) book went to print - very exciting! The @britsoci.bsky.social London MedSoc Study Group is hosting a launch event (thanks @twiterney.bsky.social) on 19 June 18:00-19:30. All welcome, register here:
www.eventbrite.com/e/bsa-london...

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Reposted by Helen West RD

Dr Lucy Foulkes @lucyfoulkes.bsky.social · May 7

Are you a UK psychiatrist with views to share about self-diagnosis?

We’re looking for UK-based psychiatrists who work with young people aged 10–24 and would be available to take part in a 45-minute online interview

(cont below)

PLEASE SHARE WIDELY 🤩

University of Oxford. What do you think about self-diagnosis of mental disorders? Are you:
- A UK based psychiatrist who works with adolescents (aged 10-24 years)
- Available for a 45 minute online interview
Come take part in our study!
Contact: sara.svobodova@bnc.ox.ac.uk or lucy.foulkes@psych.ox.ac.uk for more information

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Reposted by Helen West RD

Oli Williams @oliwilliams.bsky.social · Apr 10

We're holding a symposium at the University of Edinburgh to kick off the discussion we hope to ignite with our new book on stigma. There's limited places so if you'd like to attend please register ASAP, details in link below. Bursaries available for ECRs.

Front cover of forthcoming book 'Recalibrating Stigma: sociologies of health and illness'. A figure stands on the street at night, lit by a lamp post, staring at posters on a brick wall with photos of people and the word 'UNWANTED' written across the top - in the style of WANTED posters commonly seen in Western movies.

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Phaedra Longhurst @phaedralonghurst.bsky.social · Feb 25

To my fellow AuDHDers, I would like to incorporate some PPI into the development of my grant proposal. While I do not have the funds to reimburse you, having your input would be a huge help in pursuing this important work!

If interested, DM or email me at [email protected]

a cat is playing with an apple laptop with the words research time written below it

Alt: a cat is playing with an apple laptop with the words research time written below it

media.tenor.com

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Reposted by Helen West RD

THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · Feb 24

For frank & honest conversations unpacking what works (and what doesn’t) in healthcare improvement, the Listen to THIS podcast from @thisinstitute.bsky.social explores current and enduring challenges and the work to address them. First episode launches 26 February. Learn more https://ths.im/3Qy2e9B

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Helen West RD @helenlouwest.bsky.social · Feb 17

I would love to be added if possible Lauren! 😊

Reposted by Helen West RD

Lauren Ball @proflaurenball.bsky.social · Feb 10

Check out my Starter Pack for Nutrition Researchers 📚🍏 A curated list of experts, researchers, and thought leaders in the field to help you stay on top of the latest in nutrition science, trends, and research. Please let me know if you would like to be added! go.bsky.app/8mXBzss

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Reposted by Helen West RD

The Lancet @thelancet.com · Feb 14

When patients are not heard by their doctors there can be devastating consequences.

So why does this happen & what can be done to address it?

On the cover, Dr Rageshri Dhairyawan explores this question.

Read her full essay & more: tinyurl.com/5c7xwj2e ‪@drrageshri.bsky.social‬

Cover of The Lancet's Feb 15, 2025 issue. Quote on cover reads "At the core of patients not being heard is the unequal power dynamic between doctor and patient. Each holds a different form of expertise...It is vital that we combine this expertise and collaborate."

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Reposted by Helen West RD

Dr Lucy Foulkes @lucyfoulkes.bsky.social · Feb 10

Important new evidence published today: large-scale DofE trial (N=12,166) found that two universal MH awareness interventions, in secondary schools, led to an *increase* in emotional symptoms at long term (9-12 month) follow up

tinyurl.com/4ffday8y

Thread below

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Department for Education. Effectiveness of school mental health awareness interventions
Universal approaches in English secondary schools
February 2025

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Reposted by Helen West RD

Graham Martin @instagraham.bsky.social · Jan 24

If you've been thinking that your social media life is missing a @thisinstitute.bsky.social staff BlueSky starter pack, I've got some good news for you! go.bsky.app/FGRAEgg. A similar starter pack of past and present fellows to follow...

(Colleagues, please tell me if I've missed anyone!)

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Reposted by Helen West RD

Graham Martin @instagraham.bsky.social · Jan 31

And here's a starter pack that includes our wonderful fellows, past and present - or the ones I could find on BlueSky, at least. go.bsky.app/Ei5VaUQ

(Again, please let me know of any omissions or new arrivals and I will update.)

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Reposted by Helen West RD

Phaedra Longhurst @phaedralonghurst.bsky.social · Jan 23

🗣️ Participants needed for my student's study

We are looking for UK-based folks (18+ years) to take part in an online experimental survey to explore the effects of social media content on body image and eating attitudes.

To learn more and take part, click here: bit.ly/eatsocialmedia

A study advert with a white background and plain black text stating: Participant Recruitment Advert. Exploring the effects of social media content on body and eating-related attitudes and behaviours.

We are looking for participants to take part in an online survey (approx. 30 minutes) which will involve viewing social media content, followed by answering questions about how you currently think and feel toward your body and eating. We invite you to participate in our study if you are: At least 18 years old, A UK resident and citizen and fluent in English, Have internet access, Do not currently have an eating disorder (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, ARFID), and Do not currently have a medical condition which imposes dietary requirements (e.g., Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, Diabetes Type I or II).

If you wish to participate or want to learn more, please follow this link: www.bit.ly/eatsocialmedia

Here you will find a participant information sheet containing further information about this study. We ask you to read this information carefully, as you will be asked to complete an online consent form. You can also contact us if you have any further questions:
Prof. Jane E. Aspell (jane.aspell@aru.ac.uk).

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The Chatty Dietitian @chattydietitian.bsky.social · Jan 20

Please find our latest paper on NGT feeding under restraint in England - the impact on parents and how nursing staff can support them.

journals.rcni.com/nursing-chil...

Nasogastric tube feeding under physical restraint: understanding the effects on parents and how to support them

journals.rcni.com

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Reposted by Helen West RD

Alex Ruck Keene @capacitylaw.bsky.social · Jan 12

Mental Health Bill - Joint Committee on Human Rights call for evidence: www.mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk/mental-healt...

Mental Health Bill – Joint Committee on Human Rights call for evidence

The Joint Committee on Human Rights is undertaking scrutiny of the Mental Health Bill to assess its compatibility with international and domestic human rights standards. The Committee has a call f…

www.mentalcapacitylawandpolicy.org.uk

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Helen West RD @helenlouwest.bsky.social · Jan 3

Thanks Dan. There’s huge inequalities in care, and lots of services who just don’t understand the dietetic skill set, meaning many dietitians going into these roles feel misunderstood and under-utilised.

Helen West RD @helenlouwest.bsky.social · Jan 3

I was delighted to be able to contribute to this paper with brilliant colleagues.

Improving understanding of the possibilities for/effectiveness of Dietetic interventions in eating disorder care is so important.

The Chatty Dietitian @chattydietitian.bsky.social · Jan 2

The dietetic role within eating disorders teams can be undervalued. In this paper, we have tried to highlight the role senior dietitians can have.

cepip.org/article/eati...

Eating and feeding management of eating disorders and the role of the dietitian. More than just a meal plan: the wider role of the dietitian in eating disorder treatment | CEPiP.org

cepip.org

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Reposted by Helen West RD

The Chatty Dietitian @chattydietitian.bsky.social · Jan 2

The dietetic role within eating disorders teams can be undervalued. In this paper, we have tried to highlight the role senior dietitians can have.

cepip.org/article/eati...

Eating and feeding management of eating disorders and the role of the dietitian. More than just a meal plan: the wider role of the dietitian in eating disorder treatment | CEPiP.org

cepip.org

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Helen West RD @helenlouwest.bsky.social · Dec 21

Important paper from Sarah Fuller, @dashanicholls.bsky.social and colleagues exploring the impact of the use of security staff in NGT feeding under restraint 👇

bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/1...

‘We are not trained to do clinical work’: security staff providing physical restraint for NGT feeding in English paediatric wards—a qualitative multi-informant study

Objective To gain insights into the experience, and impact, of using security staff to facilitate physical restraints for nasogastric tube feeding. Design A cross-sectional design using 39 individual...

bmjopen.bmj.com

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Helen West RD @helenlouwest.bsky.social · Dec 19

Congratulations!! 👏

Helen West RD @helenlouwest.bsky.social · Dec 15

Dietetic colleagues across ED services often feel under-utilised and misunderstood.

This scoping survey concludes that dietitian’s in ED teams are under-represented and understaffed.

Improving therapeutic approaches to food work for people with ED’s starts here 👇

gpsych.bmj.com/content/37/6...

gpsych.bmj.com

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Helen West RD @helenlouwest.bsky.social · Dec 9

Great to see this Marita! 👏

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