Research Project: Counselling and Monitoring Depression in NHS

This research project assesses the effectiveness of counselling and monitoring in treating depression, specifically within the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. The study begins with an introduction highlighting the prevalence of anxiety and depression and the importance of effective treatments, especially considering the limitations of current therapies. The research aims to understand the concepts of counselling, monitoring, and depression within the NHS, identify the importance of these methods in patient care, and explore alternative approaches to depression treatment. The literature review explores various perspectives on depression, counselling practices, and the role of monitoring in health and social care settings. The methodology section outlines the research design, including the use of a descriptive design, an inductive approach, and an interpretivism research philosophy. Secondary data collection methods, snowball sampling, and thematic analysis are employed to analyze the data. The project also includes a Gantt chart for project management, outlining the timeline for various research activities. The overall objective is to provide insights into improving mental health services within the NHS and to contribute to the understanding of effective depression treatment strategies.

Research Project

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Research title
Title - To assess the effectiveness of counselling and monitoring depression – a case study on
NHS (National Health Service)
Research project description
Introduction
In the present scenario, it has been found that prevalence of anxiety/depression is quite
high among individuals. However, treatment for the same is still not that effective or can be
considered as less than satisfactory. Anxiety and depression are mainly considered as co-
morbidities that are associated with COPD that are actually related to the poor health of
individuals. But, currently, there are no such therapies under clinical guidelines which can
perfectly cure and relieve anxiety and depression. In today’s era, it has been seen that the use of
counselling has proved to be an effectual measure by which distress of people in terms of
depression can be reduced to a high extent. In the recent years, it has become a highly popular
method as there is rapid growth of counselling in nations like UK for curing people who are
suffering with the issue of depression (Rajabi and KARJO, 2012). In the present study, there will
be discussion on assessing the effectiveness of counselling and monitoring depression with
respect to NHS which is the leading organisation in health and social care (HSC) sector of
United Kingdom.
Rationale of the study
Presently, due to increased stress among people because of rise in the competition level at
organisations, issues related to family and relationships with many others, problem of depression
is rising at a rapid pace. Number of people suffering with this issue are increasing at a fast rate
curing of whom in a perfect manner is still not possible for organisations operating in health and
social care sector. However, in the current scenario, firms like NHS have focused on the method
of counselling and monitoring of people suffering with depression from which it has been found
that there is a lot of improvement in individuals through the same. But, still there are many
people who actually do not believe in these methods as according to them, there is no such
treatment from which people having depression can be cured (Arip and et.al., 2011). Thus, in the
present report, there will be study made on assessing the effectiveness of counselling and
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monitoring depression with respect to NHS so that importance and benefits of same can be
explored and firms can encourage the same so as to cure patients suffering with this mental
disease.
Research aim and objectives
Aim – To assess the effectiveness of counselling and monitoring depression – a case study on
NHS
Objectives:
 To understand the concept of counselling, monitoring and depression in NHS
 To identify the importance of counselling and monitoring for curing depression in
patients of NHS
 To recommend different ways that NHS can adopt other than counselling and monitoring
to cure depression
Research questions:
1. What is the concept of counselling, monitoring and depression in NHS?
2. What is the importance of counselling and monitoring for curing depression in patients
of NHS?
3. How people suffering from depression can be cured by methods other than counselling
and monitoring?
Significance of research
The present research would prove to be highly helpful for the organisations operating in
health and social care sector of UK like NHS as they would become aware with the importance
of counselling and monitoring methods by which people suffering from the issue of depression
can be cured to a high extent. This study will help the scholar in making audience also
understand the value of methods of counselling and monitoring by which they can self-consult
good counsellors who can assist them or others whom they know in coping up with depression.
This study will help many researchers to conduct the study on same topic and get assistance from
this to reach at accurate and relevant conclusion (Brown and Harris, 2012). Further, Ph.D.
scholars who are researching in this subject only would also get benefit from this study.
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Literature review
In the words of Oranta and et.al., (2010) depression is a kind of condition in which a
person starts feeling discouraged, hopeless, de-motivated and sad as well as disinterest arises in
him/her regarding life and thus, sometimes they even try to end it by making suicidal attempts.
There are many kinds of depression and once it lasts for more than two weeks, they become a
very serious issue for the person as a major depressive person can even hurt others associated
with him/her as well. It is highly important to cure the patient as soon as possible because in
initial stages, treatment of the same is through counselling and monitoring while, after a long
time, these methods actually do not work.
According to MacPherson and et.al., (2013) in health and social care settings, counselling
is becoming one of the common trends that is increasing at a fast pace as used by maximum
firms in HSC sector of UK. In any health and social care setting like NHS, it is significant for all
employees that are working in the firm i.e. at all levels to listen to patients, clients, their friends
and relatives in such a way that their issues can be understood and resolved. In the similar way,
for patients suffering with depression, these firms are entitled to understand their symptoms and
reason behind the same and then expressing their views, concerns and emotions. In the process
of counselling, monitoring is done simultaneously as medical professionals keep on checking the
effects and improvement in the people that are going through with this mental disease.
However, it can be critically assessed as per the views of Cape and et.al., (2010) that
counselling and monitoring can prove to be complex and sometimes difficult interactions in case
if the staff is not skilled and knowledgeable enough to deal with these kinds of patients.
Therefore, it is important for health and social care staff to skills and necessary professional
boundaries that would help the people suffering with depression to get recover soon and to keep
them emotionally safe. In HSC settings like NHS, it is crucial for the workforce to be aware of
scope and limitations of helping relationships along with the way in which they can use their
knowledge and skills on the behalf of client. It can be said that the extent to which counsellors
listen the issues of people suffering with depression, more effectually they will be able to cure
them.
In accordance with the words of Merry and et.al., (2012) counselling services are offered
in a wide range of settings that play a significant role in influencing the kind of outcomes or
effects gained from the same. For example, it can be seen that counselling is available within the
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National Health Service. But, it is taken as the form of non-medical health care as it is not having
any scripture. However, the outcomes gained from counselling are evaluated with regard to the
mental health symptoms. Currently, there are many health and social care firms that are offering
counselling services like in a way of counselling of employers for employees which are mainly
considered as support services that render relevant effects on the respective person.
On the other hand, as per the views of Cooper, (2011) several organisations are there that
offer counselling and monitoring services to the general public around issues such as
relationships or bereavement that are proving to be highly effectual for the purpose of
contributing to non-statutory forms of social care. In such contexts relevant outcomes or effects
might include the well-being of others, such as children, as well as the social functioning and
well-being of clients themselves, creating further complexities in relation to the measurement of
effectiveness.
Research methodology
Research methodology is a set of tools and techniques which are used by the scholar in
order to conduct entire study in the most effective manner by using suitable methods depending
on the nature of subject. For assessing the effectiveness of counselling and monitoring
depression with reference to NHS, research methods used by the researcher are:
Research design – In the present study, as the topic is theoretical and requires in-depth
information regarding effectiveness of counselling and monitoring depression, descriptive
research design will be used that will help in gaining plenty of data from secondary sources (Yin,
2011).
Research approach – For assessing the effectiveness of counselling and monitoring
depression, inductive research approach will be used as per which researcher will at first collect
the specific detailed regarding subject and then depending on the same, a generalised conclusion
will be made that can be used by other scholars and firms as well.
Research philosophy – Interpretivism research philosophy will be used by the scholar as
per which it is assumed that people make their own choices and not connected with the laws of
science or nature (Interpretivism, 2014). With the help of same, research is conducted in a
detailed manner and with high validity as it considers true representation.
Data collection – In order to assess the effectiveness of counselling and monitoring
depression, secondary sources of gathering information will be used in which researcher will
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collect the data from various books, journals of different authors, online articles as well as
published material that will provide plenty of details regarding the subject of study (Creswell,
2012).
Sampling – Under non-probability sampling technique, snowball sampling will be used
by the researcher under which research participants would recruit other participants so that study
can be conducted. In actual, there is hidden population where potential participants are hard to
find. It will help the scholar to conduct study effectually as otherwise, it would not be possible
for him to carry out research due to lack of participants.
Data analysis - In the present study based on assessing the effectiveness of counselling
and monitoring depression, qualitative method of data analysis will be used as the topic does not
require any statistics or calculations as complete theory is needed to reach at the final aim (Petty,
Thomson and Stew, 2012). Under this method, tool of thematic analysis will be taken into
consideration by the scholar in which he will frame different themes depending on the subject of
study and on the basis of justification given by him with respect to the themes, final conclusion
will be made as well as relevant and appropriate recommendations would be suggested to resolve
the research problem.
Validity and reliability – Validity is the authenticity of information that is collected
from different secondary sources. It says that the data collected must be gained from authentic
and trustworthy sources so that valid results can be gained. On the contrary, reliability is the
extent to which results gained from present research are similar as that will be gained in the
future studies on same topic (Wahyuni, 2012). For the present study, it can be said the
information that scholar will use would be valid as well as reliable and true to his knowledge.
Gantt chart
Gantt chart is a kind of Bar Chart which is mainly used by the scholar so as to make a
schedule as per which research activities will be conducted. It is shown in the horizontal lines by
which timeline of each activity is represented that will be undertaken in the research. From
beginning to end, it acts as a summary of the project as all activities with their specific duration
are stated here. Gantt chart from the present study is shown as below:
Activity/Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
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Preparing research
proposal
Deciding the aim and
objectives
Reviewing available
literature
Conducting research
methodology
Gathering data from
secondary sources
Analysing the
collected information
Framing final
conclusion
Giving appropriate
recommendations
Making corrections
based on feedback
Final submission
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TASK 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Critical review of key references
Literature review is one of the most important sections in a research as here, complete
details on the topic are gathered through secondary sources like books and journals of different
authors along with online articles and published material. Critical evaluation is made on this
information gathered where arguments of different authors are assessed and on the basis of same,
different themes are made. Therefore, in the present study, LR will help in framing the themes
and gaining final results with the justification of same.
In accordance with the Milgrom and et.al., (2011) counselling in health and social care
settings can be referred as the interaction that take place in between patient and medical
professional so that issue of individual can be understood by the respective counsellor by
effectively listening the same and helping them to get cured. Monitoring undergoes with
counselling only where the medical professional keep on checking the improvements that are
taking place in the patient who is suffering with any kind of mental disease like depression. On
the basis of same, further counselling sessions are taken and the patient is cured accordingly.
However, as per the views of McLeod, (2010) depression is that state of mind of a person where
he/she feels highly de-motivated and incapable as well as become disinterested in the life. It is a
condition when person finds no interest in anything, unable to sleep, keep on thinking, wants to
be alone as well as becomes uncomfortable in the public. Depression is highly dangerous for the
person who is suffering with it as if it is not detected in the initial stage, curing of same is almost
impossible. Therefore, it can be said that NHS has to adopt counselling and monitoring methods
for curing the patients having depression.
As per the views of Mead and et.al., (2010) counselling and monitoring proves to be
highly important for the patients suffering with depression because under these techniques, face
to face communication is done with people. If this communication is done in a healthy manner,
there are more chances to cure the person having depression because then they will explain their
actual issues and counsellor with understanding the same will be able to better treat the patient. It
can be critically assessed as per Van Der Meer and et.al., (2010) that in depression, person
become highly de-motivated and discouraged as well as he/she does not want to get involved
with anyone in the world. In this situation, if effective communication is done with the individual
through counselling, a strong relationship can be developed with him/her that will help the
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person to get recovered from the issue soon. It can be justified as per the results gained from the
survey made by NHS in the year 2010 where respondents agreed that counselling and
psychotherapy should be provided by the firm as these are highly effective and also, the firm was
counted to be at the number one position in delivering psychological therapies.
Patel and et.al., (2011) say that average life expectancy of people residing in the UK is
now 80 years in comparison with the overall global average, that is, 70 years. It is because; the
firms like NHS are making sincere and high efforts to cure chronic physical and mental illnesses.
Mental illness among people of UK can be taken as one of the leading causes of years lived with
disability which is having an adverse impact on individuals, families, communities along with
the entire economy. For example, it can be seen that there is huge socioeconomic impact of
depression on the UK as on annual basis, it has been estimated to be £5.8 billion who are the
people who have lost their employment due to having depression as well as £1.7 billion is for the
total service costs (Effectiveness of counselling, 2017). Therefore, in order to reduce this rate,
counselling and monitoring methods would play a significant role and thus, NHS should
encourage these practices at higher and more efficient manner.
According to Smith and et.al., (2017) there are some other ways too than counselling and
monitoring that NHS can use is like; patients who are with the primary condition of mild,
moderate and severe depression can be treated with Improving Access to Psychological
Therapies (IAPT) services. These services can be termed as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
for which firm makes the workforce trained enough regarding psychological approach so that
they can easily understand the issues and emotions of patients and help them to get recovered.
Therefore, NHS has recruited new Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs) so that they
can provide effective treatment to the people suffering with moderate depression through
providing psycho-educational interventions that is having an alternative to make patients to step
up for high-intensity CBT therapists (Medical treatments for depression, 2017). Therefore, it can
be inferred that, NHS can use this therapy as well in order to make people recover soon who are
suffering with the issue of depression.
Rationale for conducting the review
It was important to conduct the literature review so as to assess the gap in between
previous and present study. It is because; earlier, many studies have been made on the topic of
depression and but no one of them was based on assessing the effectiveness of counselling and
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monitoring depression. Earlier, many methods were studied in order to cure this mental issue
however, no discussion was made on counselling. Therefore, with the help of this research,
scholar would come to find out the gap and based on this, corrective measures will be suggested
to fill the same. Reviewing the literature is crucial for researcher as only then, any kind of
justification based on topic can be made and final conclusion can be framed accordingly. In
addition to this, for the purpose of resolving research issue, that is, to assess the effectiveness of
counselling and monitoring depression with reference to NHS, literature review has been
conducted. Apart from that, one more rationale behind conducting this literature review is to
encourage the health and social care settings to use counselling and monitoring methods so that
people suffering with depression can be cured in an effectual manner.
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TASK 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
Research methodology is one of the most important parts of the research which provides
the structure for carrying out the study. It serves as an outline for determining the methods
through which the researcher can investigate the topic effectively. With the help of research
methodology, it helps the scholar to utilize the resources effectively so that they can gather the
appropriate data for the research. This section will help to identify different types of methods
which are feasible for the researcher for undertaking the study on the topic. This will provide
guide for diverse tools and techniques which are available for identifying the research topic.
Research design
Research design can be defined as the outline of the research which helps the researcher
to carry out the study effectively. The aim of the research design is that it aids in reducing the
chances of errors which are occurred at the time of carrying out the study. Besides this, it helps
the researcher in taking decisions about data analysis, sampling techniques which are required
for carrying the study (Wahyuni, 2012). Basically, there are three types of research design. One
is exploratory this design is adopted by the researcher only on those topics whose information
are not determined clearly. But according to this study, descriptive design is appropriate because
it aids in getting in depth information which can assist the researcher in arriving at the
appropriate conclusion.
Research approach
Research approach helps to determine the methods with the help of which the further
study can be carried out. For analysing the effectiveness of counselling and monitoring
depression, inductive design will be adopted by the scholar. This is the most suitable design
because in this, the specific data regarding the topic is gathered which will help in effectively
analysing the theories related to the topic. This approach aids in obtaining the data which are
new and this makes the research effective and authentic.
Research philosophy
Research philosophy can be defined as the principle through the gathered data can be
analysed effectively. With the help of this approach, the research is carried out systematically
with the least deviations. For carrying out the investigation on the current topic, interpretivism
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philosophy will be adopted by the scholar. According to this philosophy, the facts and the issues
regarding the topic is gathered from the universe which help in effectively completing the
project.
Data collection
For gathering the data, qualitative method will be used by the researcher. The data will be
collected from the previous researchers which are already done by the authors. This will help in
gathering the appropriate as well as authentic data which can help in effectively accomplishing
the study (Petty, Thomson and Stew, 2012). Books, journals and government sources will be
adopted to gather the information.
Sampling
Snowball sampling will be adopted by the researcher for taking the review of the
individual regarding the topic. Through their views as well as reviews, the scholar can effectively
get the idea through which they can assess the effectiveness of counselling and monitoring
depression.
Data analysis
In case of the data analysis, secondary data will be collected for analysing the topic, so in
this case, thematic analysis will be adopted. With the help of thematic analysis, the researcher
will make the themes regarding the topic on which it has been gained the evidence (Creswell,
2012). This is appropriate for the study because in depth and detail analysis will be carried out by
focusing on positive and negative aspects.
Validity and reliability
Validity and reliability can be defined as the data collected from the secondary research
are required to be valid as well as authentic. If the data is not authentic, then the conclusion will
not be appropriate. The sites and the books through the data are collected should be appropriate
as well as authentic. More emphasis is required to be given on the topic which is highly related
with the topic in the study.
Ethical considerations
In case of the secondary research data, viewpoints of different authors as well as books
are considered for evaluating the topic of the study. The researcher is required to take the
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permission of the author if they are using their matter in the study (Research methods, 2014).
Besides this, in the study, the scholar will be required to give the credit to the researcher. In case,
if the data is freely available and it accessible then only, the scholar can use it in the research.
Limitations of research
There are several limitations which are witnessed at the time of carrying out the study.
One of the major limitations is that, it sometimes become difficult to gather the past data.
Sometimes, there are lacks of books which are available on the particular topic. On the other
hand, the old data are not accessible in the present world because of the change in the laws and
regulations as well as scenarios.
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TASK 4: DATA ANALYSIS
Introduction
Data analysis is the important aspect in the study because through analyzing the data
only, the researcher can get the idea regarding the effectiveness of counselling and monitoring
depression. With the help of data analysis, the main cause and importance of counselling can be
generated.
Thematic analysis
Theme 1: Advantages of counselling for curing depression in patients
Counselling has become one of the most important means through which individuals can
fight their depression. In NHS, it has been witnessed that the rate of depressed patients has
increased effectively. The reasons are the hectic life schedule and the day to day activities which
the individuals are performing. According to Rajabi and KARJO, (2012), it states that there are
several advantages which are attached with counselling. Depression is the phenomena in which
the individual believes that they are dejected from the overall world. In this case, counselling is
one of the best methods for recovering the patients from depression. According to Arip and et.al.,
(2011), for fighting from depression, the doctors provides them with medicines and it has been
seen that the medicines prescribed by the doctors lasts for several months. In this case, the
patients sometimes suffer from side effects of medicines (Luppino and et.al., 2010). In NHS,
through the counselling method, the patients feel free to convey their problem to the doctors.
Due to this reason, the counsellor provides solution to them and this helps to cure the depression
easily.
According to Brown and Harris eds., (2012), it states that the effect of counselling is for
the long term as compare to the medicines. It has been stated that due to adopting the counselling
method in the NHS, the mortality rate has been going down aggressively (Kyriakopoulos, 2011).
Due to this reason, it has been stated that counselling is effective method to fight with the
depression. On the other hand, another advantage is that the patient problem remains confidential
with the doctors. This develops the trust between them. According to Reynolds, (2010), it has
been stated that patient feel more satisfied with the counselling method than the other method.
According to the present time, it has been witnessed that in case of the extreme situation only,
NHS consult patient for medicines. In most of the cases, they recommend the counselling
method which can help them to cure the diseases effectively.
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Theme 2: Ways used for measuring the effectiveness counselling and monitoring
depression
For the doctors as well as the cancellers it has become important to measure the
effectiveness of the depression among the patients. The reason is that, through monitoring
effectiveness only, they can recommend further treatment for the patient. According to Luppino
and et.al., (2010) the behaviour and nature of the patient is the best way through which the
counsellor can measure the effectiveness. There are both qualitative as well as the quantitative
ways through which effectiveness can be measured. But in most of the depression cases of NHS,
the qualitative method is most effective (Kyriakopoulos, 2011). With the positive change in the
behaviour of patients, the doctor can identify the progress of the treatment on the patient.
According to Cooney, Dwan and Mead, (2014), it has been witnessed that the family
members are person who are with the patient most of the time. In that case, the effectiveness can
be measured and monitored by taking their feedbacks. Due to change in behaviour at the home as
well as in oneself, the doctor can measure the advantage of the therapy. According to Milgrom
and et.al., (2011), there is a patient self-rated scale which is used the measure the effectiveness of
the counselling on patient. In NHS it is used by most of the counsellors so that they can
appropriate diagnose the state of depression. Through the Beck Depression Inventory the doctors
can analyze the severity of the depression symptoms on the individuals (Milgrom and et.al.,
2011). This way, if the doctor wants to change the treatment, they can change by measuring the
results. According to Oranta and et.al., (2010), it is important for the doctors to measure the
effectiveness on the day to day basis so that the patient can be cured instantly. For measuring
every day, Prime-MD screening questionnaire can be made by the doctors it will help them to
measure the improvement of patient effectively.
Theme 3: Different methods that can be used for fighting depression
According to the hospital episodes statistics, it has been witnessed that NHS is witnessing
many in individuals who are having depression. Due to this reason, there are not much
counsellors who can provide ample of time to the individual to cure the depression. According to
Hegarty and et.al., (2013), it has been stated that there are different ways through which
individual can fight with depression. The person is not required to isolate themselves from
others. It has been seen that, the individual who lives alone and do not mix up with other
individuals in the society often suffers from depression (Bitsika and et.al., 2010). So through
14

mixing with society, it can be said that the intensity of depression can be reduced to some of the
extent. According to Bitsika and et.al., (2010), it states that, depression can also arrive if the
individual is not taking the healthy diet. This always led to depression in the young individuals.
Due to the nutritious dietary food, it reduces the chances of depression among the individuals.
According to Kyriakopoulos, (2011), antidepressant medication is one of the effective treatments
which can be adopted by the individuals for curbing the depression problem. In NHS this is used
only when the person is suffering from high depression and he or she is taking fatal steps.
Counselling takes time to cure the individual so in this case, this treatment is given to the patients
(Oranta and et.al., 2010). It is prescribed less by the doctors because they believe that through
psychological treatment, the individual can be cured effectively. The reason is that the drug
given in this treatment is strong which can affect the mental health of the patient also (Medical
treatments for depression, 2017).
Theme 4: Reduce rate of depression through counselling
According to the statistics of NHS it has been witnessed that the number of patients of
depression has been reduced. The reason is that, counselling should be provided not only the
individuals who are depressed. But if more counselling is held in schools as well as colleges than
the rate of depression can be reduced. According to Arip and et.al., (2011), depression can be
reduced in the youth by providing them proper guidance. This will further assist in reducing the
number of depression patients. According to Reynolds, (2010), the reason for depression in
youth is the career issues as well as the hormonal changes in them. If guidance is provided to
them then in this case they can overcome the situation. By monitoring the effectives of
counselling, doctors stated that the patients have become more broad minded and are open to the
world. Even in NHS, there are counsellors who treat the patients who are suffering from some
kind of stress (Hegarty and et.al., 2013). By treating them in the initial stage, they have come
across that the person does not get depressed afterwards. The success rate of counselling is high
according to the NHS.
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TASK 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusion
From the above report, it can be concluded that psychological therapies like counselling
and monitoring play a significant role in enabling reflection, helping people and develop
resilience around what they think that cannot be changed. With the same, people are explained
with ways for identifying positive changes and choices that they can effectually make along with
various strategies by which their stress can be reduced to a high extent as well as their health and
well-being will be improved. It has been assessed from the report that counselling proves to be
highly helpful in focusing on the relationships with them i.e. self and with others. Also,
psychological therapies help the people who are suffering with depression in understanding the
ay in which these relationships will put an impact on their values, beliefs and behaviours.
Report has shown that counselling and monitoring ultimately affect the motivation level
of people having depression and influence their health behaviours as well. It is like the way they
eat, exercise and get engaged in meaningful activities such as having consumption of alcohol or
drug as well as manner in which they work. With the same, it can be said that there is high
potential of counselling and psychotherapy by which mental illness of people like anxiety and
depression can be cured as well as impact of co-morbid health problems can also be reduced to a
high extent.
In addition to this, counselling and monitoring also help people in getting relieved from
medically unexplained symptoms along with decreasing their distress. These methods prove to
be very helpful for the patients to establish and develop healthy and strong relationships with
their family, friends and relatives as well as give hive high confidence to get engaged with their
local communities and social networks. It has been found that counselling help people in
achieving the goals and objectives of their life with using their potential. Therefore, it can be said
that there is high effectiveness of counselling and monitoring depression in NHS and thus, it
should encourage the practicing of same at higher level.
Recommendations
As per the conclusion made, it can be said that NHS should keep its workforce trained
enough with regard to provide counselling and monitoring services to the patients suffering from
depression. It is important for the staff who would provide counselling to be trained by the firm
in terms of improving their communication skills which includes speaking and listening both.
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Also, with the same, their knowledge would also get enhanced by which they can easily
understand the issues which people having depression are facing along with their feelings and
emotions. Thus, by encouraging these practices in the firm, NHS will be able to take advantage
of its effectiveness and can treat maximum number of people in the UK that are going through
with some or the other kind of mental illnesses. Apart from that, UK government and
departments should make initiatives to promote preventative approaches for tackling mental
health inequalities with the help of imposing suitable policies. These authorities should make
efforts for the purpose of improving access to psychological therapies so that rate of people
suffering with depression can be reduced. In addition to this, Public Health England and NHS
can also support the implementation of evidence-based and cost effective interventions like
counselling and monitoring by which promotion can be done along with providing effective care,
prevention and treatment to the patients. With all these initiatives, effectiveness of counselling
can be improved to a high extent.
Areas for further study
Present study will help many researchers in future to conduct their research on the same
subject as well as on any other related to the same as through this, they can take the help to a
high extent. Along with that, this study will help many Ph.D. scholars to carry out the research
on same subject. Apart from that, doctors or medical professionals of other organisations in
health and social care sector can also use this study for gaining idea regarding cure of patients
having depression with assessing effectiveness of methods like counselling, monitoring and
psychotherapies. Further, this research would prove to be highly helpful for the patients as well
who are having the issue of mental disease like anxiety or depression as they can gain idea to get
recovered and cope up with the same. Last but not the least; study will help many institutions in
the future where teachers or professors can make their students understand the concepts in a
detailed manner with taking the help of this research.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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APPENDIX
Appendix I
RESEARCH PROJECT PROPOSAL FORM
Programme Level 5 HND in Health and Social Care
Surname
Forename(s)
Student ID
Email address
Department Health and Social Care
Working title of
your proposed
research
This is intended to help you reflect on possible issues of ethical concern arising from your proposed
research project.
1. Research project description (brief overview of nature of project)
In the present scenario, it has been found that prevalence of anxiety/depression is quite high
among individuals. However, treatment for the same is still not that effective or can be
considered as less than satisfactory. Anxiety and depression are mainly considered as co-
morbidities that are associated with COPD that are actually related to the poor health of
individuals. But, currently, there are no such therapies under clinical guidelines which can
perfectly cure and relieve anxiety and depression. In today’s era, it has been seen that the use of
counselling has proved to be an effectual measure by which distress of people in terms of
depression can be reduced to a high extent. In the recent years, it has become a highly popular
method as there is rapid growth of counselling in nations like UK for curing people who are
suffering with the issue of depression. In the present study, there will be discussion on assessing
the effectiveness of counselling and monitoring depression with respect to NHS which is the
leading organisation in health and social care sector of United Kingdom
Aims: What do you want to do or achieve in your dissertation? What issue do you want to consider
or analyse? It might start like this,
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Aim: To assess the effectiveness of counselling and monitoring depression – a case study on NHS
To critically analyse or evaluate /explore/ investigate /examine the …
Objectives - What steps will you take to achieve the aim of the dissertation? How do you intend to
analyse the issue? Give at least three (3). They might start like this:
To identify /outline /consider/ explore/ examine/ the
 To understand the concept of counselling, monitoring and depression in NHS
 To identify the importance of counselling and monitoring for curing depression in patients of
NHS
 To recommend different ways that NHS can adopt other than counselling and monitoring to
cure depression
3. Literature Review
What information would you require examine to synthesise in terms of published literature to justify
your argument about the issues and objectives to be achieved? Attach a list of reference related to
the key sources of literature.
Bitsika, V. and et.al., 2010. Gender differences in factor scores of anxiety and depression among
Australian university students: Implications for counselling interventions. Canadian Journal
of Counselling and Psychotherapy (Online). 44(1). p.51.
Brown, G. W. and Harris, T. eds., 2012. Social origins of depression: A study of psychiatric disorder
in women. Routledge.
Cape, J. and et.al., 2010. Brief psychological therapies for anxiety and depression in primary care:
meta-analysis and meta-regression. BMC medicine. 8(1). p.38.
Cooney, G., Dwan, K. and Mead, G., 2014. Exercise for depression. Jama. 311(23). pp.2432-2433.
Cooper, M., 2011. Development of a randomised controlled trial of counselling for depression.
Hegarty, K. and et.al., 2013. Screening and counselling in the primary care setting for women who
have experienced intimate partner violence (WEAVE): a cluster randomised controlled
trial. The Lancet. 382(9888). pp.249-258.
Kyriakopoulos, A., 2011. How individuals with self-reported anxiety and depression experienced a
combination of individual counselling with an adventurous outdoor experience: A qualitative
evaluation. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research. 11(2). pp.120-128.
Luppino, F. S. and et.al., 2010. Overweight, obesity, and depression: a systematic review and meta-
analysis of longitudinal studies. Archives of general psychiatry. 67(3). pp.220-229.
MacPherson, H. and et.al., 2013. Acupuncture and counselling for depression in primary care: a
randomised controlled trial. PLoS Med. 10(9). p.e1001518.
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McLeod, J., 2010. The effectiveness of workplace counselling: A systematic review. Counselling
and Psychotherapy Research. 10(4). pp.238-248.
Mead, N. and et.al., 2010. Effects of befriending on depressive symptoms and distress: systematic
review and meta-analysis. The British Journal of Psychiatry. 196(2). pp.96-101.
Merry, S. N. and et.al., 2012. The effectiveness of SPARX, a computerised self help intervention for
adolescents seeking help for depression: randomised controlled non-inferiority
trial. Bmj. 344. p.e2598.
Milgrom, J. and et.al., 2011. Treating postnatal depressive symptoms in primary care: a randomised
controlled trial of GP management, with and without adjunctive counselling. BMC
psychiatry. 11(1). p.95.
Oranta, O. and et.al., 2010. The outcomes of interpersonal counselling on depressive symptoms and
distress after myocardial infarction. Nordic journal of psychiatry. 64(2). pp.78-86.
Patel, A. and et.al., 2011. General practitioners' views and experiences of counselling for physical
activity through the New Zealand Green Prescription program. BMC family practice. 12(1).
p.119.
Petty, N. J., Thomson, O. P. and Stew, G., 2012. Ready for a paradigm shift? Part 2: Introducing
qualitative research methodologies and methods. Manual therapy. 17(5). pp.378-384.
Rajabi, G. H. and KARJO, K. S., 2012. A STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF RATIONAL-EMOTIVE-
BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (ELLIS IRRATIONAL BELIEFS) AS GROUP
COUNCELLING METHODS ON SUBSCALES GENERAL HEALTH RECOVERY IN
MALE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.
Reynolds, W. M., 2010. Reynolds adolescent depression scale. John Wiley & Sons, Inc..
Van Der Meer, R. M. and et.al., 2010. Effectiveness of a mood management component as an
adjunct to a telephone counselling smoking cessation intervention for smokers with a past
major depression: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Addiction. 105(11). pp.1991-1999.
Research methodology
Research methodology is a set of tools and techniques which are used by the scholar in order
to conduct entire study in the most effective manner by using suitable methods depending on the
nature of subject. For assessing the effectiveness of counselling and monitoring depression with
reference to NHS, research methods used by the researcher are:
 Research design – In the present study, as the topic is theoretical and requires in-depth
information regarding effectiveness of counselling and monitoring depression, descriptive
research design will be used that will help in gaining plenty of data from secondary sources.
 Research approach – For assessing the effectiveness of counselling and monitoring
depression, inductive research approach will be used as per which researcher will at first
collect the specific detailed regarding subject and then depending on the same, a generalised
conclusion will be made that can be used by other scholars and firms as well.
 Research philosophy – Interpretivism research philosophy will be used by the scholar as per
which it is assumed that people make their own choices and not connected with the laws of
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science or nature. With the help of same, research is conducted in a detailed manner and with
high validity as it considers true representation.
 Data collection – In order to assess the effectiveness of counselling and monitoring
depression, secondary sources of gathering information will be used in which researcher will
collect the data from various books, journals of different authors, online articles as well as
published material that will provide plenty of details regarding the subject of study.
 Sampling – Probability sampling technique will be used by the researcher under which
method of random sampling technique would be applied according to which scholar will
choose respondents on random basis from the research universe where everyone will be
having equal chances to get selected in the sample. Here, research universe will be medical
professionals of NHS and sample size will be 10.
 Data analysis - In the present study based on assessing the effectiveness of counselling and
monitoring depression, qualitative method of data analysis will be used as the topic does not
require any statistics or calculations as complete theory is needed to reach at the final aim.
Under this method, tool of thematic analysis will be taken into consideration by the scholar in
which he will frame different themes depending on the subject of study and on the basis of
justification given by him with respect to the themes, final conclusion will be made as well as
relevant and appropriate recommendations would be suggested to resolve the research
problem.
 Validity and reliability – Validity is the authenticity of information that is collected from
different secondary sources. It says that the data collected must be gained from authentic and
trustworthy sources so that valid results can be gained. On the contrary, reliability is the
extent to which results gained from present research are similar as that will be gained in the
future studies on same topic. For the present study, it can be said the information that scholar
will use would be valid as well as reliable and true to his knowledge
5. Ethical Issues
Does your proposed research involve any of the following?
• Deception of participants? No
• Financial inducements? No
• Possible psychological stress? No
• Access to confidential information? No
• Any other special circumstances? No
• Any other ethical and regions issues No
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6. Any other information
Does your proposed research involve any of the following?
Time management plan GANTT CHART
Activity/Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Preparing research
proposal
Deciding theaim and
objectives
Reviewing available
literature
Conducting research
methodology
Gathering data from
secondary sources
Analysing the
collected information
Framing final
conclusion
Giving appropriate
recommendations
Making corrections
based on feedback
Final submission
See Appendix of example of Gantt chart
FEEDBACK FROM THE RESEARCH PROJECT SUPERVISOR/TUTOR
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Name Date
APPROVAL FOR RESEARCH PROJECT
APPROVAL FROM RESEARCH PROJECT SUPERVISOR/TUTOR
Name Date
References
Appendix II
Ethics Approval Form
for use by students on Research Projects
Programme HND in Health and Social Care
Surname
Forename(s)
Student ID
Email address
Department Health and Social Care
Working title of
your proposed
research
Ethical approval must be obtained by all students before the start of research with human subjects, animals or
human tissue.
The student must discuss the content of their application form with their project supervisor who will advise them about
revisions. A final copy of the application form will then be agreed and the student and supervisor will sign it off.
This form must be completed electronically and the sections can be expanded to the size required; a copy of the final
agreed version must be printed by the student and submitted to the supervisor
SECTION A – to be completed by ALL applicants
Student’s name:
Programme of study: Health and Social Care
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Supervisor:
Is the project purely literature based?
Yes: Please complete section A only and sign where indicated on page 4
No: Please complete all questions in sections A & B, and sign where indicated on page 4
1. Title of proposed research project
To assess the effectiveness of counselling and monitoring depression – a case study on
NHS (National Health Service)
2. Project objectives – maximum of four
 To understand the concept of counselling, monitoring and depression in NHS
 To identify the importance of counselling and monitoring for curing depression in patients of
NHS
 To recommend different ways that NHS can adopt other than counselling and monitoring to
cure depression
3. Proposed research methodology. (Also indicate the project duration; alternatively, a project
schedule can be attached as an appendix
Research design – In the present study, as the topic is theoretical and requires in-
depth information regarding effectiveness of counselling and monitoring depression,
descriptive research design will be used that will help in gaining plenty of data from
secondary sources.
Research approach – For assessing the effectiveness of counselling and
monitoring depression, inductive research approach will be used as per which researcher
will at first collect the specific detailed regarding subject and then depending on the
Page 26 of 32

same, a generalized conclusion will be made that can be used by other scholars and firms
as well.
Research philosophy – Interpretivism research philosophy will be used by the
scholar as per which it is assumed that people make their own choices and not connected
with the laws of science or nature. With the help of same, research is conducted in a
detailed manner and with high validity as it considers true representation.
Data collection – In order to assess the effectiveness of counselling and
monitoring depression, secondary sources of gathering information will be used in which
researcher will collect the data from various books, journals of different authors, online
articles as well as published material that will provide plenty of details regarding the
subject of study.
Sampling – Probability sampling technique will be used by the researcher under
which method of random sampling technique would be applied according to which
scholar will choose respondents on random basis from the research universe where
everyone will be having equal chances to get selected in the sample. Here, research
universe will be medical professionals of NHS and sample size will be 10.
Data analysis - In the present study based on assessing the effectiveness of
counselling and monitoring depression, qualitative method of data analysis will be used
as the topic does not require any statistics or calculations as complete theory is needed to
reach at the final aim. Under this method, tool of thematic analysis will be taken into
consideration by the scholar in which he will frame different themes depending on the
subject of study and on the basis of justification given by him with respect to the themes,
final conclusion will be made as well as relevant and appropriate recommendations
would be suggested to resolve the research problem.
Validity and reliability – Validity is the authenticity of information that is collected
from different secondary sources. It says that the data collected must be gained from
authentic and trustworthy sources so that valid results can be gained. On the contrary,
reliability is the extent to which results gained from present research are similar as that
will be gained in the future studies on same topic. For the present study, it can be said the
information that scholar will use would be valid as well as reliable and true to his
knowledge
Activity/Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Page 27 of 32

Preparing research
proposal
Deciding the aim and
objectives
Reviewing available
literature
Conducting research
methodology
Gathering data from
secondary sources
Analysing the
collected information
Framing final
conclusion
Giving appropriate
recommendations
Making corrections
based on feedback
Final submission
Page 28 of 32

Task
We
ek 1
We
ek
2
We
ek
3
We
ek
4
We
ek
5
We
ek
6
We
ek
7
We
ek
8
We
ek
9
We
ek
10
We
ek
11
We
ek
12
Formulate
Research
Proposal
(LO1)
Formulate
Research
Proposal
(TASK 1A)
Research
Methodolog
y (Task
1B)
Identify
Relevant
Literature
( Task 1C)
Implement
ation of
Research
Project
(LO2)
Questionnai
re Design
(Task 2A)
Data
collection
and Report
(Task 2B)
Evaluation
of
Research
Outcomes
(LO3)
Data
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Analysis of
Results
(Task
3A/3B)
Present
Findings &
Discussion
(LO4)
Presentation
(Task 4)
Page 30 of 32