University of Exeter Medical School

Professor Victoria Tischler

Professor Victoria Tischler

 V.Tischler@exeter.ac.uk

 Knowledge Spa 

 

University of Exeter Medical School, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, TR1 3HD

Overview

Victoria is a chartered psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, based in the European Centre for Environment and Human Health.

Prior to her academic career, Victoria worked in community mental health services. Her doctoral studies examined stress and coping theories amongst families experiencing homelessness.

Following research posts at the University of Birmingham and the University of Leicester, Victoria worked for 12 years at the University of Nottingham where she retains an honorary role in the Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology. She has teaching expertise in medical and health humanities, applied health psychology and clinical communication skills.

Before joining the University of Exeter in 2021, she established and led a teaching and research centre at the University of West London. She holds an honorary chair in the Geller Institute for Ageing and Memory, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of West London.

Victoria has spent time outside of academia working with arts and mental health charities where she developed expertise in art made by untrained artists (outsider art), curation, and commissioning. She is research consultant for PS/Y, an arts, curatorial and public engagement group that explores the arts and sciences.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Social Work (University of NSW, Australia)
  • Master of Social Science (University of Birmingham)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (University of Nottingham)
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (University of Nottingham)
  • Chartered Psychologist (British Psychological Society)
  • Associate Fellow (British Psychological Society)

Research group links

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Research

Research interests

Victoria’s research interests include ageing, creativity and mental health, ageing and the environment, and multisensory approaches to dementia care.

She has supervised doctoral students on topics including: a taxonomy of arts interventions in dementia care; embodiment, textiles and dementia; olfactory stimulation in dementia care; and Advanced Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (A-CST).

Research projects

Grants/Funding

  • 2021. British Academy. Pump Priming Collaboration between UK and EU Partners. (PI) Building SEGA: Silver Employment in the Golden Age (SEGA), enhancing workplace health and wellbeing for older female workers in Europe 
  • 2021. UKRI-Arts and Humanities Research Council - AHRC (CI) The Pandemic and Beyond: The Arts and Humanities contribution to Covid Research and Recovery. 
  • 2021. University of Exeter-European Network (PI) The wellbeing of older female workers in Europe. 
  • 2020. Arts and Humanities Research Council - AHRC (PI) Using multisensory culture boxes to promote public health guidance and to support the wellbeing of people with dementia in care homes.
  • 2017-19. Trusts and Foundations (Lead Applicant) Ben Uri gallery and museum; Islington Heritage; Culture&, CW+; Devonshire House Care Home; Chelsea Court Place Care Home; Hounslow Council; The Alzheimer’s Society; Montessori St Nicholas
  • 2017. Arts and Humanities Research Council - AHRC (PI) The Imagination Café - pop-up art installation/dementia care training
  • 2016. Wellcome Trust (PI) The House that Boots Built: dementia and the multisensory
  • 2014. Alzheimer’s Society (CI) Doctoral Training Centre: The arts and dementia.
  • 2012. AHRC (CI) Dementia and the Imagination
  • 2011. AHRC (CI) Dementia and the Imagination - development funding

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Publications

Books

Tischler V, Bhugra D, Peterkin AD (2018). Mental Health, Psychiatry and the Arts: a TEACHING HANDBOOK. Abstract.
Crawford P, Brown B, Baker C, Tischler V, Abrams B (2015). Health Humanities. Abstract.

Journal articles

Raghuraman S, Reh S, Lundqvist Å, Jeanes E, Trigg L, Tischler V (2023). Exploring the challenges and facilitators that impact the experiences of being an older female worker in the European labour market. European Journal of Workplace Innovation, 8(1), 18-47.
Tischler V (2023). Strangers to Ourselves. Stories of Unsettled Minds By Rachel Aviv. Harvill Secker. 2022. £18.99 (hb). 288 pp. ISBN: 9781787301689. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 223(3), 448-448.
Tischler V, Zeilig H, O'Malley M, Asker C (2023). Together yet apart: Rethinking creativity and relational dementia care during the Covid-19 pandemic. Geriatric Nursing, 54, 99-107. Abstract.
Fleetwood-Smith R, Tischler V, Robson D (2022). Aesthetics and dementia: exploring the role of everyday aesthetics in dementia care settings. Design for Health, 6(1), 91-113.
D’Andrea F, Dening T, Tischler V (2022). Object Handling for People with Dementia: a Scoping Review and the Development of Intervention Guidance. Innovation in Aging, 6(5).
D'Andrea F, Tischler V, Dening T, Churchill A (2022). Olfactory stimulation for people with dementia: a rapid review. Dementia (London), 21(5), 1800-1824. Abstract.  Author URL.
Hui EK, Tischler V, Wong GHY, Gibbor L, Spector AE (2022). The impact of Virtual Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (V-iCST) on cognition, quality of life, mood, and communication in dementia: a feasibility randomized controlled trial. Alzheimer's and Dementia, 18(S8). Abstract.
Fleetwood-Smith R, Tischler V, Robson D (2022). Using creative, sensory and embodied research methods when working with people with dementia: a method story. Arts Health, 14(3), 263-279. Abstract.  Author URL.
Hui EK, Wong GHY, Tischler V, Yuan SNV, Leung WG, Saunders R, Suen LW, Spector A (2022). Virtual individual cognitive stimulation therapy in Hong Kong: a mixed methods feasibility study. Geriatr Nurs, 47, 125-134. Abstract.  Author URL.
D’Andrea F, Tischler V (2022). “It inspires me and suddenly the ideas come”: exploring the use of cultural venues in mental health care. Arts and Health, 14(1), 102-118. Abstract.
Raghuraman S, Tischler V (2021). 'The Jigsaw Culture of Care': a qualitative analysis of Montessori-Based programming for dementia care in the United Kingdom. Dementia (London), 20(8), 2876-2890. Abstract.  Author URL.
Hui EK, Tischler V, Wong GHY, Lau WYT, Spector A (2021). Systematic review of the current psychosocial interventions for people with moderate to severe dementia. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 36(9), 1313-1329. Abstract.
Hui EK, Tischler V, Wong GH, Lau WT, Spector AE (2021). Systematic review of the current psychosocial interventions for people with moderate to severe dementia. Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association, 17 Abstract.
Cousins E, Tischler V, Garabedian C, Dening T (2020). A Taxonomy of Arts Interventions for People with Dementia. Gerontologist, 60(1), 124-134. Abstract.  Author URL.
Windle G, Algar-Skaife K, Caulfield M, Pickering-Jones L, Killick J, Zeilig H, Tischler V (2020). Enhancing communication between dementia care staff and their residents: an arts-inspired intervention. Aging Ment Health, 24(8), 1306-1315. Abstract.  Author URL.
Tischler V, Clapp S (2020). Multi-sensory potential of archives in dementia care. Arch Rec (Abingdon), 41(1), 20-31. Abstract.  Author URL.
D'Andrea F, Tischler V, Dening T (2020). The development of a multi‐sensory intervention for people with dementia living in care homes. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 16(S8).
Tischler V, Howson-Griffiths T, Jones CH, Windle G (2020). Using art for public engagement: reflections on the Dementia and Imagination project. Arts Health, 12(3), 270-277. Abstract.  Author URL.
Zeilig H, Tischler V, van der Byl Williams M, West J, Strohmaier S (2019). Co-creativity, well-being and agency: a case study analysis of a co-creative arts group for people with dementia. J Aging Stud, 49, 16-24. Abstract.  Author URL.
Morgner C, Hazel S, Schneider J, Tischler V (2019). Conduct in Dementia: Video Analysis of Arts Interventions. Sociological Research Online, 24(4), 514-540. Abstract.
Griffiths S, Dening T, Beer C, Tischler V (2019). Mementos from Boots multisensory boxes - Qualitative evaluation of an intervention for people with dementia: Innovative practice. Dementia (London), 18(2), 793-801. Abstract.  Author URL.
Cousins E, Tischler V, Garabedian C, Dening T (2019). Principles and features to define and describe arts interventions for people with dementia: a qualitative realist study. Arts Health, 11(3), 202-218. Abstract.  Author URL.
Tischler V, Schneider J, Morgner C, Crawford P, Dening T, Brooker D, Garabedian C, Myers T, Early F, Shaughnessy N, et al (2019). Stronger together: learning from an interdisciplinary dementia, arts and well-being network (DA&WN). Arts Health, 11(3), 272-277. Abstract.  Author URL.
Tischler V (2018). The Roving Diagnostic Unit- art, madness, fun and the potential for change. Arts Health, 1-9.  Author URL.
Tischler V (2018). ‘It takes me into another dimension’: an evaluation of mental health-themed exhibitions in outdoor urban areas. Arts and Health, 10(1), 1-16. Abstract.
McDermott MP, Cobb MA, Tischler VA, Robbé IJ, Dean RS (2017). Evaluating veterinary practitioner perceptions of communication skills and training. Veterinary Record, 180(12). Abstract.
Tischler V (2017). This Way Madness Lies. PSYCHOLOGIST, 30, 73-73.  Author URL.
Osman SE, Tischler V, Schneider J (2016). 'Singing for the Brain': a qualitative study exploring the health and well-being benefits of singing for people with dementia and their carers. Dementia (London), 15(6), 1326-1339. Abstract.  Author URL.
Newman A, Baber M, O’Brien D, Goulding A, Jones CH, Howson T, Jones C, Parkinson C, Taylor K, Tischler V, et al (2016). Carrying out research across the arts and humanities and social sciences: developing the methodology for Dementia and Imagination. Cultural Trends, 25(4), 218-232. Abstract.
Windle G, Newman A, Burholt V, Woods B, O'Brien D, Baber M, Hounsome B, Parkinson C, Tischler V (2016). Dementia and Imagination: a mixed-methods protocol for arts and science research. BMJ Open, 6(11). Abstract.  Author URL.
Carone L, Tischler V, Dening T (2016). Football and dementia: a qualitative investigation of a community based sports group for men with early onset dementia. Dementia (London), 15(6), 1358-1376. Abstract.  Author URL.
Tischler V, Carone LJ, Mistry J (2016). The gallery as therapeutic venue: Exploring visitor perceptions in a contemporary art space. Journal of Applied Arts and Health, 7(1), 37-53.
Young R, Camic PM, Tischler V (2016). The impact of community-based arts and health interventions on cognition in people with dementia: a systematic literature review. Aging Ment Health, 20(4), 337-351. Abstract.  Author URL.
Camic PM, Baker EL, Tischler V (2016). Theorizing How Art Gallery Interventions Impact People with Dementia and Their Caregivers. Gerontologist, 56(6), 1033-1041. Abstract.  Author URL.
Tischler V (2015). Dr Junkie. The Doctor Addict in Bulgakov's Morphine: What are the Lessons for Contemporary Medical Practice?. J Med Humanit, 36(4), 359-368. Abstract.  Author URL.
Young R, Tischler V, Hulbert S, Camic PM (2015). The Impact of Viewing and Making Art on Verbal Fluency and Memory in People with Dementia in an Art Gallery Setting. PSYCHOLOGY OF AESTHETICS CREATIVITY AND THE ARTS, 9(4), 368-375.  Author URL.
McDermott MP, Tischler VA, Cobb MA, Robbe IJ, Dean RS (2015). Veterinarian-Client Communication Skills: Current State, Relevance, and Opportunities for Improvement. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL EDUCATION, 42(4), 305-314.  Author URL.
Mills JKA, Dalleywater WJ, Tischler V (2014). An assessment of student satisfaction with peer teaching of clinical communication skills. BMC Med Educ, 14 Abstract.  Author URL.
Whitehead KA, Langley-Evans SC, Tischler VA, Swift JA (2014). Assessing communication skills in dietetic consultations: the development of the reliable and valid DIET-COMMS tool. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 27(SUPPL2), 321-332. Abstract.
Tischler V (2014). Silenced: the impact of mental health themed artwork in a workplace setting. Journal of Applied Arts and Health, 5(3), 363-368.
Camic PM, Tischler V, Pearman CH (2014). Viewing and making together: a multi-session art-gallery-based intervention for people with dementia and their cares. AGING & MENTAL HEALTH, 18(2), 161-168.  Author URL.
Wadman R, Tischler V, Jackson GM (2013). 'Everybody just thinks I'm weird': a qualitative exploration of the psychosocial experiences of adolescents with Tourette syndrome. Child Care Health Dev, 39(6), 880-886. Abstract.  Author URL.
Swift JA, Tischler V, Markham S, Gunning I, Glazebrook C, Beer C, Puhl R (2013). Are Anti-Stigma Films a Useful Strategy for Reducing Weight Bias Among Trainee Healthcare Professionals? Results of a Pilot Randomized Control Trial. OBESITY FACTS, 6(1), 91-102.  Author URL.
Whitehead KA, Langley‐Evans SC, Tischler V, Swift JA (2011). Development and initial validation of an assessment tool for communication skills in dietetics. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 24(4), 406-407.
Crawford P, Brown B, Tischler V, Baker C (2010). Health humanities: the future of medical humanities?. Mental Health Review Journal, 15(3), 4-10. Abstract.
Tischler V, D'Silva K, Cheetham A, Goring M, Calton T (2010). INVOLVING PATIENTS IN RESEARCH: THE CHALLENGE OF PATIENT-CENTREDNESS. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHIATRY, 56(6), 623-633.  Author URL.
Sayal K, Tischler V, Coope C, Robotham S, Ashworth M, Day C, Tylee A, Simonoff E (2010). Parental help-seeking in primary care for child and adolescent mental health concerns: qualitative study. BRITISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY, 197(6), 476-481.  Author URL.
Swift JA, Tischler V (2010). Qualitative research in nutrition and dietetics: getting started. J Hum Nutr Diet, 23(6), 559-566. Abstract.  Author URL.
Tischler V (2009). "I'm not coping, I'm surviving": Understanding coping in a marginalised population. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 6(3), 191-202. Abstract.
Whitehead K, Langley-Evans SC, Tischler V, Swift JA (2009). Communication skills for behaviour change in dietetic consultations. J Hum Nutr Diet, 22(6), 493-500. Abstract.  Author URL.
Tischler V, Bronjewski E, O'Connor K, Calton T (2009). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning for research: the experiences of healthy volunteers and patients with remitted depressive illness. Mental Health Review Journal, 14(3), 23-30. Abstract.
Joseph S, Beer C, Clarke D, Forman A, Pickersgill M, Swift J, Taylor J, Tischler V (2009). Qualitative Research into Mental Health: Reflections on Epistemology. Mental Health Review Journal, 14(1), 36-42. Abstract.
Tischler V, Edwards V, Vostanis P (2009). Working therapeutically with mothers who experience the trauma of homelessness: an opportunity for growth. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 9(1), 42-46. Abstract.
Tischler V, Calton T, Williams M, Cheetham A (2008). Patient anxiety in magnetic resonance imaging centres: is further intervention needed?. Radiography, 14(3), 265-266. Abstract.
Tischler V (2008). Resettlement and reintegration: Single mothers' reflections after homelessness. Community, Work and Family, 11(3), 243-252. Abstract.
Whitehead KA, Langley‐Evans SC, Tischler V, Swift JA (2008). Views of the dietetics profession on communication skills for behaviour change in dietetics. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 21(4), 405-405.
Tischler VA, Vostanis P (2007). Homeless mothers: is there a relationship between coping strategies, mental health and goal achievement?. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, 17(2), 85-102.  Author URL.
Tischler V, Rademeyer A, Vostanis P (2007). Mothers experiencing homelessness: mental health, support and social care needs. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, 15(3), 246-253.  Author URL.
Barber AJ, Tischler VA, Healy E (2006). Consumer satisfaction and child behaviour problems in child and adolescent mental health services. Journal of Child Health Care, 10(1), 9-21. Abstract.
Karim K, Tischler V, Gregory P, Vostanis P (2006). Homeless children and parents: Short-term mental health outcome. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHIATRY, 52(5), 447-458.  Author URL.
Tischler V, Karim K, Rustall S, Gregory P, Vostanis P (2004). A family support service for homeless children and parents: users' perspectives and characteristics. Health Soc Care Community, 12(4), 327-335. Abstract.  Author URL.
Thabet AAM, Tischler V, Vostanis P (2004). Maltreatment and coping strategies among male adolescents living in the Gaza Strip. Child Abuse Negl, 28(1), 77-91. Abstract.  Author URL.
Tischler V, Gregory P (2002). Assessing performance (3): a resettlement service for homeless and vulnerable parents. Housing, Care and Support, 5(4), 33-36. Abstract.
Tischler V, Vostanis P, Bellerby T, Cumella S (2002). Evaluation of a mental health outreach service for homeless families. Arch Dis Child, 86(3), 158-163. Abstract.  Author URL.
Vostanis P, Tischler V, Cumella S, Bellerby T (2001). Mental health problems and social supports among homeless mothers and children victims of domestic and community violence. Int J Soc Psychiatry, 47(4), 30-40. Abstract.  Author URL.
Tischler V, Cumella S, Bellerby T, Vostanis P (2000). Service innovations: a mental health service for homeless children and families. Psychiatric Bulletin, 24(9), 339-341. Abstract.

Chapters

Tischler V (2020). Health humanities and the creative disciplines. In  (Ed) The Routledge Companion to Health Humanities, 85-90.
Tischler V (2020). Visual arts. In  (Ed) The Routledge Companion to Health Humanities, 408-412.
Tischler V (2018). The use of drama and theatre arts in mental health education. In  (Ed) Mental Health, Psychiatry and the Arts: a Teaching Handbook, 111-119. Abstract.
Tischler V (2018). Why use the arts to teach mental health and psychiatry?. In  (Ed) Mental Health, Psychiatry and the Arts: a Teaching Handbook, 1-9. Abstract.
Crawford P, Brown B, Baker C, Tischler V, Abrams B (2015). Anthropology and the Study of Culture. In  (Ed) Health Humanities, Springer Nature, 20-37.
Crawford P, Brown B, Baker C, Tischler V, Abrams B (2015). Applied Literature. In  (Ed) Health Humanities, Springer Nature, 38-59.
Crawford P, Brown B, Baker C, Tischler V, Abrams B (2015). Concluding Remarks. In  (Ed) Health Humanities, Springer Nature, 153-156.
Crawford P, Brown B, Baker C, Tischler V, Abrams B (2015). Creative Practice as Mutual Recovery. In  (Ed) Health Humanities, Springer Nature, 137-152.
Crawford P, Brown B, Baker C, Tischler V, Abrams B (2015). Health Humanities. In  (Ed) Health Humanities, Springer Nature, 1-19.
Crawford P, Brown B, Baker C, Tischler V, Abrams B (2015). Narrative and Applied Linguistics. In  (Ed) Health Humanities, Springer Nature, 60-81.
Crawford P, Brown B, Baker C, Tischler V, Abrams B (2015). Performing Arts and the Aesthetics of Health. In  (Ed) Health Humanities, Springer Nature, 82-105.
Crawford P, Brown B, Baker C, Tischler V, Abrams B (2015). Practice Based Evidence: Delivering Humanities into Healthcare. In  (Ed) Health Humanities, Springer Nature, 120-136.
Crawford P, Brown B, Baker C, Tischler V, Abrams B (2015). Visual Art and Transformation. In  (Ed) Health Humanities, Springer Nature, 106-119.

Conferences

Tischler V, Zeilig H, West J, Francis E, O’Malley M, Asker C (2022). P17 Culture box: lessons from a novel pandemic-responsive intervention for older people with dementia living in care homes. SSM Annual Scientific Meeting.
Tischler V, Calton T, Cheetham A, Desilva K, Goring M (2006). Involving patients in schizophrenia research: the challenge of patient centeredness.  Author URL.

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External Engagement and Impact

Editorial responsibilities


External Examiner Positions

PhD examiner: University of Manchester, Bangor University, University College London, Aston University, University of Liverpool, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, University of Newcastle (Australia). 


External positions

  • 2021 - present. Advisory board member- Hamwe festival, University of Global Health Equity, Rwanda
  • 2021 - present. Research Advisory committee member. The Vegan Society
  • 2021 - present. Advisory board member. Heritage Pathfinders, Leominster Meeting Centre
  • 2020 - present. Affiliate. Centre for Society and Mental Health, Kings College London

Invited lectures

  • 2022. (forthcoming). Creativity and dementia, Division of Clinical Psychology annual conference
  • 2022. (forthcoming). Arts and ageing, University of Global Health Equity, Rwanda
  • 2022. (forthcoming). Creativity and Dementia, Rye Art Gallery
  • 2022. The arts and social health, University Jaume I, Spain
  • 2022. Culture Box- Lessons from a pandemic-responsive project for older people with dementia. 
  • Learning lessons from Covid-19: Hearing voices from multi-lingual cultural and vulnerable communities. School of Oriental & African Studies, London
  • 2022. Remote delivery of creative activities to care homes during the pandemic, University of Liverpool
  • 2021. Medical and Health Humanities, Nahrain University, Iraq. 
  • 2021. Arts and Dementia Research in the UK. Music and health conference, Castellon, Spain
  • 2021. Creativity and mental health. Division of Health Psychology annual conference 
  • 2021. Mental Health month Conversation & Curation. Fashion Fights Cancer, NYC
  • 2021. Culture Box Creativity and Wellbeing Week webinar 
  • 2021. Museum Collections on Prescription, National Gallery
  • 2021. Culture Box, Reflecting Value podcast, University of Leeds
  • 2020. What is Outsider Art? Hamwe festival, University of Global Equity, Rwanda.
  • 2019. The Home. Immersive Theatre and Exhibition. Kings College London.
  • 2019. Creativity and Health Education. University Jaume I, Spain.
  • 2019. The Art of the Line- creativity in dementia care, Depot Lewes.
  • 2019. Creativity in health care training, Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust
  • 2019. Framing the Future: what is the past, present and future role of arts and health? Royal College of Physicians
  • 2019. Transdisciplinarity in arts and health, Culture, Health, and Wellbeing conference, Newcastle.
  • 2018. Artists are taking over the care home, Universidad Jaume I, Spain
  • 2018. Curating the Medical Humanities- Curating Mental Health, Birkbeck, University of London
  • 2018. Art and Wellbeing, Paintings in Hospitals/Arts Council England Collection Rooted in the Landscape symposium, Kings College London
  • 2018. The future of creativity in mental health care, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust.
  • 2018. Brexit Means Brexit: what it means for our mental health, The Dragon Café/Mental Fight Club.
  • 2017. Art in the Asylum, Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust Consultants Conference
  • 2017. Why use the arts in Dementia Care?, Culture Capital Exchange - Arts and Health forum launch
  • 2017. A manifesto for mental health, Latitude Festival, Suffolk
  • 2017. Artists are taking over the care home, Royal Society for Public Health - Powerful Partners
  • 2017. The arts in Dementia Care, Beyond Dementia- The Whitworth Gallery, Manchester
  • 2017-18 Hysteria (PS/Y multiple artform festival), London

Media Coverage

  • Art from the Outside, BBC3 (forthcoming) 
  • 2019. Devotion. BBC4 Digital Human
  • 2018. Creativity in Older Age. BBC4 One to One.
  • 2015. The art of Lorina Bulwer, BBC2 Antiques Roadshow Detectives
  • 2015 - present. (selected) Sky News, The Times, Grazia, BBC London, BBC Breakfast, Red, Good Housekeeping. Huffington Post, The Telegraph, The Guardian, The Independent, Vice, The Conversation

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