Overview
Shruti is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter. Her research interests include psychological trauma, disability rights, women’s mental health, and ageing and cognitive health and she is keen to build a career in public engagement and policy innovation through research.
Shruti is a qualitative researcher on the RecoverED project at REACH. The RecoverED project was funded to design a new community-based service for people who have had delirium to facilitate long-term recovery.
Shruti has a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Nottingham where she conducted a mixed methods project on the lived experiences of domestic violence and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among south Indian women. She also investigated the utility of Narrative Exposure Therapy in alleviating symptoms of PTSD, depression & anxiety in domestic violence survivors in non-Western settings. Her research informs the development of culturally-sensitive support and rehabilitation services for survivors of gender-based violence.
Shruti has clinical experience in the diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment and has previously worked as part of a small, multi-disciplinary team that set up a first-of-its-kind dementia service for older people in Chennai, India. Presently, Shruti is interested in complex interventions research and is focused on making affordable, non-pharmacological care accessible in low-resource settings in the long run.
Qualifications
PhD, Clinical Psychology, University of Nottingham (2016-2021)
MSc, Developmental Psychopathology, Durham University (2011-2012)
B.A., Psychology, Mount Carmel College, Bangalore University (2008-2011)
Research
Research interests
Shruti’s interests focus on making affordable, non-pharmacological care available and accessible in low-resource settings. She is also interested in researching complex interventions and is keen on public engagement and policy innovation through research. Her research interests include psychological trauma, disability rights, women’s mental health, and ageing and cognitive health.
Shruti also researches and writes about mental health law, policy, and disability rights to improve literacy and public engagement in mental health research and policy
Research projects
RecoverED, REACH
Inclusivity Project, European Centre for Environment and Human Health
Publications
Key publications | Publications by category | Publications by year
Publications by category
Journal articles
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:
'The Jigsaw Culture of Care': a qualitative analysis of Montessori-Based programming for dementia care in the United Kingdom.
AIMS: Montessori-Based Programming (MBP) in dementia care refers to a growing body of research and practice that has developed Montessori methods to facilitate self-paced learning, independence and engagement for people living with dementia. A number of research gaps have been identified in the existing literature such as a lack of cross-cultural studies and well-powered, robustly designed outcome studies. The current study investigated the use of MBP with a focus on provision in the United Kingdom. It aimed to identify MBP implementation approaches, challenges and barriers, and research gaps. DESIGN AND METHODS: a qualitative design was implemented to analyse data from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders (N = 8) with experience of MBP in the UK. Participants included care home management and staff, MBP trainers and independent dementia experts with a background in Montessori methods. Thematic analysis identified 4 main themes and 12 sub-themes. The study took place between April 2019 and October 2019. FINDINGS: a framework describing knowledge and understanding of MBP in the UK, implementation considerations, challenges and barriers, evidence of outcomes and research gaps was developed to provide guidance for researchers and practitioners. Implementation considerations included using a whole-home approach and changing the culture of care through management support. Barriers to implementation included conservative attitudes to care, perceived lack of time and resources, health and safety issues, and issues of sustainability. CONCLUSION: the benefits of MBP in dementia care are promising but require further empirical investigation. There is a need to design, execute and publish evidence to secure the support of key stakeholders in dementia care research, policy and commissioning in the UK.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Raghuraman S, Stuttard N, Hunt N (2021). Evaluating narrative exposure therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms: a meta-analysis of the evidence base.
Clin Psychol Psychother,
28(1), 1-23.
Abstract:
Evaluating narrative exposure therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms: a meta-analysis of the evidence base.
Narrative exposure therapy (NET) is an intervention for trauma spectrum disorders. Originally developed to treat refugee populations, NET has since been tested for efficacy across different settings. In this review, the NET evidence base is examined through a retrieval, synthesis and appraisal of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published since 2002. Two independent reviewers (S. R. and N. S.) searched online databases including EMBASE, PsycINFO and PubMed. Twenty-four RCTs were selected for a meta-analysis of three outcomes: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis and PTSD and depression symptoms. All outcomes were analysed at short-term (3-4 months), midterm (6-7 months) and long-term (≥12 months) data points. A random-effects model was applied to yield standardized mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) as indicators of NET treatment effect. Subgroup analyses for type of trauma and type of control groups were conducted to examine potential heterogeneity. For the NET group, moderate effect sizes for PTSD symptom severity were observed at midterm and long term and at midterm for depression symptom severity. The number of PTSD diagnoses decreased significantly in the short term for the NET condition, but this was not sustained at the long term. Caution must be exercised when interpreting these results due to high heterogeneity estimates and low quality of evidence across trials. Potential small-study effects further complicate the interpretation of the findings. Recommendations are made for augmenting statistical significance research with qualitative analyses of NET efficacy to better inform clinical practice.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Lamech N, Raghuraman S, Vaitheswaran S, Rangaswamy T (2019). The support needs of family caregivers of persons with dementia in India: Implications for health services.
Dementia (London),
18(6), 2230-2243.
Author URL.
Raghuraman S, Lakshminarayanan M, Vaitheswaran S, Rangaswamy T (2017). Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for Dementia: Pilot Studies of Acceptability and Feasibility of Cultural Adaptation for India.
Am J Geriatr Psychiatry,
25(9), 1029-1032.
Abstract:
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for Dementia: Pilot Studies of Acceptability and Feasibility of Cultural Adaptation for India.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to culturally adapt, translate, and test the feasibility and acceptability of delivering cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) for persons with mild to moderate dementia in Chennai, India. METHODS: the adaptation followed a five-stage process in accordance with the formative method for adapting psychotherapy. Focus-group discussions with experts and feedback from participants, carers, and facilitators after two consecutive pilot studies provided the basis for adaptation. RESULTS: Substantial modifications were required. The adapted program was found to be an acceptable, enjoyable, and constructive by participants and carers alike. CONCLUSION: CST was successfully adapted for use in South India. Translations into other Indian languages using the adapted manual are required for nation-wide implementation. Large-scale clinical trials are required to replicate global reports on the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of CST in India across different settings.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Publications by year
2021
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:
'The Jigsaw Culture of Care': a qualitative analysis of Montessori-Based programming for dementia care in the United Kingdom.
AIMS: Montessori-Based Programming (MBP) in dementia care refers to a growing body of research and practice that has developed Montessori methods to facilitate self-paced learning, independence and engagement for people living with dementia. A number of research gaps have been identified in the existing literature such as a lack of cross-cultural studies and well-powered, robustly designed outcome studies. The current study investigated the use of MBP with a focus on provision in the United Kingdom. It aimed to identify MBP implementation approaches, challenges and barriers, and research gaps. DESIGN AND METHODS: a qualitative design was implemented to analyse data from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders (N = 8) with experience of MBP in the UK. Participants included care home management and staff, MBP trainers and independent dementia experts with a background in Montessori methods. Thematic analysis identified 4 main themes and 12 sub-themes. The study took place between April 2019 and October 2019. FINDINGS: a framework describing knowledge and understanding of MBP in the UK, implementation considerations, challenges and barriers, evidence of outcomes and research gaps was developed to provide guidance for researchers and practitioners. Implementation considerations included using a whole-home approach and changing the culture of care through management support. Barriers to implementation included conservative attitudes to care, perceived lack of time and resources, health and safety issues, and issues of sustainability. CONCLUSION: the benefits of MBP in dementia care are promising but require further empirical investigation. There is a need to design, execute and publish evidence to secure the support of key stakeholders in dementia care research, policy and commissioning in the UK.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Raghuraman S, Stuttard N, Hunt N (2021). Evaluating narrative exposure therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms: a meta-analysis of the evidence base.
Clin Psychol Psychother,
28(1), 1-23.
Abstract:
Evaluating narrative exposure therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms: a meta-analysis of the evidence base.
Narrative exposure therapy (NET) is an intervention for trauma spectrum disorders. Originally developed to treat refugee populations, NET has since been tested for efficacy across different settings. In this review, the NET evidence base is examined through a retrieval, synthesis and appraisal of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published since 2002. Two independent reviewers (S. R. and N. S.) searched online databases including EMBASE, PsycINFO and PubMed. Twenty-four RCTs were selected for a meta-analysis of three outcomes: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis and PTSD and depression symptoms. All outcomes were analysed at short-term (3-4 months), midterm (6-7 months) and long-term (≥12 months) data points. A random-effects model was applied to yield standardized mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) as indicators of NET treatment effect. Subgroup analyses for type of trauma and type of control groups were conducted to examine potential heterogeneity. For the NET group, moderate effect sizes for PTSD symptom severity were observed at midterm and long term and at midterm for depression symptom severity. The number of PTSD diagnoses decreased significantly in the short term for the NET condition, but this was not sustained at the long term. Caution must be exercised when interpreting these results due to high heterogeneity estimates and low quality of evidence across trials. Potential small-study effects further complicate the interpretation of the findings. Recommendations are made for augmenting statistical significance research with qualitative analyses of NET efficacy to better inform clinical practice.
Abstract.
Author URL.
2019
Lamech N, Raghuraman S, Vaitheswaran S, Rangaswamy T (2019). The support needs of family caregivers of persons with dementia in India: Implications for health services.
Dementia (London),
18(6), 2230-2243.
Author URL.
2017
Raghuraman S, Lakshminarayanan M, Vaitheswaran S, Rangaswamy T (2017). Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for Dementia: Pilot Studies of Acceptability and Feasibility of Cultural Adaptation for India.
Am J Geriatr Psychiatry,
25(9), 1029-1032.
Abstract:
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for Dementia: Pilot Studies of Acceptability and Feasibility of Cultural Adaptation for India.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to culturally adapt, translate, and test the feasibility and acceptability of delivering cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) for persons with mild to moderate dementia in Chennai, India. METHODS: the adaptation followed a five-stage process in accordance with the formative method for adapting psychotherapy. Focus-group discussions with experts and feedback from participants, carers, and facilitators after two consecutive pilot studies provided the basis for adaptation. RESULTS: Substantial modifications were required. The adapted program was found to be an acceptable, enjoyable, and constructive by participants and carers alike. CONCLUSION: CST was successfully adapted for use in South India. Translations into other Indian languages using the adapted manual are required for nation-wide implementation. Large-scale clinical trials are required to replicate global reports on the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of CST in India across different settings.
Abstract.
Author URL.
Shruti_Raghurahman Details from cache as at 2023-03-30 13:20:21
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