Dr Sam Quinn

Research Fellow - STAY SAFE Study

Background

Dr Sam Quinn joined the University of Edinburgh in April 2020 as research fellow on the STAY-SAFE project :- Exploring risk and SafeTy with leArning disabilitY clients in forensic Services: an evAluation oF Talking Mats a visual, Electronic, communications tool.

Sam has previously worked as a research assistant on projects encompassing learning disability, dementia and third sector research.

Qualifications

Sociology BA (Hons) - University of Sheffield

Social Research MA - University of Sheffield

Doctor of Philosopy (PhD) - University of the West of Scotland

Responsibilities & affiliations

Social Research Association (SRA) - Member

Research summary

Sam is interested in research concerning the lived experiences of people with a learning disability, and interventions to improve the quality of life and quality of care of people with a learning disability. 

His PhD thesis was entitled: An ethnography of living and working in a group home for people with Down syndrome and dementia: A critical dramaturgical analysis of the ageing in place model. 

Current research interests

Learning disability / Intellectual disability research, Dementia, Qualitative research, Ethnographic methods

Affiliated research centres

Project activity

STAY-SAFE study - The STAY SAFE study aims to evaluate the "Keeping Safe" Talking Mats tool with learning disability nurses in forensic services in NHS Fife to improve the assessment and treatment of adults with learning disabilities.  STAY SAFE is a three phased ethnographic study designed to understand the lived experiences of learning disability nurses and adults with LD in forensic services who use Talking Mats. Interviews with both groups will be conducted before and after using the Keeping Safe resource to discuss perceptions of risk and safety. Observations of the tool being used in forensic services will be undertaken and a reflective journal recorded.

Talking Mats could enhance therapeutic conversations around risk and safety between learning disability nurses and their clients.  This could improve the assessment and treatment of adults with LD in forensic services leading to better outcomes.