Dr David Hacker
Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist
BSc (Hons), DClinPsy, PgDip (Neuro), C.Psychol
Medico-legal work (all enquiries/correspondence) to:
Medico-Legal Secretary, SM Legal Services, High Pines, 71 Walsall Road, Little Aston,
Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, B74 3BA
Tel: 0121 352 0517
Fax: 0121 353 9408
www.smlegalservices.co.uk
Academic Qualifications
BSc (Hons) Psychology (University of Glasgow, 1992-1996), Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (University of Warwick 2001-2004), Pg. Dip (Post-Doctoral) in Clinical Neuropsychology (University of Glasgow 2007-2008).
Reporting Experience
I have prepared expert reports for the Court in both civil and criminal matters since 2009. I prepare around 25 reports per year, predominantly the assessment of acquired brain injury in civil compensation (personal injury; clinical negligence). I have undertaken reports under instruction from both Claimant and Defence in a ratio of around 85% to 15%. In addition I undertake Occupational Health assessments, Medical Defence Union assessments, assessments of mental capacity, parenting assessments (where brain injury is a significant component), assessment of fitness to plead and competency to stand trial, forensic risk assessment, the impact of acquired brain injury on culpability in criminal proceedings and on capacity to parent. I have prepared formal reports for mental health review tribunals including those for restricted patients.
Clinical experience
I have worked at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Major Trauma Centre (QEHB) since 2005. I am currently the Consultant and Lead Neuropsychologist for Traumatic Brain Injury (0.7 WTE). At QEHB I am responsible for the provision of neuropsychological services to acute traumatic brain injury inpatients and outpatient follow up, training of staff and the development of TBI related protocols. I work with both civilian and military patients. In addition, I run a joint Neurosurgery and Neuropsychology TBI outpatient clinic with Professor Belli (Consultant Neurosurgeon). At QEHB, within the Outpatient Neuropsychology Service, I undertake neuropsychological assessments for neurology and neurosurgery. These include assessment for suitability for neurosurgery (Parkinson’s; Epilepsy, Hydrocephalus) as well as for purposes of differential diagnosis and rehabilitation recommendations. The outpatient services is a regional service and includes referrals for range for neurological conditions (ABI; stroke; dementia; encephalitis; CADASIL etc). I am a member of the Regional Trauma Network
I previously worked at West Park Hospital in Wolverhampton as the Consultant Neuropsychologist covering the city’s post acute, outpatient and community neurorehabilitation services (0.4 WTE). I also have experience of working in specialist neuro-behavioural services (Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust: BIRT) for clients with ABI/TBI who present with issues of risk and challenging behaviour. I have 10 years post-doctoral experience in Neuropsychology working in the areas of neurosurgery, neurology, acute trauma and rehabilitation and have undertaken post-doctoral training in this area. I am familiar with the assessment and treatment of patients with a range of neurological conditions and acquired brain injuries.
I also have extensive previous experience within Adult Mental Health NHS services in both inpatient and community settings working both directly with patients and on a consultancy basis. I have a particular expertise in risk assessment and challenging behaviour having worked with forensic patients with severe and enduring mental health problems (Psychosis and SEMI), learning disabilities and brain injury. I am also a Cochrane Reviewer and peer reviewed author in the areas of risk and challenging behaviour and SEMI.
Membership of Professional Bodies
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with the British Psychological Society and a Registered Clinical Psychologist with the Health Professions Council. I am a Professional Member of the USA National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) and an Affiliate Member of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN).
Academic
I am an Honorary Lecturer in Neuropsychology with the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programme at the University of Birmingham. I also contribute to the Psychiatry and Neurology teaching for medical students and am a visiting lecturer on the Birmingham University MSc in Trauma Science. I have also provided teaching the MRCPsych training programme and contribute to the Royal College of Psychiatry online Continuing Professional Development training for psychiatrists.
Consultancy
I have worked on a consultancy basis to Ermine Care units for offenders with learning disability. I have also provided Trust-Wide training in Risk Assessment to Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Trust Assertive Outreach teams. Previously I provided training in CBT approaches to psychosis and working with challenging behaviour to staff at Rampton Maximum Secure Hospital.
Research
I am actively involved in a number of brain injury related research programmes. These include: ‘Golden Hour’ which is a study of acute biomarkers of TBI outcome with Neurosurgery at QEHB and the University of Bham; a study into the effects of repetitive concussion in sport (ReCoS); a number of studies examining post-concussional symptoms post-TBI. I am also leading a number of research projects into neuropsychological assessment tools in TBI in conjunction with the University of Birmingham. I have a particular interest in: Neuropsychological assessment, but also Cognitive behavioural approaches to voices & delusions; assessment of risk & challenging behaviour. I am currently co-authoring the most recent Cochrane Review of CBT for schizophrenia.
Selected Publications
Hacker, D.A., Birchwood, M.J., Tudway, J., Meaden, A., & Amphlett, C. (2008). Acting on Voices: Omnipotence, Sources of Threat and Safety-Seeking Behaviours. British Journal of Clinical Psychology 47(2),pp.201-213
Nagi, C., Ostapiuk, E., Craig, L., Hacker, D., Beech, A. (2009). Using the revised Problem Identification Checklist to predict inpatient and community violence: a pilot study. The British Journal of Forensic Practice, Volume 11, Number 3 / September 2009
Meaden, A. & Hacker, D.A. (November 2010). Problematic and Risk behaviours in Psychosis: A shared formulation approach. Routledge: London.
Jones, C., Hacker, D.A., Meaden, A. & Cormac, I., (2011). Cochrane Systematic Review of CBT for schizophrenia. CBT versus other psychological therapies.
Meaden A, Hacker D, de Villiers A, Carbourne J, Paget A (2012). Developing a measurement of engagement: the Residential Rehabilitation Engagement Scale for psychosis. Journal of Mental Health. 2012 Apr; 21(2):182-91
Jones, C., Hacker, D.A., Meaden, A. & Cormac, I., (2012). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy versus other psychological treatments for schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Bulletin
Jones, C. Meaden, A., Hacker, D.A., & Cormac, I (In preparation): Cochrane Systematic Review of CBT for Schizophrenia: CBT versus Treatment as Usual
Meaden, A Hacker, D & Spencer, K (2013). Acute Aggression Risk: An Early Warning Signs Methdology. British Journal of Forensic Practice. Vol 15 (1), pages 21-33.
Hacker, D., Jones, C., Clowes, Z., Belli, A., Davies, D., Su, Z., Pell, L., & Travis, C. (In submission). The validity of the Screening Module of the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery in acute TBI. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology.