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Douglas S, Page AC, Moltu C, Kyron M, Satterthwaite T. The Connections Matter: Bi-Directional Learning in Program Evaluation and Practice-Oriented Research. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2024; 51:318-335. [PMID: 37768486 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-023-01304-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Intended for researchers and clinical leaders, this article suggests that embedded program evaluation is a good fit with the desired features of practice-oriented research. The systematic nature of evaluation that is built into the operational workflow of a practice setting may increase the diversity of methods available to explore processes and outcomes of interest. We propose a novel conceptual framework that uses a human-centered systems lens to foster such embedded evaluation in clinical routine. This approach emphasizes the evaluator-practitioner partnership to build confidence in the bi-directional learning of practice-based evidence with evidence-based practice. The iterative cycles inherent to design thinking are aimed at developing better evaluation questions. The attention to structure and context inherent to systems thinking is intended to support meaningful perspectives in the naturally complex world of health care. Importantly, the combined human-centered systems lens can create greater awareness of the influence of individual and systemic biases that exist in any endeavor or institution that involves people. Recommended tools and strategies include systems mapping, program theory development, and visual facilitation using a logic model to represent the complexity of mental health treatment for communication, shared understanding, and connection to the broader evidence base. To illustrate elements of the proposed conceptual framework, two case examples are drawn from routine outcome monitoring (ROM) and progress feedback. We conclude with questions for future collaboration and research that may strengthen the partnership of evaluators and practitioners as a community of learners in service of local and system-level improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Douglas
- Department of Leadership, Policy and Organizations, Vanderbilt University, Peabody College, 230 Appleton Place PMB #414, Nashville, TN, 37203-5721, USA.
| | - Andrew C Page
- School of Psychological Science and WA Mental Health Research Centre, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Christian Moltu
- District General Hospital of Førde, Førde, Norway
- Department of Health and Caring Science, Western Norway University of Applied Science, Førde, Norway
| | - Michael Kyron
- School of Psychological Science and WA Mental Health Research Centre, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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Watson RD, Walker KB. The Perspectives of Health Care Providers on Adolescent Non-Suicidal Self-Injury. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2023; 44:891-899. [PMID: 37699103 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2023.2248499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the perspectives and strategies of care providers when managing adolescent non-suicidal self-injury in residential and acute inpatient units throughout the Midwest region. NSSI frequency, intensity, duration, onset, method, location, and interventions were examined, among other topics including care provider attitudes, service delivery type, ways to reduce NSSI behaviors, and whether any NSSI-specific interventions are used in psychiatric settings. METHOD Surveys were disseminated to nurses, practitioners, and clinicians at psychiatric hospitals in the Midwest region. All questions used free text responses and were developed from the Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Assessment Tool (NSSI-AT), the SOARS Model, and Clinician-Rated Severity of Non-suicidal Self-Injury Scale. RESULTS The findings underscored the high incidence of NSSI among adolescent patients, highlighting the urgent need for creating hospital trainings and best practices for NSSI, among other topics such as routine physical check-ins and enhanced NSSI-specific interventions. CONCLUSION There is a concerning gap in the number of NSSI-specific interventions used by care providers in psychiatric inpatient facilities in the Midwest region of the United States. The need for targeted treatment, training, and programming for adolescent NSSI is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie D Watson
- College of Health, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, USA
| | - Khirey B Walker
- School of Communications, Elon University, Elon, North Carolina, USA
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Boulton KA, Raghupathy V, Guastella AJ, Bowden MR. Reducing seclusion use in an Australian child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient unit. J Affect Disord 2022; 305:1-7. [PMID: 35227762 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.02.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In inpatient psychiatric units, seclusion (isolation in a locked room) is recommended only as a last resort for serious aggression or agitation. In response to an increase in seclusion during 2015, an 8-bed child and adolescent inpatient unit implemented a suite of multidisciplinary interventions. This study examines changes in seclusion rates following intervention implementation and assesses whether specific patient factors were associated with seclusion rates before and after interventions. METHOD Multi-modal interventions, comprised of patient treatment plans, intake and handover meetings, staff supervision and debriefing sessions, were implemented from January 2016. We compared quarterly seclusion rates (episodes per 1000 patient days) across a thirteen-year period, from July 2008 to June 2021. Change in seclusion rates following intervention was evaluated using a segmented regression analysis. We examined whether patient factors were associated with seclusion rates, and whether the duration of seclusion episodes differed before and after interventions. RESULTS There was a 100% reduction in seclusion rates in the 6 months following intervention implementation, from 28.4 episodes per 1000 patient days in July-September 2015, to 4.7 episodes in January-March 2016, reaching 0.0 episodes by April-June 2016. This reduction was maintained until April-June 2021. Most patients with seclusion events before and after intervention implementation had a neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosis and a minority of patients accounted for most seclusion events. There was a 65% reduction in the average duration of seclusion episodes following interventions, however this was not statistically significant. LIMITATIONS Due to a crisis in staff morale, interventions were implemented simultaneously, preventing an understanding of whether a single intervention accounted for change. While not addressed in the current study, assessing perceptions of staff, children and parents following intervention implementation may have elucidated barriers and facilitators to change. CONCLUSIONS Multidisciplinary, patient-centered interventions may be effective for long-term reduction of seclusion rates in inpatient psychiatric units. These findings highlight patient factors associated with seclusion reduction which should be considered when implementing interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsie A Boulton
- Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Veena Raghupathy
- Psychological Medicine, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Adam J Guastella
- Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Michael R Bowden
- Psychological Medicine, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, Australia; Mental Health - Children and Young People, Mental Health Branch, NSW Health, Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Griffiths R, Dawber A, McDougall T, Midgley S, Baker J. Non-restrictive interventions to reduce self-harm amongst children in mental health inpatient settings: Systematic review and narrative synthesis. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2022; 31:35-50. [PMID: 34626155 PMCID: PMC9293022 DOI: 10.1111/inm.12940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Rates of self-harm amongst children appear to be increasing. This presents challenges for practitioners responsible for maintaining the safety of children admitted to mental health inpatient settings. Policy guidelines recommend that practitioners should aim to avoid the use of restrictive practices for children. It is currently unclear, however, what evidence-based alternatives to restrictive practices are available. We aimed to identify what non-restrictive interventions have been proposed to reduce self-harm amongst children in mental health inpatient settings and to evaluate the evidence supporting their use in clinical practice. A systematic search of five databases (CINAHL, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, APA Psycinfo, and Cochrane) was conducted to identify articles reporting on non-restrictive interventions aimed at reducing self-harm amongst children in mental health inpatient settings. Articles were quality assessed and relevant data were extracted and synthesized using narrative synthesis. Searches identified relatively few relevant articles (n = 7) and these were generally of low methodological quality. The underlying theoretical assumptions and putative mechanisms of change for the interventions described were often unclear. Despite concerns about the rates of self-harm amongst children in mental health inpatient settings, there is a lack of high-quality research to inform clinical practice. There is an urgent need to develop effective non-restrictive interventions aimed at reducing self-harm for children using inpatient mental health services. Intervention development should be theoretically informed and be conducted in collaboration with people who have lived experience of this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Griffiths
- Mental Health Nursing Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Alison Dawber
- Mental Health Nursing Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Tim McDougall
- Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK
| | - Salli Midgley
- Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - John Baker
- School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Predicting the time trend of first episodes of aggressive behaviors in pediatric psychiatric inpatient units. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 140:117-123. [PMID: 34111701 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.05.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The goal of the current study is to assess whether the scores of Brief Rating of Aggression by Children and Adolescents (BRACHA) at the emergency room (ER) can predict the aggressive incidents at pediatric psychiatric inpatient units. The study aims to identify predictors for two outcome measurements: 1) hazard rates for the first aggressive incident and 2) numbers of days between admission and the first aggressive incident, using the Cox regression model and Poisson regression model, respectively. The clinical records of a total of 5,610 adolescents admitted into the pediatric psychiatric inpatient units of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center were extracted for the analysis. The aggressive incident was defined as a score >0 from any category of the Overt Aggression Scale (OAS) and the high-aggressive incident was defined as a score ≥ 2 from any category of the OAS. The results indicate that the BRACHA score was not associated with high-aggressive incidents (hazard ratio: 0.98, p = 0.7543). Similarly, the BRACHA scores was only associated with the number of days from admission to the first aggressive incident (Poisson regression coefficient: 0.24, p < 0.0001) but not the number of days from admission to the first high-aggressive incident (Poisson regression coefficient: 0.03, p = 0.3994). Furthermore, the second peak of first aggressive incidents during the hospitalization highlights the importance of interventions at the end of the inpatient treatment course. To summarize, BRACHA scores based on initial assessments at the ER could correlate with first aggressive incidents, but not the first high-aggressive incidents.
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Nawaz RF, Reen G, Bloodworth N, Maughan D, Vincent C. Interventions to reduce self-harm on in-patient wards: systematic review. BJPsych Open 2021; 7:e80. [PMID: 33858560 PMCID: PMC8086389 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2021.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incidents of self-harm are common on psychiatric wards. There are a wide variety of therapeutic, social and environmental interventions that have shown some promise in reducing self-harm in in-patient settings, but there is no consensus on the most appropriate means of reducing and managing self-harm during in-patient admissions. AIMS To review interventions used to reduce self-harm and suicide attempts on adolescent and adult psychiatric in-patient wards. METHOD A systematic literature search was conducted between 14 March 2019 and 25 January 2021 using PsycINFO and Medline (PROSPERO ID: CRD42019129046). A total of 23 papers were identified for full review. RESULTS Interventions fell into two categories, therapeutic interventions given to individual patients and organisational interventions aimed at improving patient-staff communication and the overall ward milieu. Dialectical behaviour therapy was the most frequently implemented and effective therapeutic intervention, with seven of eight studies showing some benefit. Three of the six ward-based interventions reduced self-harm. Two studies that used a combined therapeutic and ward-based approach significantly reduced self-harm on the wards. The quality of the studies was highly variable, and some interventions were poorly described. There was no indication of harmful impact of any of the approaches reported in this review. CONCLUSIONS A number of approaches show some promise in reducing self-harm, but the evidence is not strong enough to recommend any particular approach. Current evidence remains weak overall but provides a foundation for a more robust programme of research aimed at providing a more substantial evidence base for this neglected problem on wards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasanat Fatima Nawaz
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, UK; Patient Safety Collaborative, Oxford Academic Health Science Network, UK; and Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Gurpreet Reen
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, UK; and Oxford Healthcare Improvement Centre, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Natasha Bloodworth
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, UK; and Oxford Healthcare Improvement Centre, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Daniel Maughan
- Oxford Healthcare Improvement Centre, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Charles Vincent
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, UK; and Oxford Healthcare Improvement Centre, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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Reen GK, Bailey J, McGuigan L, Bloodworth N, Nawaz RF, Vincent C. Environmental changes to reduce self-harm on an adolescent inpatient psychiatric ward: an interrupted time series analysis. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021; 30:1173-1186. [PMID: 32719945 PMCID: PMC8310847 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-020-01607-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Existing interventions to reduce self-harm in adolescents admitted to psychiatric wards are usually focused on individual psychological treatments. However, the immediate ward environment in which treatment takes place is an important factor in the success of the treatment and can also influence the likelihood of self-harming behaviours. The aim of the current study was to evaluate changes made to a psychiatric ward environment on incidence of self-harm in adolescents. A quasi-experimental interrupted time series study was conducted on one child and adolescent psychiatric ward. An intervention was developed alongside staff and patients to address the high incidence of self-harm on weekday evenings on the ward. The intervention components involved adding a regular twilight shift (3-11 pm) for nursing staff and introducing a structured evening activity programme on the ward. A segmented regression analysis of an interrupted time series found that the rate of self-harm per 100 bed days was already declining at baseline and continued to decline post-intervention, but the rate of decline was not significant (p = 0.415). However, the proportion of patients self-harming was increasing at baseline and significantly reduced post-intervention (p = 0.001), and this reduction was significantly larger in the evenings (p = 0.004) compared to other times of day (p = 0.09). A tailored intervention targeting the psychiatric ward environment helped to reduce the proportion of adolescents self-harming on the ward. An interrupted time series analysis should be considered for future interventions making changes to health systems over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurpreet K Reen
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK. .,Oxford Healthcare Improvement Centre, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK.
| | - Jill Bailey
- Oxford Healthcare Improvement Centre, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 7JX UK
| | - Lorna McGuigan
- Oxford Healthcare Improvement Centre, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 7JX UK
| | - Natasha Bloodworth
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG UK ,Oxford Healthcare Improvement Centre, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 7JX UK
| | - Rasanat Fatima Nawaz
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG UK ,Patient Safety Collaborative, Oxford Academic Health Science Network, Oxford, OX4 4GA UK
| | - Charles Vincent
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG UK ,Oxford Healthcare Improvement Centre, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 7JX UK
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Abstract
Higher level or acute psychiatric care for youth is intended to be active but short-term treatment focussing on crisis stabilisation, assessment, safety monitoring, and longer-term treatment planning. The focus of this article is on describing common challenges and the effort to address these challenges through new approaches to acute psychiatric care for children and adolescents. The review finds that (1) inpatient paediatric psychiatry beds are in high demand and often difficult to access, (2) there are a number of common challenges these units face including managing length of stays, readmissions, and adverse events, and (3) there are encouraging therapeutic approaches adapted for this setting. There is still much work to be done to advance the evidence-base for acute psychiatric care for youth particularly in defining and assessing an effective admission. Paediatric psychiatry patients are a vulnerable population and call for our best tools to be put to use to improve the quality and safety of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth K Reynolds
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sasha Gorelik
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Minjee Kook
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kyle Kellermeyer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Timberlake LM, Beeber LS, Hubbard G. Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: Management on the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit[Formula: see text]. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc 2020; 26:10-26. [PMID: 31592703 DOI: 10.1177/1078390319878878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND. Between 4% to 70% of inpatients engage in self-harming behaviors and effective interventions are needed to address this population. AIM. This article reviews literature from 2007 to 2017 to address treatment and management strategies specific for the treatment of nonsuicidal self-injury in the inpatient psychiatric setting. METHODS. Cochrane, PsycINFO, PubMed, and CINAHL were searched for relevant articles with 34 studies reviewed for applicability to the question, and 9 parsed into a summary of Findings table. RESULTS. Therapeutic approaches that show promise include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mentalization as well as medications that act on the serotonergic, dopaminergic, and opioid systems. Effective models of care aim toward enhancing therapeutic relationships with staff, providers, and most important, encouraging the internal shift toward recovery within the patient. CONCLUSIONS. More research with controlled designs in the inpatient setting is needed, however, regardless of which approach is used, the impact of the individual caregiver on the patient's recovery is key.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie M Timberlake
- Laurie M. Timberlake, MSN, PMHNP-BC, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Linda S Beeber
- Linda S. Beeber, PhD, PMHNCNS-BC, FAAN, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Grace Hubbard
- Grace Hubbard, DNP, PMHCNS-BC, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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[Effects of Ward Interventions on Repeated Critical Incidents in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Care]. Prax Kinderpsychol Kinderpsychiatr 2016; 63:616-34. [PMID: 25524034 DOI: 10.13109/prkk.2014.63.8.616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Effects of Ward Interventions on Repeated Critical Incidents in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of several ward interventions (transition to an open ward concept, individualized treatment plans, tiered crisis-management, staff training, quality control) on repeated critical incidents, non-restrictive and restrictive measures. The outcome variables were compared in two time periods, 2007 and 2011. The study included 74 critical incident reports of 51 child and adolescent inpatients that had at least one hospital stay and one critical incident in the selected time periods. Aggressive, self-harming, and absconding incidents were included. The quantitative results suggest that ward interventions can contribute to a reduction of repeated critical incidents and restrictive measures. The qualitative evaluation suggests a cultural change of crisis management.
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Muir-Cochrane E, Oster C, Gerace A. The use of restrictive measures in an acute inpatient child and adolescent mental health service. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2014; 28:389-91. [PMID: 25457689 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2014.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
There are significant issues associated with the use of restrictive measures, such as seclusion and restraint, in child and adolescent mental health care. Greater understanding of how restrictive measures are used is important for informing strategies to reduce their use. In this brief report we present a 12-month audit (1/1/2010-31/12/2011) of the use of restrictive measures (seclusion, physical restraint) in one child and adolescent acute inpatient mental health unit in Australia. The study highlights the need for continued efforts to reduce the use of restrictive measures in child and adolescent mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eimear Muir-Cochrane
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia.
| | - Candice Oster
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia.
| | - Adam Gerace
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia.
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Tremmery S, Danckaerts M, Bruckers L, Molenberghs G, De Hert M, Wampers M, De Varé J, de Decker A. Registration of aggressive incidents in an adolescent forensic psychiatric unit and implications for further practice. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2014; 23:823-33. [PMID: 24682593 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-014-0534-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Although aggression is part of daily life in psychiatric units for adolescents, empirical data on its prevalence are sparse. Only few studies have described prevalence of aggressive incidents in adolescent psychiatric wards, and data in forensic psychiatric care are even more limited. Available studies reported high prevalence rates of aggression, ranging from 0.4 to 2.4 incidents of aggression per day across (forensic) child and adolescent psychiatric units. Between 27 and 78 % of all admitted youth committed an aggressive act. In this study, we collected systematically registered data of all aggressive incidents from the first 2 years (2010-2012) on a newly established forensic adolescent psychiatric unit, which used a formal aggression management program embedded in the social competence model, which is based on early intervention in the 'chain of behavior' to prevent any further escalation. The inclusion of also minor aggressive incidents is unique in the literature and the clinical relevance is highlighted. A mean of one incident a day took place, with each adolescent involved in at least one incident. Notably, 1.7 aggressive incidents per month made seclusion of restraint use necessary. Based on the social competence theory, the aggression management model suggests intervening early in the cascade of aggression, in order to prevent further escalation and reduce the need for intrusive interventions. Evidence supported that aggression is a contextual event, as external factors clearly influence the incidence of aggression. Aggression management should be built on both relational and structural security.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tremmery
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Psychiatric Centre Campus Kortenberg, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuvensesteenweg 517, 3070, Kortenberg, Belgium,
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13
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Luckhoff M, Jordaan E, Swart Y, Cloete KJ, Koen L, Niehaus DJH. Retrospective review of trends in assaults and seclusion at an acute psychiatric ward over a 5-year period. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2013; 20:687-95. [PMID: 22988983 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In developing countries such as South Africa, not much is known about the prevalence of assaults and seclusion occurring in mental health wards over time. Here, we describe a 5-year trend in assaults and seclusions, stratified by gender, at Stikland Hospital, South Africa. A retrospective review of clinical records of patients admitted to the acute psychiatric admission wards at Stikland and involved in assault and secluded was undertaken between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2010. Data on the number of patient and staff assaults as well as seclusions, gender, age, marital status, level of education, level of income, duration of hospital admission and primary psychiatric diagnosis were collected. Significantly (P < 0.01) more men than women engaged in patient assaults, while significantly (P < 0.01) more men were secluded than women. On a monthly basis, the number of gender-stratified patient assaults and seclusions significantly increased (P < 0.01) throughout the study period. In conclusion, we show here that gender had a significant effect on both patient assault and seclusion numbers, which increased towards the end of the study period. Monitoring of these events is therefore important to continuously improve quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Luckhoff
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch and Stikland Hospital, South Africa
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14
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de Kloet L, Starling J, Hainsworth C, Berntsen E, Chapman L, Hancock K. Risk factors for self-harm in children and adolescents admitted to a mental health inpatient unit. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2011; 45:749-55. [PMID: 21827346 DOI: 10.3109/00048674.2011.595682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for self-harm for children and adolescents in a mental health inpatient unit. METHODS A retrospective file audit of patient files over three years (2006-2009) was conducted to determine risk factors associated with self-harm in children and adolescents admitted to a mental health unit. A checklist of potential factors was based on risk factors found in a review of the literature including demographic information, diagnosis, home situation, environmental stressors, childhood trauma and previous mental health care. The study compared those who self-harmed with a control group who did not self-harm. RESULTS There were 150 patients who self-harmed (mean age 14 years) and 56 patients who did not self-harm with a mean age of 13 years. Several factors were identified that increased the likelihood of self-harm, including a diagnosis of depression, female gender, increasing age, being Australian-born, living with a step parent, not having received previous mental health care, having a history of trauma, and having other stressors including problems within the family. CONCLUSIONS While increasing age, female gender, a history of trauma and a diagnosis of depression are well known as risk factors for self-harm, this study confirms that family factors, in particular living with a step parent, significantly add to the risk. Child and adolescent services should be aware of the increased risk of self-harm in young people with mental health problems who live in blended families. Treatment approaches need to involve parents as well as the child or young person.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liselotte de Kloet
- Walker Unit, Concord Centre for Mental Health, Hospital Road, Concord West, New South Wales 2138, Australia
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