Patient aggression experienced by professional nurses in acute psychiatric ward: South Africa

Background

Aggression of patients in hospital wards has become an endemic problem and professional nurses are particularly at high risk.

Aim

This article presents the types of patient aggression experienced by professional nurses working in an acute psychiatric ward in Vhembe District, South Africa.

Setting

Vhembe District, South Africa.

Methods

A qualitative approach using exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was used. Four hospitals were purposively selected and 10 professional nurses were conveniently sampled to participate in the study. Individual interviews were used to collect data, which were then analysed through Tesch Open Coding Method. Measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the study.

Results

This study shed some light on the professional nurses' lived experiences regarding the types of aggression from patients in an acute psychiatric ward in Vhembe District. The types of aggression are physical aggression, destructive behaviour and verbal aggression.

Conclusion

The findings show that the types of aggression to which professional nurses are exposed are overwhelming and the consequences are shocking. As a result, the health of professional nurses is compromised. Therefore, this study recommends further studies to determine the kind of support needed by professional nurses working in an acute psychiatric ward and to investigate the impact of aggression from patients in acute psychiatric ward with regard to the quality of care.

Contribution

This article contributes to the body of knowledge regarding patients' aggression in acute wards in Vhembe District, South Africa.

Facilitation of the mental health of adolescents abusing substances: A concept analysis

Background

The use and abuse of substances, especially among the youth, continues to be of serious concern within the international community. This behaviour affects them as individuals, their families, the community in which they live, and society at large. Findings from a study conducted by the researcher indicate that adolescents who abuse substances experience a range of emotional, physical, academic and social setbacks, and challenges. Ultimately, the mental health of these adolescents is affected.

Aim

The study aims to identify and define the central concept 'facilitation of mental health' of adolescents abusing substances.

Setting

The researcher's minor dissertation, whereby the lived experiences of adolescents abusing substances were explored. The basic elements, structure and functions were examined and analysed.

Methods

The concept's basic elements, structure and functions were examined, followed by an analysis and reasoning strategies to define the central concept. The process was implemented over two phases.

Results

The central concept 'facilitation of mental health' of adolescents abusing substances was identified and defined using dictionary and subject definitions.

Conclusion

The identification and definition of the central concept is an important part of developing a model as a frame of reference for psychiatric nurses to facilitate the mental health of adolescents abusing substances.

Contribution

The findings of the study would assist in the development of a model as a frame of reference for psychiatric nurses to facilitate the mental health of adolescents abusing substances.

Professional Nurses' Experiences of Student Nurses' Absenteeism during Psychiatric Clinical Placement in Limpopo Province, South Africa: A Qualitative Study

Psychiatric clinical placement is as essential as other placements in any discipline in nursing education as it allows student nurses to correlate theory to practice. Several research studies have been conducted on nurses' experiences of the clinical supervision of students, but absenteeism is still a challenge globally. In this study, professional nurses' experiences of student nurses' absenteeism from psychiatric clinical placements in Limpopo Province, South Africa, were examined. Three designated specialty mental institutions in Limpopo Province were the sites of the study. Explorative, descriptive, and contextual designs were used in a qualitative approach. A qualitative approach was used because the study sought professional nurses to narrate their experiences through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, which could only be achieved through a qualitative approach. A total of eleven professional nurses, four from two specialized psychiatric hospitals and three from one specialized psychiatric hospital, were purposively sampled and interviewed. These nurses participated in in-depth interviews that were used to gather data, which were then thematically analyzed. One theme and three sub-themes on professional nurses' experiences of the absenteeism of student nurses during psychiatric clinical placement were revealed. The theme was student factors leading to absenteeism, while the sub-themes were fear of mental health care users, negative attitudes towards psychiatric nursing science, and students' lifestyles. Based on the findings, student nurses' absenteeism can be caused by many factors. A qualitative study should be conducted to seek strategies to mitigate the absenteeism of student nurses during clinical placement in the psychiatric hospitals of Limpopo Province.

How do family members perceive re-integration of male state patients into their families in South Africa? A qualitative analysis

Background

State patients are admitted to a psychiatric hospital after being declared as such by the magistrate courts as a result of not found fit to stand trial for the offence they had committed. After successful rehabilitation of state patients at the psychiatric hospital, they need to be re-integrated into their families. Family members' perceptions regarding re-integration of male state patients are not largely explored in the scientific body of knowledge.

Aim

The aim of the study was to determine the perceptions of family members regarding reintegration of male state patients into their families.

Setting

This study was conducted in Vhembe District of Limpopo province, South Africa.

Method

A qualitative approach using explorative, descriptive and contextual designs was adopted. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 family members who were purposefully sampled, and data were thematically analysed using Tech Open Coding method.

Results

Three themes emerged, namely, family members understand re-integration; family members' expectations from a mental healthcare user; and threat to re-integration as perceived by family members.

Conclusion

Data revealed that family members have varied perceptions regarding re-integration. These perceptions were based on the behaviour displayed or an offence committed by the mental healthcare user before admission and how participants experienced it. The study recommends that an investigation is to be conducted on the kind of support family members need regarding re-integration of state patients into their families.