Patient perspective on observation methods used in seclusion room in an Irish forensic mental health setting: A qualitative study

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Nurses' observation of patients in seclusion is essential to ensure patient safety. Patient observation in seclusion assists nurses in adhering to the requirements of mental health legislation and hospital policy. Direct observation and video monitoring are widely used in observing patients in seclusion. Coercive practices may cause distress to patient-staff relations. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: We add detailed information on specific observation methods in seclusion and compare them from the perspective of patients. Nurses communicating with patients ensures relational contact and that quality care is provided to patients even in the most distressed phase of their illness. Providing prior information to patients on observation methods in seclusion and the need for engaging patients in meaningful activities, while in seclusion are emphasized. Observation via camera and nurses' presence near the seclusion room made patients feel safe and gave a sense of being cared for in seclusion. Pixellating the video camera would give a sense of privacy and dignity. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The overarching goal is to prevent seclusion. However, when seclusion is used as a last resort to manage risk to others, it should be done in ways that recognize the human rights of the patient, in ways that are least harmful, and in ways that recognize and cater to patients' unique needs. A consistent approach to relational contact and communication is essential. A care plan must include patient's preferred approach for interacting while in seclusion to support individualized care provision. Viewing panels (small window on the seclusion door) are important in establishing two-way communication with the patient. Educating nurses to utilize them correctly helps stimulate relational contact and communication during seclusion to benefit patients. Engaging patients in meaningful activities when in seclusion is essential to keep them connected to the outside world. Depending on the patient's presentation in the seclusion room and their preferences for interactions, reading newspapers, poems, stories, or a book chapter aloud to patients, via the viewing panel could help ensure such connectedness. More focus should be placed on providing communication training to nurses to strengthen their communication skills in caring for individuals in challenging care situations. Patient education is paramount. Providing prior information to patients using a co-produced information leaflet might reduce their anxiety and make them feel safe in the room. When using cameras in the seclusion room, these should be pixelated to maintain patients' privacy. ABSTRACT: Introduction A lack of research investigating the specific role that various observational techniques may have in shaping the therapeutic relations in mental health care during seclusion warranted this study. Aim The aim of the study was to explore patients' experience of different methods of observation used while the patient was in seclusion. Method A retrospective phenomenological approach, using semi-structured interviews, ten patients' experiences of being observed in the seclusion room was investigated. Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological method was followed to analyse the data. Results Communicating and engaging patients in meaningful activities can be achieved via the viewing panel. The camera was considered essential in monitoring behaviour and promoting a sense of safety. Pixelating the camera may transform patient view on privacy in seclusion. Discussion The mental health services must strive to prevent seclusion and every effort should be made to recognise the human rights of the patient. The study reveals numerous advantages when nurses actively engage in patient communication during the process of observation. Implications for Practice Different observation methods yield different benefits; therefore, staff education in using these methods is paramount. Empowering the patient with prior information on seclusion, engaging them in meaningful activities and proper documentation on patient engagement, supports the provision of individualised care in seclusion.

Factors associated with attitudes of mental health nurses towards the importance of families in mental health nursing care

Family involvement in mental healthcare is a key ingredient in the recovery of patients with mental illness. Research on the attitudes of mental health nurses regarding family involvement in mental healthcare remains limited. This study aimed to examine factors that affect the attitudes of mental health nurses towards the importance of family involvement in mental health nursing care. A descriptive, correlational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted with 162 mental health nurses at two psychiatric hospitals in Taiwan. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were applied to analyse data. Mental health nurses generally demonstrated positive attitudes towards incorporating families into nursing care. Older age, more clinical experiences in mental healthcare, and workplace (such as working in chronic psychiatric inpatient wards) were found to be key factors for mental health nurses' attitudes. Particularly, greater competence in working with families and job satisfaction were the most significant factors associated with positive attitudes of mental health nurses towards involving families as important in nursing care. Insight into correlates of mental health nurses' attitudes towards the importance of focusing on families in care is pivotal for targeted interventions to improve nurses' attitudes towards families and, thus, implement family engagement in mental healthcare practices.

A thematic analysis of staff perspectives on the impact of a mental health nurse (RMN) in a critical care unit

Background

Recent guidelines in the UK have shaped Critical Care Units (CCUs) to bring the mental health needs of patients, and staff wellbeing to the forefront of service provision. A health board based in NHS Wales has trialled the secondment of a Mental Health Nurse (RMN) within a CCU to help service provision adhere to such guidelines.

Methods

Critical care staff were invited to attend focus groups to share their experiences of how the RMN influenced service provision.

Results

Thematic analysis identified five main themes; including 'smoother care pathways', 'a holistic approach to care', 'co-production', 'knowledge and confidence' and 'staff wellbeing'. Each of these themes reflected how the RMN had both direct and indirect benefits on patient and staff wellbeing.

Conclusion

This qualitative exploration suggests that staff perceived value in the role of the RMN for both staff and patient outcomes, although further measures were considered necessary to improve staff-wellbeing within a critical care environment. This service evaluation supports recommendations for commissioning a RMN permanently in a CCU.

The physical health nurse consultant and mental health consumer: An important therapeutic partnership

People diagnosed with mental illness (hereon referred to as consumers) experience a disproportionately lower life expectancy of up 30 years compared to the general population. Systemic issues such as diagnostic overshadowing and stigma from healthcare professionals have inhibited the development of positive therapeutic partnerships that enable consumers to seek and engage support for their physical health concerns. Consumers have called for healthcare professionals to skillfully develop and prioritize therapeutic partnerships whilst coordinating and providing physical healthcare. The aim of this qualitative descriptive research was to explore consumer views and experiences of their interactions with a specialist mental health nursing role, the Physical Health Nurse Consultant. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 consumers from a large public Community Mental Health Service in the Australian Capital Territory. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed. Therapeutic partnerships were an overarching theme identified from the data and included three sub-themes: personal attributes of the Physical Health Nurse Consultant; behaviour change engagement strategies; and impact of the therapeutic partnership. Consumers described the personal and professional attributes of the Physical Health Nurse Consultant that enabled the establishment and maintenance of their highly valued therapeutic partnership. This therapeutic partnership was perceived to positively impact their personal and clinical outcomes. With increasing support from consumers, clinical practice settings should move towards embedding a Physical Health Nurse Consultant role in routine practice. Further research exploring the co-development of health behaviour change goals and, barriers and facilitators experienced by the consumers regarding the Physical Health Nurse Consultant is required to further role development.

Patients' experiences of Daily Talks: a patient-driven intervention in inpatient mental healthcare

BACKGROUND

Recovery is known to be enhanced by meaningful interactions between patients and mental health staff. However, nurses may become distanced from patients, and patients may spend most of their time in inpatient mental health care alone.

AIMS

This study aimed to explore how patients experience the intervention Daily Talks, a patient-driven innovation intended to enhance meaningful interactions between patients and staff.

METHODS

Fourteen in-depth interviews were performed with patients who participated in Daily Talks. The interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The results of the participants' experiences of Daily Talks are presented in four themes: 1.Interpersonal and active interaction where individual factors matter 2.A patient-controlled space 3.A multi-use intervention and 4.A part of the daily healthcare structure. Participants stated that Daily Talks improved the relationship between patients and their nursing staff, and they stressed the importance of patients having control over both time and content in the Daily Talks. Daily Talks was used to vent emotions and thoughts, handle situations and create strategies, and become part of a helpful structure.

CONCLUSIONS

The results support the value of Daily Talks, indicating that Daily Talks may facilitate helpful structures and meaningful relationships between patients and nursing staff.

The Association between Nursing Skill Mix and Patient Outcomes in a Mental Health Setting: An Observational Feasibility Study

Higher levels of educational preparation for nurses are associated with lower mortality rates in both medical and surgical wards. In mental health inpatient wards, few studies have examined whether specialist mental health nurse training has any impact on patient outcomes. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to establish the feasibility of extracting and linking nurse education and inpatient outcome data from hospital administrative sources to inform the design of future mental health nursing skill mix studies. Study participants were people experiencing mental ill-health and admitted to psychiatric inpatient care for at least 24 h. The exposure was the ratio of mental health nurses to comprehensive nurses for each patient for each day of their admission. The outcome was readmission for psychiatric inpatient care within 12 months of discharge from the index admission. Confounders were patient demographic (age, gender) and clinical characteristics (diagnosis, legal status, community follow-up). Forty-four patients included in the study were inpatients for a total of 595 days. The median hospital stay was 12 days (IQR = 7-17). In total, 11 (25%) patients were readmitted. In the readmitted and not readmitted groups, the median skill mix ratio was 5 (IQR = 5-7) and 5 (1-6), respectively. It was feasible to extract and code patient and nurse data from hospital databases and link them together. However, a substantial amount of manual post hoc recoding was required to enable us to calculate the exposure (mental health to comprehensive nurse ratio) in a precise way. It may be realistic to automate our methodology in an appropriately powered mental health nursing skill mix study. Australian and New Zealand clinical trial registry: ACTRN12619001337167p.

Anti-stigma initiatives for mental health professionals-A systematic literature review

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Negative attitudes towards mental illness lead to the formation of stigma. Stigma prevents the recovery of people diagnosed with mental illness. There is evidence of stigmatic attitudes towards mental ill health among mental health professionals. Anti-stigma initiatives, such as education and training, may be effective in enhancing or maintaining positive attitudes towards mental illness among mental health professionals. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Education and training that is designed and delivered around a specific mental health diagnosis or condition appears an appropriate strategy that could benefit mental health professionals to develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of mental ill health and its impacts on individuals. Consumer involvement in the education and training of mental health professionals regarding the stigma of mental illness is recommended; however, this is an under-explored area of investigation. There is a weak evidence base regarding the long-term sustainability of effects from anti-stigma education and training. This should be addressed via further research in future. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICES?: Anti-stigma initiatives can support mental health professionals to develop stigma-free, recovery-oriented practices in their work. Further, such initiatives can improve the provision of evidence-based quality care for the consumers, facilitating their recovery. ABSTRACT: Introduction Despite an increasing focus on stigma, evidence shows prejudicial attitudes towards mental illness among mental health professionals still exist. It is suggested that anti-stigma initiatives can aid in enhancing the attitudes of mental health professionals. However, research on initiatives targeting stigma of mental illness among mental health professionals is limited. Aim To identify and analyse scientific literature pertaining to the effectiveness of anti-stigma initiatives regarding mental ill health among mental health professionals. Method A systematic literature review was performed using the databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Google Search engine and Google Scholar. The papers were limited to English language, published in peer-reviewed journals with full-text articles available and published between the years 2008 and 2020 to understand the most recent trends in the attitudes of mental health professionals including nurses. The Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome (PICO) strategy was used to identify papers meeting the inclusion criteria. Results A total of 439 papers were identified. However, papers not meeting the inclusion criteria were excluded from selection. Three appraisers reviewed the selected papers individually using the Joanna Briggs Institute [JBI] critical appraisal tool. Finally, eight unanimously accepted papers were included in the systematic review. Several effective anti-stigma initiatives were identified through the review, and these had positive impacts on mental health professionals' attitudes towards mental illness, for at least a short period. It was identified that contact-based interventions are relevant and effective although the involvement of consumers and caregivers in the design and delivery of interventions was not explicitly addressed in detail in studies included in the review. Education strategies tailored for specific mental illness may be more appropriate, rather than approaches that refer to mental illness in general. Conclusions This review shows the evidence of pessimistic attitudes towards mental illness persists among mental health professionals. Anti-stigma initiatives identified in the selected papers were effective in changing these attitudes. Future research should be focused on the effectiveness of contact-based interventions and understanding the longer-term effects of the interventions among homogeneous groups. Full consideration of the varying level of clinical experience and expertise in mental health should guide the development and implementation of anti-stigma initiatives in this context. Implications for practice Anti-stigma interventions can have a positive impact on mental health professionals' knowledge, attitudes and supportive caring for people diagnosed with mental illness. Such anti-stigma interventions may meaningfully support stakeholders to address the impact of negative attitudes on the physical and mental health status of people diagnosed with mental illness. With sustained leadership, effort and reinforcement, it is possible to create workplace cultures that prioritize stigma-free and recovery-oriented behaviours and practices within mental health services.

Compassion fatigue in mental health nurses: A systematic review

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Compassion fatigue is the result of the unique stressors inherent in caregiving work, leading to a loss of compassion in clinical practice that may result in negative outcomes for mental healthcare consumers. Compassion fatigue has clear emotional and physical costs and significant impacts on staff recruitment and retention. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This review is the first to evaluate the quantitative literature on compassion fatigue in mental health nurses. Research on compassion fatigue in mental health nurses does not accurately account for the unique care relationship between nurse and consumer. Competency-based education, strong mental health nurse leadership, positive organizational cultures, clinical supervision and reflection alongside individual self-care strategies may mitigate compassion fatigue. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE PRACTICE?: Resources are urgently needed for education and workforce development that addresses compassion fatigue in mental health nurses. Interventions addressing the physical, cognitive and emotional demands of care work are needed to ensure mental health nurses have the capability to provide sustainable compassionate care to consumers. ABSTRACT: Introduction Although compassionate care is an essential component of mental health nursing, understandings of the impact of compassion fatigue is poorly understood. Aims/Questions To examine and synthesize available data on the prevalence of compassion fatigue within mental health nurses and consider what variables impact compassion fatigue. Method A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, Emcare, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL and grey literature for articles published between 1992 and February 2021 was conducted. Data were extracted from articles meeting inclusion criteria and integrated using narrative synthesis. Results Twelve articles were included. Prevalence of compassion fatigue ranged from low to high. Variables were identified that may mitigate the risk of compassion fatigue. Strong leadership and positive workplace cultures, clinical supervision, reflection, self-care and personal well-being may protect mental health nurses against compassion fatigue. Discussion Future research is needed on mental health nurses lived experience of compassion fatigue and their understandings of compassion. Implications for Practice Interventions should focus on increasing awareness of compassion fatigue and building individual and organizational resilience. Both organizations and individuals should be aware of the role they play in maintaining the capacity and capability for mental health nurses to provide sustainable and compassionate mental healthcare.

What are the core competencies of a mental health nurse? A concept mapping study involving five stakeholder groups

Mental health nurses aim to provide high-quality care that is safe and person-centred. Service users require individualized care, responsive to their preferences, needs, and values. The views of service users, mental health nurses, nurse academics, psychiatrists, and nurse managers about the core competencies of mental health nurses have not been explored. Our study aimed to describe and contrast the views of multiple stakeholder groups on the core competencies of mental health nurses. Concept mapping is a six-step mixed-methods study design that combines qualitative data with principal component analysis to produce a two-dimensional concept map. Forty-eight people participated in the study from five stakeholder groups that included service users and clinicians. The final concept map had eight clusters: assessment and management of risk; understanding recovery principles; person- and family-centred care; good communication skills; knowledge about mental disorders and treatment; evaluating research and promoting physical health; a sense of humour; and physical and psychological interventions. There were important differences in how service users and health professionals ranked the relative importance of the clusters. Service users reported the understanding recovery principles cluster as the most important, whilst health professionals ranked the assessment and management of risk group the most important. There may be a disconnect between what service users and other stakeholders perceive to be the core competencies of mental health nurses. There is a need for more research to examine the differing perspectives of service users and health professionals on the core competencies of mental health nurses.

The Association between Nursing Skill Mix and Patient Outcomes in a Mental Health Setting: Protocol for an Observational Feasibility Study

International research on nursing skill mix has focused primarily on medical and surgical patient populations. The association between nursing skill mix and clinical outcomes for psychiatric inpatients has not been explored. The aim of this study is to establish the feasibility of extracting and linking nurse and inpatient data from hospital administrative data sources. This is an observational study. Data will be extracted from hospital administrative sources and linked together. Patient information will include duration and number of psychiatric hospital admissions. We will extract information on the educational preparation of nurses working in the participating hospitals to enable us to calculate estimates of the nursing skill mix. The study will be conducted in two psychiatric inpatient services in Australia. Our study will test the feasibility of extracting and linking nursing skill mix and patient data in a mental health setting and will inform the methodological development of an appropriately powered observational study. Australian and New Zealand clinical trial registry: ACTRN12619001337167p.

Professional quality of life and psychological resilience among psychiatric nurses

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between professional quality of life and psychological resilience in psychiatric nurses in Turkey.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 psychiatric nurses in Turkey. Data were collected using the Professional Quality of Life Scale and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale.

FINDINGS

Correlations were observed between compassion satisfaction (CS) and burnout, CS and resilience, and in burnout and compassion fatigue (CF).

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Actions to improve resilience, prevent burnout, and reduce CF should be implemented.

Understanding the factors that affect retention within the mental health nursing workforce: a systematic review and thematic synthesis

There are over 41 000 vacant nursing posts across the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS), with more people leaving the profession that joining it. Despite mental health being acknowledged as a priority area, some of the most significant staff shortages are occurring within mental health services. Urgent action is needed to retain the mental health nurses (MHNs) currently in post to ensure the profession is fit for purpose and aid future recruitment efforts. This review set out to identify the individual factors that affect the retention of MHNs. A systematic search of six databases was conducted (CINAHL, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, Web of Science (Core collection), EMBASE and the British Nursing Index). Studies were systematically screened for inclusion based on predetermined eligibility criteria. The studies were quality assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Findings were synthesized using Thematic Synthesis. A total of 23 studies consisting of a range of study designs were included in the review. Four key themes emerged from the synthesis: Individual characteristics, Working within mental health services, Training and skills and Work environment. The findings from this review suggest that MHNs encounter some factors unique to working in mental health services, which suggests that retention strategies should be specific to each nursing speciality. Beyond nursing speciality, the factors identified vary between clinical settings in mental health due to the differences in work environments and services they provide. Future studies should now set out to explore what factors exist in which clinical settings to inform better tailored retention strategies to generate better outcomes.

COVID-19 deaths among nurses: a cross-sectional study

Background

Nurses who are one of the pivotal elements of countries’ strategic responses to COVID-19 are being exposed to COVID-19.

Aims

To investigate the underlying characteristics of nurses who died due to COVID-19.

Methods

On 1 September 2020, a grey literature search was conducted. Data obtained through Medscape, Google, PubMed, government and non-government websites. The search strategy was carried out using variants and combinations of keywords related to ‘nurse’ and ‘COVID-19’ in English. Abstracted data included age, gender, type of nurse, department of nursing, country, date of death and publication characteristics.

Results

Out of reported 1518 COVID-19-related nurse deaths, details of age, gender and department of nursing were available for 766 (50%), 945 (62%) and 153 (10%) of nurses, respectively. The median age of the nurses was 56 years. The majority of deaths were reported in the 46- to 65 (32%)-year age range. While the registered nurses had the highest number of deaths according to types of nurses (680/957; 71%), they are mental health nurses (42/153; 28%) in the department of nursing. The countries with the most reported nurse deaths were USA, South Africa, Mexico and Russia.

Conclusions

The predominance of deceased mental health nurses among nursing departments can be examined in future studies. Supportive health policies can be developed to increase the motivation of nurses.

What Are the Core Competencies of a Mental Health Nurse? Protocol for a Concept Mapping Study

This study aims to identify and contrast key stakeholder perspectives about the core competencies of mental health nurses. Mental health nurses provide much of the direct care and treatment to patients with mental disorders. The perspectives of users of mental health services, mental health nurses, mental health nurse clinical leaders, psychiatrists, and mental health nurse academics regarding the core competencies of a mental health nurse are informative to improve the quality of care given to patients. We will use concept mapping to compare and contrast the views of different stakeholder groups (n = 50, 10 per group) about the core competencies (knowledge, skills, and attitudes) of mental health nurses. There are six stages in concept mapping: preparation, generation of statements, structuring of statements, representation of statements, interpretation of maps, and utilisation of maps. The Good Reporting of A Mixed Methods Study (GRAMMS) checklist will guide this study. The final output is a “concept map” that can be used and interpreted to understand core mental health nursing competencies. This study will provide insight into the perceived core competencies of mental health nurses from a variety of perspectives.

Psychoeducational intervention on burden and emotional well-being addressed to informal caregivers of people with dementia

BACKGROUND

In dementia it is necessary that a family member become an informal caregiver. This labour has social, physical and emotional repercussions on the caregiver's health. The objective was to assesses the impact of the INFOSA-DEM intervention on burden and emotional well-being among caregivers of people with dementia, evaluating the effects at 3 and 6 months.

METHOD

We adopted an experimental, non-randomised design with an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received the intervention and the control group received usual care. The study was carried out in the catchment areas of three centres specialising in the care of people with cognitive impairment in the province of Barcelona.

RESULTS

At 3 months, there was an improvement with respect to burden in the intervention group with a significant worsening (P < 0.012) in the control group. Similarly, a positive effect on emotional well-being was observed in the intervention group compared with a small negative effect among controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Programs addressed to informal caregivers based on psychoeducational and cognitive-behavioural therapies are effective in improving quality of life and emotional well-being, and in reducing burden, with a positive effect on the quality of care provided at home.

Borderline personality disorder in a community setting: service users' experiences of the therapeutic relationship with mental health nurses

People with borderline personality disorder (BPD) suffer from severe symptoms and crises that put their lives at risk. BPD's symptoms make it difficult for nurses to establish good therapeutic relationships with people who suffer from it, thus hindering their recovery and contributing to stigma. We explored the experiences of people with BPD who were under the care of mental health nurses at a community mental health centre and who reported a reduction in distress. Our goal was to identify the actions and psychotherapeutic factors of the therapeutic relationship that people with BPD considered to be useful in their recovery. Our qualitative approach made it possible for us to learn about individual experiences and meanings and describe the perception of participants. Our sample included 12 participants. Data consisted of qualitative interviews with all participants and nursing records for six of the participants. We conducted an inductive thematic content analysis, resulting in a hierarchical system of subthemes and themes. We found that participants considered the following psychotherapeutic actions to be useful in recovery: learning about the disorder, building trust, and being empowered through validation.

Rural and metropolitan South Australian mental health workers' views about nurse prescribing: A thematic analysis

Almost one third of the South Australian population reside in regional locations, which are serviced by just 8% of the State's total psychiatrist workforce. Consequently, access to psychotropic medications in regional South Australia (SA) can be challenging. Granting prescribing rights to mental health nurses (MHNs) located in regional settings presents an opportunity to increase consumer access to psychotropic medications. The aim of the study was to understand the perspectives of mental health workers (MHWs) practising in regional and metropolitan settings towards MHN prescribing. The study adopted a qualitative approach. Seventeen MHWs participated in three focus groups, including two in regional SA and one in a metropolitan site within the State of SA. Participants reported difficulties in accessing medicines in regional areas. The regional focus groups indicated that MHN prescribing may help to release psychiatrists' time and provide quicker assessment and diagnosis. By contrast, the metropolitan focus group expressed reservations about MHN prescribing. Participants indicated that suitable governance structures supported by appropriate education programmes were a necessary prerequisite for MHN prescribing of psychotropic medications. MHN prescribing may help to mitigate the impact of psychiatrist shortages in regional South Australia and possibly in other areas of the world where recruitment is a challenge. The provision of adequate education and the establishment of a suitable governance and support framework are considered necessary steps to progress MHN prescribing.

What do mental health workers in the bush think about mental health nurse prescribing? A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Relatively few psychiatrists live and work in rural South Australia. The rural GP is an essential component of support for people with mental health problems. However, considerable GP maldistribution between rural and metropolitan Australia still exists. Thus, accessing health services, including medication, becomes challenging for rural communities. Extending mental health nurse prescribing could be a strategy to build additional capacity to complement the GPs and psychiatrists who practice in rural South Australia. Until now, no studies have examined mental health workers' attitudes towards nurse prescribing in rural Australia.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the attitudes of rural and remote South Australian mental health workers about mental health nurse prescribing.

DESIGN/METHOD

A cross-sectional survey assessing mental health workers' attitudes to mental health nurse prescribing.

SETTING

The study was conducted across South Australia, excluding metropolitan Adelaide.

PARTICIPANTS

Mental health workers employed by the Country Health South Australia Local Health Network for Mental Health.

RESULTS

Of the 289 potential participants, 93 (32%) responded and were included in this study. All the respondents reported positive attitudes towards mental health nurse prescribing. However, they expressed concerns about safety, educational preparation and supervision structures.

CONCLUSION

The attitudes of rural South Australian mental health workers are not a barrier to mental health nurse prescribing. The implementation and sustainability of mental health nurse prescribing will require additional staff training in psychopharmacology and a governance framework to assure quality and safety. Policy-makers need to focus their attention on the uptake of mental health nurse prescribing in parts of Australia that struggle to attract and retain psychiatrists.

Perception of nurse prescribing among nurses and psychiatrists in a developing country: A cross-sectional survey

Nurse prescribing has the potential to improve patients' access to, and experiences of, treatment. The aim of the present study was to examine nurse and psychiatrist attitudes about this extended role in a developing country. We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a previously-used, 65-item, seven subscale measure of attitudes to nurse prescribing in mental health. We achieved a 79% response rate. The majority of participants had trained in developing countries where nurse prescribing has yet to be implemented. Across five subscales (general beliefs, impact, uses, training, and supervision), both groups reported positive attitudes about nurse prescribing. Both groups scored the training subscale particularly highly. Compared with psychiatrists, nurses were more confident about the range of clinical settings where nurse prescribing could be applied (e.g. acute inpatient and substance use). Although both groups had less favourable attitudes on the two subscales relating to clinical and legal responsibility, compared to nurses, psychiatrists were more undesirable. Although, overall, clinician attitudes do not seem to represent a barrier towards the potential implementation of nurse prescribing in the study setting, clarity about clinical and legal responsibility needs to be addressed.

Recovery-focussed care: How it can be utilized to reduce aggression in the acute mental health setting

Consumer aggression is common in the acute mental health inpatient setting. Mental health nurses can utilize a range of interventions to prevent aggression or reduce its impact on the person and others who have witnessed the event. Incorporating recovery-focussed care into clinical practice is one intervention, as it fosters collaborative partnerships with consumers. It promotes their engagement in decisions about their care and encourages self-management of their presenting behaviours. It also allows the consumer to engage in their personal recovery as their mental health improve. Yet there is a paucity of literature on how nurses can utilize recovery-focussed care with consumers who are hospitalized and in the acute phase of their illness. In the present study, we report the findings of a scoping review of the literature to identify how recovery-focussed care can be utilized by nurses to reduce the risk of consumer aggression. Thirty-five papers met the inclusion criteria for review. Four components were identified as central to the use of recovery-focussed care with consumers at risk of becoming aggressive: (i) seeing the person and not just their presenting behaviour; (ii) interact, don't react; (iii) coproduction to achieve identified goals; and (iv) equipping the consumer as an active manager of their recovery. The components equip nurses with strategies to decrease the risk of aggression, while encouraging consumers to self-manage their challenging behaviours and embark on their personal recovery journey. Further research is required to evaluate the translation of these components clinically in the acute care setting.

Patient participation in mental health care - perspectives of healthcare professionals: an integrative review

BACKGROUND

In contemporary Western liberal society, patient participation has become a key goal in psychiatric healthcare treatment. Health professionals must encourage patients to play an active and involved part in their treatment. According to Danish health law, patients have the right to participate in their treatment, and the mental health system therefore needs to be reformed in order to ensure that treatment is based on individual, liberal, values. However, patient participation is not clearly defined, and it is therefore a challenge to transfer it to clinical practice.

AIMS

This integrative review's aims are to explore how professionals perceive the challenges regarding patient participation in the treatment course in mental health care.

DESIGN

An integrative review.

FINDINGS

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria: six employed qualitative methodologies and one utilised a mixed-methods approach. The empirical studies took place in Norway, the UK and Australia, all in a mental health setting. Three themes were identified: 'Patient participation as collaboration between the healthcare professional and patient', 'Challenges to participation' and 'From a professional's perspective - what expectations do patients have when participating in decision-making?'

CONCLUSION

Different synonymous terms describing the patient's active role during treatment - user participation, collaboration, partnership, user involvement and patient participation - are linked to a recovery-oriented approach, shared decision-making, shared ownership and care plans. This integrative review achieves specific knowledge around patient participation, comparing the situation for adult patients with various mental disorders. However, upon reflecting on the included studies, patient participation is not clearly defined, and it is therefore difficult to transfer it to clinical practice.

The therapeutic role of mental health nurses in psychiatric intensive care: A mixed-methods investigation in an inner-city mental health service

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Mental health services have been radically transformed since the 1990s, with an emphasis on care in the community. However, acute psychiatric wards remain an important component of service provision. Research shows that patients receive limited therapeutic interaction with nurses in such settings. A recent review showed that just 4%-12% of nurses' time was spent on activities that could be considered therapeutic. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Whereas nurses wanted more time for individual therapeutic activity, patients were content with brief interactions. However, such contact was not always available, partly due to workload pressures. Both nurses and patients believed that a collaborative approach, involving the whole multidisciplinary team, was key to the success of therapeutic engagement. The meaning of therapeutic engagement remains nebulous. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Nurse education, ward management and clinical supervision should have greater emphasis on therapeutic engagement. Further research is needed to develop therapeutic engagement in acute psychiatric settings; such work should involve patients as active and equal partners.

ABSTRACT

Introduction Despite indications that therapeutic interaction is beneficial for patients and for nurses' job satisfaction in acute psychiatric care, research shows a small amount of nurses' time is spent on such activity. Aims This study investigated the actual and potential therapeutic role of the mental health nurse in psychiatric intensive care, where admission is due to violence or aggression. Methods In a mixed-methods concurrent triangulation design, clinician and patient activity was observed using a structured measurement tool, and qualitative interviews were conducted with four practitioners and six patients. Findings were generated using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. Results Of the directly observed 234 clinician and 309 patient activities, 20.9% and 15.9%, respectively, were classified as therapeutic engagement. Interviews revealed that both clinicians and patients wanted more therapeutic contact, but whereas nurses wanted longer time to spend in individual sessions, patients preferred brief but more frequent interaction with nurses. Discussion This study shows disparity between actual and desirable levels of therapeutic interaction. Apart from organizational constraints, a fundamental problem is the lack of definition or established practices of therapeutic engagement. Implications for Practice There should be more emphasis on therapeutic engagement in nurse education, ward management and clinical supervision.

Subjective well-being of mental health nurses in the United Kingdom: Results of an online survey

The aim of the present study was to measure the subjective well-being of a group of 225 UK registered mental health nurses (MHN) using three survey measures, and to identify whether certain demographic and workplace factors correlated with subjective well-being measure scores. An online survey incorporating the subjective well-being questions used by the Office for National Statistics, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale was administered to members of two professional bodies for MHN. There was good consistency between the three subjective well-being measures, each demonstrating that UK MHN had a relatively low subjective well-being. Apart from the Office for National Statistics question, 'Overall, to what extent do you feel the things you do in your life are worthwhile?', demographic and workplace factors did not correlate with subjective well-being measure scores, although the characteristics of being male, living alone, and being aged 40-49 years were associated with lower mean scores on all three measures. The findings of the exploratory study suggest that a similar study should be undertaken with a larger representative population of MHN, and that qualitative research should explore why and how UK MHN have relatively low subjective well-being. The limitations of this study, namely the response rate and sample representativeness, mean that the results of the present study must be tested in further research on the MHN population.

'Canaries in the mine'. Parents of adult children with schizophrenia: An integrative review of the literature

The purpose of this integrative review was to evaluate the current state of knowledge of parents who have adult children diagnosed with schizophrenia and their relationship with mental health professionals. Findings indicated that parents (primarily mothers) believed they intuitively knew when their adult children were becoming unwell and that they doggedly pursued connections with mental health care providers. Five themes were evident in the literature: trusting your instincts, feeling dismissed and devalued, making connections and making concessions, living with distress and sorrow, and becoming your own health-care provider. The implications of the findings on mental health nursing practice indicate that professional family relationships were not ideal, and that parents wanted to improve these relationships. Parents wanted health-care professionals to respond to their requests for help for both their children and for themselves, and wanted to be able to help the mental health team to help their adult children.

What does mental health nursing contribute to improving the physical health of service users with severe mental illness? A thematic analysis

Authors have generally reported that mental health nurses (MHNs) have positive attitudes to providing physical health care to service users with severe mental illness. In the present study, we aimed to explore if this positive attitude translates to enhanced clinical practice by interviewing MHNs and the service users they work with. Semistructured interviews were completed with 15 service users and 18 MHNs from acute, rehabilitation, and community services. These were then transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Six themes emerged: (i) not the work of MHNs; (ii) the physical effects of psychiatric drugs are ignored; (iii) the need to upskill; (iv) keeping busy; (v) horrible hospital food/living on takeaways; and (vi) motivation to change. Our overarching meta-theme was of unmet physical health need among service users.

Assault experiences: Lessons learned from mental health nurses in Taiwan

Mental health nurse are frequently subjected to patients' violent and aggressive behaviour. These assault experiences have given rise to mental health nurses' physical and psychological trauma, and negatively impact the quality of patient care. The purpose of the present qualitative study was to understand mental health nurses' experiences of being assaulted, the influences on their patient care, and their perspectives of the effectiveness of in-service, violence-prevention education. Ten mental health nurses from two different inpatient mental health facilities were interviewed using a semistructured interview guide. Thematic analysis of interview data found six themes: (i) violence is unpredictable; (ii) violence is normal; (iii) lasting psychological trauma; (iv) limited support from peers and the administrator; (v) violence prevention requires team cooperation; and (vi) doubting the effectiveness of in-service education on violence prevention. Psychiatric ward administrators should assess nurses' learning and skill needs to determine whether these needs are met by existing in-service training programmes. A culture of safety should also be promoted by building a warm and supportive ward climate for both staff and patients, which would include team cooperation and support for colleagues who suffer a violent incident.

Ethical issues experienced by mental health nurses in the administration of antipsychotic depot and long-acting intramuscular injections: a qualitative study

The ethical issues experienced by mental health nurses in administering antipsychotic depot and long-acting intramuscular injections (LAI) were explored in the present study. Mental health nurses face ethically-difficult situations when administering these medications. A phenomenological research method guided by Max van Manen's human science approach describes and interprets the ethical issues involved in performing the procedure. Purposive and snowball sampling was used to select eight participants from two mental health hospitals. Semistructured interviews were carried out to collect data. A thematic analysis was conducted on the data. The four main themes that emerged from the analyses were: (i) lack of alternatives; (ii) safety; (iii) feeling uncomfortable; and (iv) difficulty maintaining the therapeutic relationship. The findings suggest that mental health nurses face ethical challenges in administering LAI. The findings raise much needed awareness of the need for mental health nurses and nurse educators to consider the ethical issues experienced while performing the procedure. There is a need for nurse education providers and organizations to provide opportunities for mental health nurses to address their 'lived experiences'. Educational courses are needed to equip mental health nurses with the technical and critical thinking skills to administer safe and effective antipsychotic depot and LAI.

Mental health nurses can increase capability and capacity in primary care by educating practice nurses: an evaluation of an education programme in England

Most people with a mental health problem in England are cared for by clinicians in primary care who may have had little or no training in this area. Our aim was to develop an accessible education programme which was appropriate to the learning needs of this workforce. A survey of the mental health and well-being training needs and preferred learning methods of practice nurses was undertaken, then a programme of education was developed by a primary care mental health expert. Teaching was delivered by mental health nurses who were trained as educators. Both the practice nurses and mental health nurses felt their clinical practice would improve as a result of being involved in this programme. To sustain the learning, mental health nurses were supported by attending and then leading their own action learning sets. This model of education can be adapted and used by health organizations both nationally and internationally. Research is required to find out whether training practice nurses using this programme has an impact on patients.

Mental health nurses' dispositional decision-making for people presenting to the emergency department with deliberate self-harm: an exploratory study

BACKGROUND

There is no clear treatment pathway for people presenting to Australian emergency departments with deliberate self-harm.

PURPOSE

To explore variations in mental health nurses' disposition decisions for patients following risk assessment for deliberate self-harm.

DESIGN AND METHOD

A survey was distributed to mental health nurses. This survey comprised demographic items and questions in response to nine vignettes describing episodes of deliberate self-harm. Dispositional decision and reasoning were also sought for each vignette.

FINDINGS

Poor levels of agreement for disposition were found.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

There was a lack of consensus regarding dispositional outcomes. This suggests a high level of subjectivity in decision-making which needs to be taken into account within clinical governance.

Effect of mental health nurses' beliefs and knowledge of medication on their use of strategies to improve medication adherence

Despite the proven efficiency of medication for mental illness, research indicates low patient adherence to medication. Nonetheless, only few studies have directly examined the relationship between nurse beliefs and knowledge, and their use of strategies to improve patient adherence to psychiatric medication. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to clarify nurses' views, beliefs about, and knowledge of psychiatric medication affect their inclination to implement various strategies to improve patient adherence. One hundred nurses working at an Israeli psychiatric hospital participated in the study. Self-completed questionnaires were distributed. The research findings showed that nurses' levels of knowledge of psychiatric medication were moderate, but their beliefs of taking psychiatric medication were positive. The findings also showed that the higher the nurses' age and seniority, as well as their positive beliefs about taking medication, the higher their probability of implementing strategies to improve patient adherence to medication. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between positive beliefs about the nursing staff on taking medication and the staff's utilization of strategies to improve patient adherence to medication. The current study shows that nurses' traits and beliefs affect their use of strategies promoting mental health patient adherence to medication and the enhancement of these strategies.

Perceptions from the front line: professional identity in mental health nursing

In the context of a growing population of people experiencing mental illness worldwide, mental health nurses are a crucial workforce. Their recruitment and retention, however, is in decline. Drawing on qualitative data obtained from interviews with mental health nurses (MHN) in Victoria, Australia, the paper employs a range of concepts from role theory to explore professional identity within mental health nursing. The data highlight three key issues in relation to the future recruitment and retention of MHN: (i) the ambiguity of the MHN role; (ii) the weak definition and lack of understanding of the scope of the MHN role by nursing students; and (iii) a lack of communication about MHN as a profession to a wider audience. These findings indicate three avenues through which recruitment and retention in mental health nursing could be improved: (i) public communication; (ii) training and educating of the next generation of MHN; and (iii) more accurately defining the role of the MHN.

Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program: facilitating physical health care for people with mental illness?

People with serious mental illness have increased rates of physical ill-health and reduced contact with primary care services. In Australia, the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP) was developed to facilitate access to mental health services. However, as a primary care service, the contribution to physical health care is worthy of consideration. Thirty-eight nurses who were part of the MHNIP participated in a national survey of nurses working in mental health about physical health care. The survey invited nurses to report their views on the physical health of consumers and the regularity of physical health care they provide. Physical health-care provision in collaboration with general practitioners (GPs) and other health-care professionals was reported as common. The findings suggest that the MHNIP provides integrated care, where nurses and GPs work in collaboration, allowing enough time to discuss physical health or share physical health activities. Consumers of this service appeared to have good access to physical and mental health services, and nurses had access to primary care professionals to discuss consumers' physical health and develop their clinical skills in the physical domain. The MHNIP has an important role in addressing physical health concerns, in addition to the mental health issues of people accessing this service.