A realist evaluation protocol: assessing the effectiveness of a rapid response team model for mental state deterioration in acute hospitals.

Background: Mental state deterioration poses significant challenges in healthcare, impacting patients and providers. Symptoms like confusion and agitation can lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased costs, and the use of restrictive interventions. Despite its prevalence, there's a lack of consensus on effective practices for managing mental state deterioration in acute hospital settings. To address this gap, a rapid response team model has been proposed as a potential intervention, aiming to provide early identification and targeted interventions. Methods: Based on realist evaluation steps, first, initial program theories are formulated to understand the logic behind the intervention. Second, literature synthesis identifies empirical evidence on contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes elements, refining initial theories. During the third step, data will be collected using qualitative methods such as field observations and interviews, as well as quantitative methods such as surveys of the staff, audits of electronic medical records, and analysis of incident records of mental state deterioration. Analysing this data informs configurations of contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes. In the fifth step, the configurations are synthesised, presenting refined, evidence-informed program theories. Conclusion: This study addresses the knowledge gap by evaluating the rapid response model's effectiveness in managing mental state deterioration in acute hospital settings. Realist principles guide the exploration of causal mechanisms and their interaction with specific implementation contexts. The objective is to identify what works, for whom, and under what circumstances, aiming to manage deterioration, reduce restrictive interventions, and enhance the experience for patients and staff by implementing a proactive model of care. The findings contribute to evidence-based approaches for managing mental state deterioration in hospital settings, informing policy and practice in this crucial area of healthcare.

Views of Mental Health Nurses on Responding to Clinical Aggression on General Wards.

The overall aim of this study was to explore the views of mental health nurses (MHNs) about their experience of responding to workplace violence (WPV) and aggression (code greys and blacks) within acute general wards. WPV continues to pose a significant source of challenge within healthcare settings despite several initiatives that have been trialled over the years. It has the potential to impact patient care and overall staff health and well-being. Nurses play a significant role in the management of WPV; hence, it is important to understand how they respond to and manage incidents of WPV. The study design was an explorative descriptive qualitative design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews involving n = 10 MHNs working within a mental health consultation liaison team that responds to incidents of violence and aggression (codes grey and black) in acute general wards. Participants were recruited using a convenient sampling method. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study highlighted the following themes: (1) Patient care (subthemes: patient frustration with hospital processes, lack of time and resources); (2) Staffing skills and confidence (subthemes: lack of adequate training, inability to intervene early and communication skills); (3) Understanding patient behaviours (subthemes: it's a psychiatry problem and zero tolerance approach). The management of WPV within acute hospital settings needs to be given due attention by healthcare services. Although a number of organisations are developing measures and guidelines to manage WPV, there is still a gap in the ability of general nursing staff to properly manage such incidences. Proper attention needs to be taken to the training of staff.

Realist synthesis of a rapid response system in managing mental state deterioration in acute hospital settings.

Mental state deterioration in patients poses significant challenges in healthcare, potentially resulting in adverse outcomes for patients and continued reliance on restrictive interventions. Implementing evidence-based approaches such as a rapid response system that prioritises early identification and intervention can effectively manage adverse outcomes. However, little is known regarding the effectiveness of these interventions. The objective of this synthesis was to test and refine initial programme theories by synthesising evidence to understand what works, for whom and under what circumstances. Based on the realist synthesis methodology, we searched EMBASE, CINAHL, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library and grey literature for evidence to inform contexts, mechanisms and outcomes on the functioning of a rapid response model. We identified 28 relevant sources encompassing peer-reviewed journal articles and grey literature. This synthesis identified three important elements that contribute to the effectiveness of a rapid response system for managing mental state deterioration: care processes, therapeutic practices and organisational support. Essential elements include improving confidence and clinical skills through training, timely assessment and intervention, teamwork, communication and the creation of governance structures for monitoring and evaluation. To ensure the effectiveness, an organisation must adopt a comprehensive approach that incorporates organisational support, resource allocation, training, clear communication channels and commitment to continuous quality improvement. However, implementing interventions within a complex healthcare system requires thoughtful consideration of the organisational culture and governance structures. By taking a comprehensive and holistic approach to improvement initiatives, organisations can strive to achieve optimal outcomes in managing mental state deterioration and improving patient care.

Realist synthesis protocol on the effectiveness of a rapid response system in managing mental state deterioration in acute hospital settings.

INTRODUCTION: Patient mental state deterioration impacts patient outcomes, staff and increases costs for healthcare organisations. Mental state is broadly defined to include not only mental health but a broad range of cognitive, emotional and psychological well-being factors. Mental state deterioration is inconsistently identified and managed within acute and tertiary medical settings. This protocol aims to synthesise the evidence to test and refine initial programme theories that outline the functioning of a rapid response system. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This synthesis will be guided by Pawson's key steps in realist reviews. We will clarify the scope of synthesis through an initial literature search, focusing on understanding the functioning of rapid response system in managing patients presenting with mental state deterioration in acute hospital settings. Initial programme theories will be refined by developing a search strategy to comprehensively search electronic databases for relevant English language peer-reviewed studies. Additionally, we will search the grey literature for sources to supplement theory testing. An abstraction form will be developed to record the characteristics of literature sources. We will use spreadsheets to code and report contextual factors, underlying mechanisms, and outcome configurations. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: As this study is a realist synthesis protocol, ethics approval is not required. Synthesis findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at scientific conferences.

Establishing a COVID-positive mental health ward: an Australian-first case study.

OBJECTIVE: Managing mental health patients during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a global challenge. Current workforce arrangements tend to separate those skilled in caring for highly infectious medical patients from those whose specialism is in managing co-morbid mental health, substance misuse and/or behaviours of concern, including potential non-compliance with community or health care directives. This paper reports an innovative service development through the emergency establishment of a temporary COVID-positive mental health ward in response to a local outbreak in Melbourne. METHOD: A case study of service reorientation is presented, examining barriers and enablers to effective care of co-morbid mental illness, addiction and COVID-19. RESULTS: Establishing a skilled multidisciplinary workforce across mental health and infectious disease is the most important consideration in optimising care. Other issues included suitable physical space, security arrangements and inter-disciplinary communication. CONCLUSIONS: The paper holds insights for managing mental health care during potential future infectious disease outbreaks across the country.

How Do Mental Health Nurses Define Success? A Comparative Study of Bed-Based and Community-Based Services.

Nursing is the single largest professional group within both hospital and community mental health care services, however the role of mental health nurses in under-defined. The nursing workforce is also coming under increasing pressure from internal and external requirements, and nurses themselves are on the frontline of providing patient care in what can be a risky and unpredictable workplace environment. This project explored via interview the ways in which mental health nurses experience and reflect on their personal and professional feelings of nursing success. Participants were 19 nurses who were employed in a range of bed-based and community mental health services in inner south eastern Melbourne. This study complies with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). The findings of the project align with existing evidence from the literature. Factors which helped mental health nurses feel successful included: therapeutic success; good teamwork; targeted education; and feedback. Barriers to success included: patients/clients do not engage or recover; poor communication amongst staff; lack of psychological safety in the workplace; and lack of respect from management. Nurses in community settings were more able than nurses in bed-based settings to: make effective use of clinical supervision; make use of targeted training and educational offerings; and practice therapeutically and holistically. Project results offer an opportunity to understand nurses' motivations and reward systems. Better understanding of these issues can improve the way mental health care services manage their workforce planning, maintain staff personal wellbeing, increase staff retention and ultimately improve patient/client care.

Predictors for clinical deterioration of mental state in patients assessed by telephone-based mental health triage.

Patient safety research focussing on recognizing and responding to clinical deterioration is gaining momentum in generalist health, but has received little attention in mental health settings. The focus on early identification and prompt intervention for clinical deterioration enshrined in patient safety research is equally relevant to mental health, especially in triage and crisis care contexts, yet the knowledge gap in this area is substantial. The present study was a controlled cohort study (n = 817) that aimed to identify patient and service characteristics associated with clinical deterioration of mental state indicated by unplanned admission to an inpatient psychiatric unit following assessment by telephone-based mental health triage. The main objective of the research was to produce knowledge to improve understandings of mental deterioration that can be used to inform early detection, intervention, and prevention strategies at the point of triage. The results of the study found that the clinical profile of admitted patients was one of complexity and severity. Admitted patients were more likely to have had complex psychiatric histories with multiple psychiatric admissions, severe psychotic symptoms, a history of treatment non-adherence, and poorer social functioning than non-admitted patients.

Crisis averted: How consumers experienced a police and clinical early response (PACER) unit responding to a mental health crisis.

When mental health crisis situations in the community are poorly handled, it can result in physical and emotional injuries. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the experiences and opinions of consumers about the way police and mental health services worked together, specifically via the Alfred Police and Clinical Early Response (A-PACER) model, to assist people experiencing a mental health crisis. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 mental health consumers who had direct contact with the A-PACER team between June 2013 and March 2015. The study highlighted that people who encountered the A-PACER team generally valued and saw the benefit of a joint police-mental health clinician team response to a mental health crisis situation in the community. In understanding what worked well in how the A-PACER team operated, consumers perspectives can be summarized into five themes: communication and de-escalation, persistence of the A-PACER team, providing a quick response and working well under pressure, handover of information, and A-PACER helped consumers achieve a preferred outcome. All consumers acknowledged the complementary roles of the police officer and mental health clinician, and described the A-PACER team's supportive approach as critical in gaining their trust, engagement and in de-escalating the crises. Further education and training for police officers on how to respond to people with a mental illness, increased provision of follow-up support to promote rehabilitation and prevent future crises, and measures to reduce public scrutiny for the consumer when police responded, were proposed opportunities for improvement.

Perceptions of crisis care in populations who self-referred to a telephone-based mental health triage service.

Although psychiatric crises are very common in people with mental illness, little is known about consumer perceptions of mental health crisis care. Given the current emphasis on recovery-oriented approaches, shared decision-making, and partnering with consumers in planning and delivering care, this knowledge gap is significant. Since the late 1990s, access to Australian mental health services has been facilitated by 24/7 telephone-based mental health triage systems, which provide initial psychiatric assessment, referral, support, and advice. A significant proportion of consumers access telephone-based mental health triage services in a state of crisis, but to date, there has been no published studies that specifically report on consumer perceptions on the quality and effectiveness of the care provided by these services. This article reports on a study that investigated consumer perceptions of accessing telephone-based mental health triage services. Seventy-five mental health consumers participated in a telephone interview about their triage service use experience. An eight-item survey designed to measure the responsiveness of mental health services was used for data collection. The findings reported here focus on the qualitative data produced in the study. Consumer participants shared a range of perspectives on telephone-based mental health triage that provide invaluable insights into the needs, expectations, and service use experiences of consumers seeking assistance with a mental health problem. Consumer perceptions of crisis care have important implications for practice. Approaches and interventions identified as important to quality care can be used to inform educational and practice initiatives that promote person-centred, collaborative crisis care.

Investigating the validity and usability of an interactive computer programme for assessing competence in telephone-based mental health triage.

Telephone-based mental health triage services are frontline health-care providers that operate 24/7 to facilitate access to psychiatric assessment and intervention for people requiring assistance with a mental health problem. The mental health triage clinical role is complex, and the populations triage serves are typically high risk; yet to date, no evidence-based methods have been available to assess clinician competence to practice telephone-based mental health triage. The present study reports the findings of a study that investigated the validity and usability of the Mental Health Triage Competency Assessment Tool, an evidence-based, interactive computer programme designed to assist clinicians in developing and assessing competence to practice telephone-based mental health triage.

Outcomes achieved by and police and clinician perspectives on a joint police officer and mental health clinician mobile response unit.

Despite their limited mental health expertise, police are often first to respond to people experiencing a mental health crisis. Often the person in crisis is then transported to hospital for care, instead of receiving more immediate assessment and treatment in the community. The current study conducted an evaluation of an Australian joint police-mental health mobile response unit that aimed to improve the delivery of a community-based crisis response. Activity data were audited to demonstrate utilization and outcomes for referred people. Police officers and mental health clinicians in the catchment area were also surveyed to measure the unit's perceived impact. During the 6-month pilot, 296 contacts involving the unit occurred. Threatened suicide (33%), welfare concerns (22%) and psychotic episodes (18%) were the most common reasons for referral. The responses comprised direct admission to a psychiatric unit for 11% of contacts, transportation to a hospital emergency department for 32% of contacts, and community management for the remainder (57%). Police officers were highly supportive of the model and reported having observed benefits of the unit for consumers and police and improved collaboration between services. The joint police-mental health clinician unit enabled rapid delivery of a multi-skilled crisis response in the community.

Inpatient views and experiences before and after implementing a totally smoke-free policy in the acute psychiatry hospital setting.

In the present study, we examined the views and experiences of patients admitted to an acute psychiatry unit before and after the implementation of a totally smoke-free policy. Forty-six inpatients completed a questionnaire assessing their views before the smoking ban. Another 52 inpatients completed a questionnaire assessing their views and experiences after the smoking ban. Before the totally smoke-free policy, 69.6% smoked, with 67.7% smoking more when admitted to the psychiatry ward. Before the smoking ban, 54.4% reported that the totally smoke-free policy would be 'negative' or 'very negative,' and 30.5% said it would be 'positive' or 'very positive.' After the totally smoke-free policy, 57.7% smoked heavily before hospital (mean cigarettes/day = 24.9), with consumption dramatically reducing following admission to a totally smoke-free psychiatric unit (mean cigarettes/day = 8.3). After the totally smoke-free policy, 36.5% reported that it was 'negative' or 'very negative,' and 50% reported that it was 'positive' or 'very positive.' Overall, inpatients reported improved acceptance of the policy following implementation. Inpatients stated that the most difficult thing about the smoking ban was experiencing increased negative emotions, while the most positive aspect was the improved physical environment of the ward. Inpatients who smoke must be appropriately supported using a range of strategies, and in the present study, we suggest relevant clinical implications.

Handover of patient information from the crisis assessment and treatment team to the inpatient psychiatric unit.

Handover, or the communication of patient information between clinicians, is a fundamental component of health care. Psychiatric settings are dynamic environments relying on timely and accurate communication to plan care and manage risk. Crisis assessment and treatment teams are the primary interface between community and mental health services in many Australian and international health services, facilitating access to assessment, treatment, and admission to hospital. No previous research has investigated the handover between crisis assessment and treatment teams and inpatient psychiatric units, despite the importance of handover to care planning. The aim of the present study was to identify the nature and types of information transferred during these handovers, and to explore how these guides initial care planning. An observational, exploratory study design was used. A 20-item handover observation tool was used to observe 19 occasions of handover. A prospective audit was undertaken on clinical documentation arising from the admission. Clinical information, including psychiatric history and mental state, were handed over consistently; however, information about consumer preferences was reported less consistently. The present study identified a lack of attention to consumer preferences at handover, despite the current focus on recovery-oriented models for mental health care, and the centrality of respecting consumer preferences within the recovery paradigm.

Establishing female-only areas in psychiatry wards to improve safety and quality of care for women.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to assess the impact of creating a female-only area within a mixed-gender inpatient psychiatry service, on female patient safety and experience of care. METHOD: The Alfred hospital reconfigured one of its two psychiatry wards to include a female-only area. Documented incidents compromising the safety of women on each ward in the 6 months following the refurbishment were compared. Further, a questionnaire assessing perceived safety and experience of care was administered to female inpatients on both wards, and staff feedback was also obtained. RESULTS: The occurrence of documented incidents compromising females' safety was found to be significantly lower on the ward containing a female-only area. Women staying on this ward rated their perceived safety and experience of care significantly more positively than women staying where no such gender segregation was available. Further, the female-only area was identified by the majority of surveyed staff to provide a safer environment for female patients. CONCLUSIONS: Establishing female-only areas in psychiatry wards is an effective way to improve the safety and experience of care for female patients.

Demonstrating the impact and model of care of a Statewide psychiatric intensive care service.

OBJECTIVE: To characterise patients and their outcomes following referral to a Statewide psychiatric intensive care service. METHOD: This study conducted a medical audit for patients referred to the Statewide service during the first four years of operation (2007-2011). Demographics and the presence of alcohol and other drug and forensic comorbidities were documented along with the treatment received prior to and during admission. RESULTS: In the first four years of operation, 58 referrals were received, 41 resulting in admission and seven in secondary consultation delivered to the referring inpatient psychiatry service. Admitted patients were most commonly experiencing a psychotic illness, had high levels of substance comorbidities and antisocial personality traits, required lengthy admissions (mean days = 41.5), and were in most cases successfully discharged back to the referring inpatient psychiatry service or the community. Significant reductions in clinician-rated difficulties measured via the Health of the Nations Outcome Scale were found at discharge, and despite the significant presenting aggression risk, few attempted or actual assaults occurred. CONCLUSION: Improved outcomes were achieved with patients deemed unsafe for psychiatric care in high dependency units in other Victorian acute mental health services through management by an acute service that has developed special expertise in this area.

Mental health telephone triage: managing psychiatric crisis and emergency.

PURPOSE: The study aims to identify and articulate how mental health telephone triage (MHTT) clinicians manage psychiatric crisis and emergency via the telephone. DESIGN AND METHODS: An observational design was employed in the study. Wireless headsets were used to observe 197 occasions of MHTT. FINDINGS: Clinicians use a range of practical strategies, therapeutic skills, and psychosocial interventions to manage psychiatric crises and emergencies via the telephone. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The evidence base for managing psychiatric crisis/emergency in MHTT is minimal. These findings contribute to the MHTT knowledge base and provide evidence-based strategies for high-quality emergency mental health care.

Identifying the core competencies of mental health telephone triage.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to identify the core competencies of mental health telephone triage, including key role tasks, skills, knowledge and responsibilities, in which clinicians are required to be competent to perform safe and effective triage. BACKGROUND: Recent global trends indicate an increased reliance on telephone-based health services to facilitate access to health care across large populations. The trend towards telephone-based health services has also extended to mental health settings, evidenced by the growing number of mental health telephone triage services providing 24-hour access to specialist mental health assessment and treatment. Mental health telephone triage services are critical to the early identification of mental health problems and the provision of timely, appropriate interventions. In spite of the rapid growth in mental health telephone triage and the important role these services play in the assessment and management of mental illness and related risks, there has been very little research investigating this area of practice. DESIGN: An observational design was employed to address the research aims. METHODS: Structured observations (using dual wireless headphones) were undertaken on 197 occasions of mental health telephone triage over a three-month period from January to March 2011. RESULTS: The research identified seven core areas of mental health telephone triage practice in which clinicians are required to be competent in to perform effective mental health telephone triage, including opening the call; performing mental status examination; risk assessment; planning and action; termination of call; referral and reporting; and documentation. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this research contribute to the evidence base for mental health telephone triage by articulating the core competencies for practice. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The mental health telephone triage competencies identified in this research may be used to define an evidence-based framework for mental health telephone triage practice that aims to improve the quality, consistency and accuracy of telephone-based mental health triage assessment.