The transition towards community-based mental health care in the European Union: Current realities and prospects.

The shift of mental health care from mental institutions to community-based services has been implemented differentially throughout the EU. However, because a comprehensive overview of the current mental health provision in member states is lacking, it is challenging to compare services across nations. This study investigates the extent of implementation of community-based mental health services within the EU using data collected from the WHO Mental Health Atlas. Results show that, although great cross-country variation exists in the implementation of community-based services, mental hospitals remain the prominent model of care in most countries. A few countries endorsed a balanced care model, with the co-occurrence of community services and mental hospitals. However, missing data, low quality of data and different service definitions hamper the possibility of a thorough analysis of the status on deinstitutionalization. Although policies on the closing and downsizing of mental institutions have been endorsed by the EU, the strong presence of mental hospitals slows down the shift towards community-based mental health care. This study highlights the need for an international consensus on definitions and a harmonization of indicators on mental health services. Together with the commitment of member states to improve the quality of data reporting, leadership must emerge to ensure quality monitoring of mental health-related data, which will help advance research, policies and practices.

Clinical Outcomes Following Acute Residential Psychiatric Treatment in Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents.

Importance: Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals, who have a gender identity that differs from their sex assigned at birth, are at increased risk of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, self-injurious behavior, and suicidality, relative to cisgender peers. Objective: To examine mental health outcomes among TGD vs cisgender adolescents in residential treatment. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study's longitudinal design was used to compare groups at treatment entry and discharge, and 1-month postdischarge follow-up. The setting was an adolescent acute residential treatment program for psychiatric disorders. Participants were TGD or cisgender adolescents enrolled in the treatment program. Statistical analysis was performed October 2019 to March 2021. Exposure: Adolescents participated in a 2-week acute residential treatment program for psychiatric disorders. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcomes were depressive (the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale [CES-D]) and anxiety (the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children [MASC]) symptoms, and emotional dysregulation (the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale [DERS]), measured at treatment entry and discharge, and postdischarge follow-up. Age of depression onset, suicidality, self-injury, and childhood trauma also were assessed at treatment entry. Results: Of 200 adolescent participants who completed treatment entry and discharge assessments, the mean (SD) age was 16.2 (1.5) years; 109 reported being assigned female at birth (54.5%), 35 were TGD (17.5%), and 66 (49.3%) completed 1-month follow-up. TGD participants had an earlier mean (SD) age of depression onset (TGD: 10.8 [2.4] years vs cisgender: 11.9 [2.3] years; difference: 1.07 years; 95% CI, 0.14-2.01 years; P = .02), higher mean (SD) suicidality scores (TGD: 44.4 [23.1] vs cisgender: 28.5 [25.4]; difference: 16.0; 95% CI, 6.4-25.5; P = .001), more self-injurious behavior (mean [SD] RBQ-A score for TGD: 3.1 [2.5] vs cisgender: 1.7 [1.9]; difference: 1.42; 95% CI, 0.69-2.21; P = .001) and more childhood trauma (eg, mean [SD] CTQ-SF score for emotional abuse in TGD: 12.7 [5.4] vs cisgender: 9.8 [4.7]; difference: 2.85; 95% CI, 1.06-4.64; P = .002). The TGD group also had higher symptom scores (CES-D mean difference: 7.69; 95% CI, 3.30 to 12.08; P < .001; MASC mean difference: 7.56; 95% CI, 0.46 to 14.66; P = .04; and DERS mean difference: 18.43; 95% CI, 8.39 to 28.47; P < .001). Symptom scores were significantly higher at entry vs discharge (CES-D mean difference, -12.16; 95% CI, -14.50 to -9.80; P < .001; MASC mean difference: -3.79; 95% CI, -6.16 to -1.42; P = .02; and DERS mean difference: -6.37; 95% CI, -10.80 to -1.94; P = .05) and follow-up (CES-D mean difference: -9.69; 95% CI, -13.0 to -6.42; P < .001; MASC mean difference: -6.92; 95% CI, -10.25 to -3.59; P < .001; and DERS mean difference: -12.47; 95% CI, -18.68 to -6.26; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: This cohort study found mental health disparities in TGD youth relative to cisgender youth, with worse scores observed across assessment time points. For all participants, primary clinical outcome measures were significantly lower at treatment discharge than at entry, with no significant differences between discharge and 1-month follow-up. Given the substantial degree of mental health disparities reported in TGD individuals, these findings warrant focused clinical attention to optimize treatment outcomes in gender minority populations.

Modelos de gestão em enfermagem na saúde mental: scopping review / Modelos de gestión de enfermería en salud mental: scoping review / Mental health nursing management models: a scoping review

RESUMO Objetivo: este estudo tem como objetivo mapear as evidências científicas disponíveis sobre modelos de gestão de Enfermagem na saúde mental. Método: Scoping Review realizada nas bases de dados MEDLINE via PubMed e CINAHL via EBSCO, no Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), na Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações (BDTD) e na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). Resultados: a amostra final foi de oito estudos e a partir da análise destes construiu-se uma síntese qualitativa dando origem a duas categorias: modelos de gestão aproximados de teorias administrativas tradicionais, normativas e prescritivas; e modelos de gestão aproximados de estilos gerenciais inovadores, participativos e centrados nas pessoas. Conclusão: os modelos identificados se aproximaram de uma gestão voltada para teorias administrativas tradicionais e autocráticas, que privilegiam atividades administrativas e burocráticas, assim como uma liderança autoritária. Constatou-se, no entanto, que as transformações impulsionadas pela Reforma Psiquiátrica no Brasil e no mundo e o redirecionamento do cuidado em saúde mental, com políticas de humanização e valorização do usuário, aceleraram a transição desses modelos para uma gestão mais participativa, com foco no cuidado.

RESUMEN Objetivo: este estudio tiene como objetivo mapear la evidencia científica disponible sobre modelos de gestión de enfermería en salud mental. Método: Scoping Review realizada en bases de datos MEDLINE vía PubMed y CINAHL vía EBSCO, en el Catálogo de Tesis y Disertaciones de la Coordinación para el Perfeccionamiento del Personal de Educación Superior (CAPES), en la Biblioteca Digital Brasileña de Tesis y Disertaciones (BDTD) y en el Biblioteca Virtual de Salud (BVS). Resultados: la muestra final constó de ocho estudios y, a partir de su análisis, se construyó una síntesis cualitativa, dando lugar a dos categorías: modelos de gestión aproximados a las teorías administrativas tradicionales, normativos y prescriptivos; y modelos de gestión aproximados a estilos de gestión innovadores, participativos y centrados en las personas. Conclusión: los modelos identificados se aproximaron de una gestión centrada en las teorías administrativas tradicionales y autocráticas, que privilegian las actividades administrativas y burocráticas, así como un liderazgo autoritario. Sin embargo, se encontró que las transformaciones impulsadas por la Reforma Psiquiátrica en Brasil y en el mundo y la reorientación de la atención en salud mental, con políticas de humanización y mejora del usuario, aceleraron la transición de estos modelos hacia una gestión más participativa, con enfoque en cuidado.

ABSTRACT Objective: the objective of this study was to map the scientific evidence available about Mental Health Nursing management models. Method: a Scoping Review conducted in the MEDLINE and CINHAL databases via PubMed and EBSCO, respectively, in the Theses and Dissertations Catalog of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Level Personnel (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, CAPES), in the Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações, BDTD) and in the Virtual Library in Health (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, BVS). Results: the final sample consisted of eight studies and, based on the analysis, a qualitative synthesis was prepared, giving rise to two categories: management models approaching traditional, normative and prescriptive administrative theories; and management models approaching innovative, participatory and people-centered management styles. Conclusion: the models identified were approached from a management aimed at traditional and autocratic administrative theories, which privilege administrative and bureaucratic activities, as well as an authoritarian leadership. However, it was found that the transformations driven by the Psychiatric Reform in Brazil and in the world and the retargeting of mental health care, with humanization and user appreciation policies, accelerated the transition of these models to a more participatory management, with a focus on care.

Prevalence of burnout among nurses working at a psychiatric hospital in the Western Cape.

BACKGROUND: Nurses are exposed to stress when working in the mental health care environment. This may be because of nurses being frontline health care providers. They develop close interpersonal relationships with mental health care users (MHCUs), which is inherent in the type of care that is provided. Mental health nursing may therefore be demanding and stressful, which could render mental health nurses susceptible to burnout. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of burnout among nurses working at a selected psychiatric hospital in the Western Cape. METHODS: A quantitative, descriptive, survey design, by using simple random sampling was used to select 198 nurses employed at a psychiatric hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa. Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey measuring emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and personal accomplishment was used to collect the data. Domain scores were calculated, and the influence of the demographic variables on the domains was tested with independent samples Kruskal-Wallis tests and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: The study had a 100% response rate. Most of the respondents experienced low emotional exhaustion, low depersonalisation and high personal accomplishment. Enrolled nursing assistants reported significantly higher emotional exhaustion than did the advanced psychiatric nurses and professional registered nurses. Respondents with more than 5 years of experience scored significantly higher in depersonalisation. No respondents met the criteria for burnout on all three domains. CONCLUSION: Maintaining a safe working environment with adequate nursing staff is recommended. Strategies to prevent burnout in the future include the provision of resources and the promotion of open communication between staff and management.

Beyond the asylum and before the 'care in the community' model: exploring an overlooked early NHS mental health facility.

This article discusses the Admission and Treatment Unit at Fair Mile Hospital, in Cholsey, near Wallingford, Berkshire (now Oxfordshire). This was the first new hospital to be completed in England following the launch of the National Health Service. The building was designed by Powell and Moya, one of the most important post-war English architectural practices, and was completed in 1956, but demolished in 2003. The article relates the commission of the building to landmark policy changes and argues for its historic significance in the context of the NHS and of the evolution of mental health care models and policies. It also argues for the need for further study of those early NHS facilities in view of current developments in mental health provision.

Optimization strategies for the organization of mental healthcare.

AIM: The aim of this paper is to analyse the main issues and obstacles to optimizing the organization of mental healthcare and the strategies that should be applied by presenting the examples from practice. RESULTS: Outcomes of mental healthcare are in relation with 'improved legislation' and the introduction of up-to-date management and economic concepts including continuous treatment model, in addition to the advantages and disadvantages in the provision of mental healthcare within primary and secondary inpatient and outpatient healthcare. Some of these lessons are learned from reforms implemented in Serbia.

[Responsiveness and sustainability of psychiatric care in France during COVID-19 epidemic]. / Réactivité et pérennité des soins psychiatriques en France à l'épreuve du COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: The sudden changes of healthcare system due to COVID-19 particularly affect the organization of psychiatry. The objective of this review is to examine the adaptations of psychiatric care in France during this pandemic. METHOD: This narrative review is based on the observation of changes made in French psychiatric hospitals and on an analysis of the literature. RESULTS: Regarding psychiatric hospitalization, the COVID-19 epidemic required rapid measures that profoundly modified the conditions of patients' reception, forcing the medical staffs to adapt their methods of care. The authors noted the creation of at least 89 wards specifically dedicated to patients with COVID-19 needing psychiatric hospitalization, allowing dual care of general medicine and psychiatry. Regarding ambulatory care, maintaining patients with long-term follow-up was a priority. Patients recalling and teleconsultation have been precious resources but cannot entirely replace face-to-face consultations. DISCUSSION: COVID-19 epidemic created unprecedented situation of large-scale upheavals in the healthcare system and in society. Despite the absence of previous recommendations on the subject, French psychiatry has shown great adaptability. Some changes could inspire post-COVID-19 care.

Exercise of human rights of institutionalized persons: perception of psychiatric hospital professionals.

OBJECTIVE: to comprehend the existing possibilities for the exercise of human rights by persons with mental disorders who are institutionalized in a psychiatric hospital, from the perception of professionals. METHOD: this is a qualitative descriptive-exploratory study conducted at a Psychiatric Hospital in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. For data obtention, eleven professionals responded to a semistructured questionnaire. The traditional content analysis proposed by Bardin based the data analysis. RESULTS: the professionals know the human rights and try to preserve them in the hospital scope, although they recognize that the persons hospitalized are not entirely respected due to the lack of public policies or their non-suitability to the Brazilian reality. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the structuring of extra-hospital services is necessary, as well as the comprehension of the professionals that act in psychiatric hospitals about the objectives and the functioning of such devices to assure opportunities of exercising rights by institutionalized persons.

A lack of therapeutic engagement and consumer input in acute inpatient care planning limits fully accountable mental health nursing practice.

It is mental health consumer's human right to lead a fulfilling life as they are empowered to actively manage their recovery. This can be facilitated through care planning, yet research suggests that the care plan is not routinely created, discussed, or updated in acute mental health settings. Research on care planning and the role of the mental health nurse highlights the importance of therapeutic communication in care plan development. This paper argues that the lack of meaningful care plan discussions between consumers and mental health nurses in an acute setting is a limitation to the practice of fully accountable mental health nursing care. We explore this limitation in quality care provision by examining literature on accountability and conclude that in mental health nursing, accountability is frequently enacted through an overarching focus on the organizational need to manage risks, rather than on therapeutic engagement.

Caregiver burden and stress in psychiatric hospital admission / A sobrecarga do cuidador e o estresse na admissão de um hospital psiquiátrico / La sobrecarga del cuidador y el estrés en la admisión de un hospital psiquiátrico

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the relation between sociodemographics factors, stress and burden of care of family caregivers of patients at a psychiatric hospital admission. Method: quantitative study, with a cross-sectional correlation design. A total of 112 family caregivers participated, older than 18, in a Brazilian psychiatric hospital. A sociodemographic questionnaire was used to collect data, the Zarit Burden Interview and LIPP Adult Stress Symptom Inventory. Results: burden of care in family caregivers at a psychiatric hospital admission was significantly associated with stress (p=0.000). The psychological symptoms of stress predicted severe burden. Most caregivers presented a moderate or severe burden, with 52.7% in the resistance phase of stress; 66.1% presented psychological symptoms. Conclusion: results show the alarming situation of caregivers of patients from a psychiatric hospital, evidencing their own vulnerability to illness. Indeed, the during admission in a psychiatric hospital, not only patients need care, but also their caregivers.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a relação entre fatores sociodemográficos, estresse e sobrecarga de cuidado de cuidadores familiares na internação de pacientes em um hospital psiquiátrico. Método: estudo quantitativo, com desenho de correlação transversal. Um total de 112 cuidadores familiares participaram do estudo, maiores de 18 anos, em um hospital psiquiátrico brasileiro. Um questionário sociodemográfico, o Zarit Burden Interview e o LIPP Adult Stress Symptom Inventory foram usados para a coleta de dados. Resultados: a carga de cuidado dos familiares cuidadores em internação no hospital psiquiátrico foi significativamente associada ao estresse (p=0,000). Os sintomas psicológicos do estresse previam uma sobrecarega. A maioria dos cuidadores apresentava sobrecarga moderada ou grave, com 52,7% na fase de resistência ao estresse, e 66,1% apresentavam sintomas psicológicos. Conclusión: os resultados mostram a situação alarmante dos cuidadores de pacientes na admissão ao hospital psiquiátrico, evidenciando sua própria vulnerabilidade à doença. De fato, a internação em um hospital psiquiátrico não requer cuidados apenas para o paciente, mas também para os cuidadores familiares.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar la relación entre los factores sociodemográficos, el estrés y la carga de atención de los cuidadores familiares en el ingreso de pacientes en un hospital psiquiátrico. Método: estudio cuantitativo, con diseño de correlación transversal. Participaron 112 cuidadores familiares, mayores de 18 años, en un hospital psiquiátrico brasileño. Para la recolección de datos se utilizó un cuestionario sociodemográfico, el Zarit Burden Interview y el LIPP Adult Stress Symptom Inventory. Resultados: la carga de atención de los cuidadores familiares en el ingreso al hospital psiquiátrico se asoció significativamente con el estrés (p=0,000). Los síntomas psicológicos del estrés predijeron una carga severa. La gran parte de los cuidadores presentaron una carga moderada o grave, con un 52,7% en la fase de resistencia del estrés, y el 66,1% presentó síntomas psicológicos. Conclusión: los resultados muestran la situación alarmante de los cuidadores de pacientes en el ingreso al hospital psiquiátrico, evidenciando su propia vulnerabilidad a la enfermedad. De hecho, el ingreso al hospital psiquiátrico no requiere cuidado solamente al paciente, sino también a los cuidadores familiares.

Caregiver burden and stress in psychiatric hospital admission.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the relation between sociodemographics factors, stress and burden of care of family caregivers of patients at a psychiatric hospital admission. METHOD: quantitative study, with a cross-sectional correlation design. A total of 112 family caregivers participated, older than 18, in a Brazilian psychiatric hospital. A sociodemographic questionnaire was used to collect data, the Zarit Burden Interview and LIPP Adult Stress Symptom Inventory. RESULTS: burden of care in family caregivers at a psychiatric hospital admission was significantly associated with stress (p=0.000). The psychological symptoms of stress predicted severe burden. Most caregivers presented a moderate or severe burden, with 52.7% in the resistance phase of stress; 66.1% presented psychological symptoms. CONCLUSION: results show the alarming situation of caregivers of patients from a psychiatric hospital, evidencing their own vulnerability to illness. Indeed, the during admission in a psychiatric hospital, not only patients need care, but also their caregivers.

[Implementation, initial results, and sustainability of the mental health services reform in Peru, 2013-2018]. / Implementación, resultados iniciales y sostenibilidad de la reforma de servicios de salud mental en el Perú, 2013-2018.

This paper analyzes the implementation, initial results, and sustainability of innovations in the provision, financing, and management of mental health services in Peru, carried out during 2013-2018. By applying new financing mechanisms and public management strategies, 104 Community Mental Health Centers and eight Protected Homes were implemented, which prove to be more efficient than psychiatric hospitals. The set of 29 centers created between 2015 and 2017 produced in 2018 an equivalent number in consultations (244,000 vs. 246,000) and patients attended (46,000 vs. 48,000) than the set of three psychiatric hospitals, but with 11% of financing and 43% of psychiatrists. The way mental health care is being provided is changing in Peru by involving citizens and communities in ongoing care and creating better conditions for the exercise of mental health rights. Community mental health reform has gained broad support from political, international, and academic sectors, and from the media. We conclude that the reform of community-based mental health services in Peru is viable and sustainable. It is in a position to scale up the entire health sector throughout the country, subject to the commitment of the authorities, the progressive increase in public financing, and national and international collaborative strategies.

Se analiza la implementación, resultados iniciales y sostenibilidad de innovaciones en la prestación, financiamiento y gestión de servicios de salud mental en el Perú, realizadas en el periodo 2013-2018. Aplicando nuevos mecanismos de financiamiento y estrategias de gestión pública se implementaron 104 Centros de Salud Mental Comunitarios y ocho Hogares Protegidos que muestran ser más eficientes que los hospitales psiquiátricos. El conjunto de los 29 centros creados entre 2015 y 2017, produjeron en el 2018 un número equivalente en atenciones (244 mil vs. 246 mil) y atendidos (46 mil vs. 48 mil) que el conjunto de los tres hospitales psiquiátricos, pero con el 11% de financiamiento y el 43% de psiquiatras. Se está cambiando la forma de atender la salud mental en el Perú involucrando a ciudadanos y comunidades en el cuidado continuo y creando mejores condiciones para el ejercicio de los derechos en salud mental. La reforma en salud mental comunitaria ha ganado amplio respaldo de sectores políticos, internacionales, académicos y medios de comunicación. Se concluye que la reforma de los servicios de salud mental de base comunitaria en el Perú es viable y sostenible. Está en condiciones para escalar a todo el sector salud en todo el territorio nacional, sujeto al compromiso de las autoridades, el incremento progresivo de financiamiento público y las estrategias colaborativas nacionales e internacionales.

Implementación, resultados iniciales y sostenibilidad de la reforma de servicios de salud mental en el Perú, 2013-2018 / Implementation, initial results, and sustainability of the mental health services reform in Peru, 2013-2018

RESUMEN Se analiza la implementación, resultados iniciales y sostenibilidad de innovaciones en la prestación, financiamiento y gestión de servicios de salud mental en el Perú, realizadas en el periodo 2013-2018. Aplicando nuevos mecanismos de financiamiento y estrategias de gestión pública se implementaron 104 Centros de Salud Mental Comunitarios y ocho Hogares Protegidos que muestran ser más eficientes que los hospitales psiquiátricos. El conjunto de los 29 centros creados entre 2015 y 2017, produjeron en el 2018 un número equivalente en atenciones (244 mil vs. 246 mil) y atendidos (46 mil vs. 48 mil) que el conjunto de los tres hospitales psiquiátricos, pero con el 11% de financiamiento y el 43% de psiquiatras. Se está cambiando la forma de atender la salud mental en el Perú involucrando a ciudadanos y comunidades en el cuidado continuo y creando mejores condiciones para el ejercicio de los derechos en salud mental. La reforma en salud mental comunitaria ha ganado amplio respaldo de sectores políticos, internacionales, académicos y medios de comunicación. Se concluye que la reforma de los servicios de salud mental de base comunitaria en el Perú es viable y sostenible. Está en condiciones para escalar a todo el sector salud en todo el territorio nacional, sujeto al compromiso de las autoridades, el incremento progresivo de financiamiento público y las estrategias colaborativas nacionales e internacionales.

ABSTRACT This paper analyzes the implementation, initial results, and sustainability of innovations in the provision, financing, and management of mental health services in Peru, carried out during 2013-2018. By applying new financing mechanisms and public management strategies, 104 Community Mental Health Centers and eight Protected Homes were implemented, which prove to be more efficient than psychiatric hospitals. The set of 29 centers created between 2015 and 2017 produced in 2018 an equivalent number in consultations (244,000 vs. 246,000) and patients attended (46,000 vs. 48,000) than the set of three psychiatric hospitals, but with 11% of financing and 43% of psychiatrists. The way mental health care is being provided is changing in Peru by involving citizens and communities in ongoing care and creating better conditions for the exercise of mental health rights. Community mental health reform has gained broad support from political, international, and academic sectors, and from the media. We conclude that the reform of community-based mental health services in Peru is viable and sustainable. It is in a position to scale up the entire health sector throughout the country, subject to the commitment of the authorities, the progressive increase in public financing, and national and international collaborative strategies.

The Kirkbride buildings in contemporary culture (1850-2015): from 'moral management' to horror films.

The so-called 'Kirkbride Plan' is a type of mental institution designed by the American psychiatrist Thomas Story Kirkbride. The Kirkbride-design asylums were built from 1848 to the end of the nineteenth century. Their structural characteristics were subordinated to a certain approach to moral management: exposure to natural light, beautiful views and good air circulation. These hospitals used several architectural styles, but they all had a similar general plan. The popularity of the model decreased for theoretical and economic reasons, so many were demolished or reused, but at least 25 of the original buildings became protected places. Over the years, surrounded by a legendary aura, these buildings have become a leitmotif of contemporary popular culture: 'the asylum of terror'.

Deinstitutionalization of mental hospitals and rates of psychiatric disability: An international study.

This study tests several hypotheses regarding the impact of deinstitutionalization of inpatient care on levels of psychiatric disability. It employs a secondary analysis of existing datasets from the World Health Organization's mental health program, the Global Burden of Disease study, as well as supplemental datasets on the national environments examined. The primary model accounts for 87.1% of the variation in global disability levels, but only a quarter or 28.3% of the recent changes in these levels between 1990 and 2015. One of the most important predictors of declines in mental disability is the proportion of a nation's health budget that is invested in mental health services.

[Structural features and regional characteristics of psychiatric hospitals in Germany]. / Strukturmerkmale und regionale Besonderheiten psychiatrischer Krankenhäuser in Deutschland.

BACKGROUND: The German Law for the Development of Care and Funding for Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Services (PsychVVG) has established a new regulation for the mental healthcare system. In the future, characteristics of hospitals and catchment areas will be an elementary part of negotiations on remuneration. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify structural and regional characteristics of psychiatric hospitals in Germany that contribute to increased average costs according to the views of clinical managers and directors. METHODS: In this study 37 guided expert interviews were conducted with business managers, financial controllers, leading medical and nursing personnel from psychiatric hospitals and the characteristics relevant for the budget and increased average costs were collated. RESULTS: Important factors with top priority were hospital infrastructure, characteristics of the catchment area and specialties of inpatient services provided. Obligatory service for a defined catchment area, increased documentation requirements and infrastructure of buildings and grounds were estimated as being associated with the highest additional financial expenditure. CONCLUSION: It is a challenge for clinics to prove increased average costs due to the respective hospital structural and regional characteristics. This study shows which characteristics should be considered as most cost-relevant from the perspective of hospital management.

What drives changes in institutionalised mental health care? A qualitative study of the perspectives of professional experts.

BACKGROUND: Since 1990, the provision of mental healthcare has changed substantially across Western Europe. There are fewer psychiatric hospital beds and more places in forensic psychiatric hospitals and residential facilities. However, little research has investigated the drivers behind these changes. This study explored qualitatively the perspectives of mental health professional experts on what has driven the changes in Western Europe. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with twenty-four mental health experts in England, Germany and Italy, who as professionals had personal experiences of the changes in their country. Interviewees were asked about drivers of changes in institutionalised mental health care from 1990 to 2010. The accounts were subjected to a thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four broad themes were revealed: the overall philosophy of de-institutionalisation, with the aim to overcome old-fashioned asylum style care; finances, with a pressure to limit expenditure and an interest of provider organisations to increase income; limitations of community mental health care in which most severely ill patients may be neglected; and emphasis on risk containment so that patients posing a risk may be cared for in institutions. Whilst all themes were mentioned in all three countries, there were also differences in emphasis and detail. CONCLUSIONS: Distinct factors appear to have influenced changes in mental health care. Their precise influence may vary from country to country, and they have to be considered in the context of each country. The drivers may be influenced by professional groups to some extent, but also depend on the overall interest and attitudes in the society at large.

Inception of a Peer-Run Wellness Center at a State Psychiatric Hospital.

Peer-run wellness centers provide safe places in the community for individuals with psychiatric disorders to develop personal and community supports, feel needed, and be accepted and grow. Until now, these centers have existed only in the community, not in the state hospital setting. The current article chronicles the development of what the authors believe is the first peer-run wellness center on the grounds of a state psychiatric hospital. After 8 years of operation, the center has served hundreds of visitors. In that time, centers have opened in the state's other state hospitals and contributed to peer presence in the hospitals' units and treatment malls. The benefits of peer-run wellness centers are important in the hospital setting as well as the community. Despite institutional barriers, the center was able to address the needs of hospitalized individuals while informing a more recovery-oriented inpatient culture. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56(12), 31-35.].