Environments that promote recovery in acute care mental health: nursing perspectives explored through interpretative description.

BACKGROUND: A significant change in mental health care has involved the need to implement recovery-oriented practices and services. However, recovery-oriented care has been poorly defined within acute care mental health settings. OBJECTIVES: The central aims of the study were to increase knowledge about what constitutes a recovery-oriented environment within contemporary acute care units and to inform recovery-oriented nursing practice. METHODS: Interpretative description was applied to answer the question: What strategies and resources do nurses identify as being most conducive to fostering a recovery-oriented environment in acute care mental health units? Purposive sampling was used to recruit 11 nurses from 6 acute care units. The inclusion criteria included a minimum of 1-year patients and holding active nursing registration. Nursing experience in community-based or chronic care settings and with children and adolescents were exclusion criteria. Six nurses also participated in a focus group. RESULTS: Key aspects of a recovery-oriented acute care environment included understanding the needs of individual patients along with the dynamics of the healthcare team. Nurses had important roles in promoting recovery-oriented environments and reported a need for increased resources to move beyond the bio-medical model and align practice with personal recovery. CONCLUSION: A recovery-oriented environment was described as a safe, peaceful and holistic environment with adequate space to balance needs for privacy, interaction and activity. This environment is fostered through respectful communication and healthy relationships among team members, patients, family and formal supports. These nurses had the knowledge, skill and desire to promote recovery-oriented environments, yet resources such as leisure activities and group therapy were required to promote personal recovery.

Psychedelics in Psychiatry, the Nursing Influence, and the Future of Psychedelic Therapies.

OBJECTIVE: Psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapies (PATs) are on the cusp of becoming medicalized treatment modalities within the United States, both as potential U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment and therapeutic options outside the medical model, through decriminalization efforts within individual states. Bringing with it a paradigm shift in the delivery of health care for both physical and mental health treatment. A workforce of highly trained facilitators will be needed to meet the anticipated demand for this type of treatment and nurses can play a key role in meeting this demand. This article serves to introduce psychedelic-assisted therapies to psychiatric-mental health nurses as we start to see this new field emerge. METHOD: Review of published literature and other media. RESULTS: Results based on historical data, modern applications, and future considerations. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses have been involved with psychedelic-assisted therapies in the past and are fully capable of providing a wide range of roles upon the anticipated approval as a treatment modality.

Quitline nurses' experiences in providing telephone-based smoking cessation help to mental health patients: A mixed methods study.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Quitlines are known to be effective in helping people quit smoking, including those with mental health conditions. It is particularly important to address smoking in this population as the prevalence of smoking ranges from 40% to 75%. However, professionals working in quitlines often face barriers due to their limited training and resources to effectively support these smokers quit, especially if they are not mental health professionals. Therefore, training programmes should be developed to enhance their knowledge and skills in providing smoking cessation support to this vulnerable population. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The '061 QUIT-MENTAL study' evaluated the efficacy of a proactive telephone-based intervention for smoking cessation among smokers with severe mental health disorders. Conducted through a quitline service in Catalonia, Spain, the study focused on training non-mental health specialized nurses and other health professionals to provide evidence-based interventions for promoting smoking cessation among individuals with mental health disorders. The objective of this study is to assess the changes in nurses' knowledge and readiness to treat smokers with mental health conditions, while also capturing their insights and perceptions regarding the facilitators and barriers to providing smoking cessation interventions. The training and insights of the nurses were integral to conducting this research and providing valuable information for the future sustainability of such interventions. This is particularly important as quitlines hold the potential to offer cessation support to these patients at the community level. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: While the training programme was successful in improving non-mental health specialized nurses' knowledge and motivation skills to help patients with mental health disorders quit smoking, they encountered obstacles in delivering this intervention over the phone. These difficulties were mainly due to challenges in reaching participants and delivering the intervention as detailed in the protocol. The study highlights the need of reducing barriers for providers in attending to these patients, particularly if they are non-mental health specialized professionals. By minimizing the stigmatization associated with caring for mentally ill individuals and promoting coordination with specialists, innovative approaches may be introduced to alleviate the burden of tobacco-related diseases among this population. ABSTRACT: Introduction The viewpoint of those who implement a programme for the first time is crucial for understanding its impact and ensuring its long-term viability. The 061 QUIT-MENTAL study was a pragmatic randomized controlled trial evaluating a proactive telephone-based intervention addressed to mental health patients conducted by non-psychiatric specialized nurses. Aim We assessed nurses' knowledge of smoking cessation interventions addressed to this population before and after receiving training and their insights after delivering the intervention. Method Mixed methods study: (1) Pre-post evaluation to assess self-reported knowledge, self-efficacy and opinions about smoking cessation. (2) In-depth interviews with key nurses to ascertain their perceptions regarding the impact of the training received in delivering the study intervention. Results The training enhanced nurses' knowledge of psychological and pharmacological resources to aid these patients, as well as their ability to increase their motivation to quit. However, nurses reported difficulties in delivering population-based interventions to individuals with mental health disorders. These challenges primarily arose from participants being hard to reach, exhibiting low motivation to quit, struggling to comprehend instructions or follow recommendations, and nurses feeling unsure about their capacity to assist individuals with mental illnesses in quitting, despite the training they received. Discussion Despite the training and protocol designed to facilitate the delivery of the intervention, nurses faced difficulties in providing population-based interventions to individuals with mental health disorders. Implications for Practice Future quitline programmes aimed at the population with mental health disorders should strive to reduce barriers for providers in attending to these patients, particularly if they are non-mental health specialized professionals. By minimizing the stigmatization associated with caring for mentally ill individuals and promoting coordination with specialists, innovative approaches may be introduced to alleviate the burden of tobacco-related diseases among this population.

Percepções da equipe de enfermagem sobre cuidados de crianças e adolescentes internados com transtornos mentais / Percepciones del equipo de enfermería sobre la atención a niños y adolescentes hospitalizados con trastornos mentales / Nursing team's perceptions on care for children and adolescents hospitalized with mental disorders

Resumo Objetivo conhecer as percepções da equipe de enfermagem ante o cuidado de crianças e adolescentes com transtornos mentais internados. Método estudo qualitativo fenomenológico social cuja coleta de dados foi realizada com 12 membros das equipes de enfermagem por meio de entrevista fenomenológica. Resultados "Motivos porque" descritos em duas categorias: a percepção da equipe de enfermagem em face dos cuidados prestados e ações e cuidados da equipe de enfermagem da criança com transtornos mentais. "Motivos para" expressos na categoria: a recuperação da criança com transtorno mental e o seu retorno para casa. Conclusões e Implicações para a prática a possibilidade do estabelecimento da relação face a face entre equipe, família e criança como forma de apreender a situação biográfica e o acervo de conhecimento dos sujeitos envolvidos e, então, entender as suas reais necessidades e demandas promovem um cuidado integral. Através da fenomenologia social de Alfred Schutz, traz-se como implicação para a prática a possibilidade de compreender a percepção da equipe de enfermagem sobre a relevância da relação face a face no cuidado de crianças e adolescentes com transtornos mentais.

Resumen Objetivo conocer las percepciones del equipo de enfermería sobre los cuidados prestados a los niños y adolescentes hospitalizados con trastornos mentales. Método estudio cualitativo fenomenológico social cuya recogida de datos se realizó con 12 miembros de los equipos de enfermería mediante entrevista fenomenológica. Resultados "Motivos-por qué" se describen en dos categorías: la percepción del equipo de enfermería ante los cuidados prestados y las acciones y cuidados del equipo de enfermería del niño con trastornos mentales. "Motivos-para" expresadas en la categoría: la recuperación del niño con trastorno mental y su regreso a casa. Conclusiones e Implicaciones para la práctica La posibilidad de establecer una relación cara a cara entre el equipo, la familia y el niño como una forma de aprehender la situación biográfica y el cuerpo de conocimiento de los sujetos involucrados y luego comprender sus necesidades y demandas reales, promueve la atención integral. A través de la fenomenología social de Alfred Schutz, aporta como implicaciones para la práctica la posibilidad de entender la percepción del equipo de enfermería sobre la relevancia de la relación cara a cara en el cuidado de niños y adolescentes con trastornos mentales.

Abstract Objective to know the perceptions of the nursing team about the care of hospitalized children and adolescents with mental disorders. Method social phenomenological qualitative study whose data collection was carried out with 12 members of the nursing teams by means of phenomenological interviews. Results "Reasons why" described in two categories: the perception of the nursing team in view of the care provided and actions and care of the nursing team of the child with mental disorders. "Reasons for" expressed in the category: the recovery of the child with mental disorder and his return home. Conclusions and Implications for practice The possibility of establishing a face-to-face relationship between the team, the family, and the child to apprehend the biographical situation and the body of knowledge of the subjects involved, and then understand their real needs and demands promotes comprehensive care. Through Alfred Schutz's social phenomenology, it brings as implications for practice the possibility of understanding the perception of the nursing staff about the relevance of the face-to-face relationship in caring for children and adolescents with mental disorders.

Opportunities for the advanced practice nurse in improving the wellbeing of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression have increased during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic across age groups. Older adults may additionally be experiencing accelerated cognitive decline and increased behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia related to the pandemic and associated isolation precautions. The advanced practice nurse has an opportunity to holistically intervene to mitigate the negative effects of isolation and promote older adults' wellbeing during challenging times.

Oficina musical participativa para o Bem-Estar Subjetivo e Psicológico de usuários em internação psiquiátrica / Taller musical participativo para el Bienestar Subjetivo y Psicológico de usuarios en hospitalización psiquiátrica / Participatory music workshop for the Subjective and Psychological Well-being of users in psychiatric hospitalization

Resumo Objetivo identificar as contribuições de uma intervenção musical participativa sobre o Bem-Estar Psicológico e Subjetivo na assistência da enfermagem de usuários com transtorno mental grave e persistente durante a internação. Método pesquisa quase-experimental, do tipo antes e depois, realizada em uma instituição hospitalar do estado de São Paulo. Dez usuários em internação psiquiátrica participaram das quatro oficinas musicais. O repertório atendeu às suas preferências e foram distribuídos instrumentos musicais para promover a participação. Aplicou-se a escala de Bem-Estar Psicológico e dos Afetos Positivos e Negativos ao início e ao término de cada oficina. Os dados foram analisados considerando Intervalo de Confiança de 95%. Resultados não foram identificadas diferenças estatísticas entre os valores encontrados antes e depois das oficinas musicais para as variáveis do Bem-Estar e Afetos Positivos e Negativos. Os desfechos do Bem-Estar Subjetivo foram mais lineares quando comparados ao Bem-Estar Psicológico, observando-se aumento nos afetos positivos e diminuição dos afetos negativos. Conclusão e implicações para a prática a oficina musical participativa favorece o bem-estar subjetivo de usuários com transtornos mentais graves e persistentes. Essa intervenção correspondeu a uma tecnologia leve potencial para a enfermagem atuar de modo autônomo e qualificado no cuidado psicoemocional do usuário na internação psiquiátrica.

Resumen Objetivo identificar los aportes de una intervención musical participativa sobre el Bienestar Psicológico y Afectos Positivos y Negativos en el cuidado de enfermería de usuarios con trastorno mental severo y persistente durante la hospitalización. Método investigación cuasi experimental, del tipo antes y después, realizada en un hospital del estado de São Paulo. Diez usuarios en hospitalización psiquiátrica participaron en los cuatro talleres de música. El repertorio cumplió con sus preferencias y se distribuyeron instrumentos musicales para promover la participación. La escala de Bienestar Psicológico y Afectos Positivos y Negativos se aplicó al inicio y al final de cada taller. Los datos se analizaron considerando un intervalo de confianza del 95%. Resultados no se identificaron diferencias estadísticas entre los valores encontrados antes y después de los talleres musicales para las variables de bienestar y afectos positivos y negativos. Los resultados del Bienestar Subjetivo se comportaron de forma más lineal en comparación con el Bienestar Psicológico, con un aumento de los afectos positivos y una disminución de los afectos negativos. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica el taller de música participativa favorece el bienestar subjetivo de los usuarios con trastornos mentales graves y persistentes. Esta intervención correspondió a una potencial tecnología de luz para que Enfermería actuara de manera autónoma y calificada en la atención psicoemocional del usuario durante la hospitalización psiquiátrica.

Abstract Objective to identify the contributions of a participatory musical intervention on Psychological and Subjective Well-Being in nursing care for users with severe and persistent mental disorder during hospitalization. Method this is a quasi-experimental before-and-after research, carried out in a hospital in the state of São Paulo. Ten users in psychiatric hospitalization participated in the four music workshops. The repertoire catered to their preferences and musical instruments were distributed to promote participation. Psychological Well-Being and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule were applied at the beginning and at the end of each workshop. Data were analyzed considering a confidence interval of 95%. Results no statistical differences were identified between the values found before and after the music workshops for the variables Well-Being and Positive and Negative Affects. The outcomes of Subjective Well-Being behaved more linear when compared to Psychological Well-Being, with an increase in positive affects and a decrease in negative affects. Conclusion and implications for practice participatory music workshops favor the subjective well-being of users with severe and persistent mental disorders. This intervention corresponded to a potential light technology for nursing to act autonomously and qualified in the psycho-emotional care of users in psychiatric hospitalization.

Mental health nurse psychotherapists are well situated to improve service shortfalls in Australia: findings from a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: This paper reports the capabilities of mental health nurse (MHN) psychotherapists in Australia and their perceptions on how to best utilize their skills. METHOD: An MHN is a registered nurse with recognized specialist qualifications in mental health nursing. One hundred and fifty three MHNs completed an online survey; 12 were interviewed. RESULTS: Three themes were derived from a qualitative analysis of the aggregated data: psychotherapy skills of MHN psychotherapists are under-utilized; these nurses bridge gaps between biomedical and psychosocial service provision; and equitable access to rebates in the primary care sector is an obstacle to enabling access to services. CONCLUSIONS: MHN psychotherapists are a potentially valuable resource to patients in tertiary and primary health care. They offer capacity to increase access to specialist psychotherapy services for complex and high risk groups, while being additionally capable of meeting patients' physical and social needs. Equitable access to current funding streams including Medicare rebates can enable these outcomes.

Effect of advanced nursing care on psychological condition in patients with chronic heart failure: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study will appraise the effect and safety of advanced nursing care (ANC) on psychological condition (PC) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS: The following databases will be sought from the beginning up to the February 29, 2020: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, the Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. There are not language and publication status limitations related to any electronic databases. In addition, we will also identify conference proceedings, reference lists of included studies, and websites of clinical trials registry. Two reviewers will separately carry out study selection, data extraction, and study quality evaluation. Any inconsistencies will be solved by a third reviewer through discussion. RevMan 5.3 software will be utilized to carry out statistical analysis. RESULTS: This study will comprehensively summarize all potential evidence to systematically address the effects and safety of ANC on PC in patients with CHF. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study will help to determine whether ANC is effective or not on PC in patients with CHF. STUDY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202040077.

Alternative mental health clinical placements: Knowledge transfer and benefits for nursing practice outside mental healthcare settings.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To explore whether nursing student's experiences at Recovery Camp have impacted their current nursing practices. BACKGROUND: Recently, there has been a move towards more holistic models of nursing care, which seek to break down barriers of stigmatisation and embrace the tenets of self-determination, to acknowledge people with lived experiences of mental illness and their ability to manage their recovery. In that regard, future health professionals such as nursing students will need to be educated in a manner that recognises the importance of lived experience. In this paper, we propose that Recovery Camp, an alternative clinical placement setting model, enhances clinical practice in multiple domains and is beneficial for both nursing practitioners and people with lived experiences of mental illness, as well as offering an effective nontraditional alternative to conventional clinical placement opportunities. METHODS: This study employed a phenomenological research design, involving individual semi-structured telephone interviews. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) checklist was adhered to. RESULTS: Three main themes were identified from the analysis: (a) engagement, (b) understanding mental health and (c) holistic care. "I definitely look at people with mental health conditions in a different light." At Recovery Camp, participants felt that they had greater opportunities for engagement with people with lived experiences, and through this engagement, their preconceptions of mental illness began to change. CONCLUSIONS: Recovery Camp may have facilitated the transfer of knowledge that is more person-centred among nursing students, consequently impacting their current nursing practices. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses should be equipped with mental health skills regardless of their career trajectory. While Recovery Camp represents a promising approach to facilitate knowledge transfer, further investigation will be required to determine which other factors are instrumental. This approach may have wider implications for nursing education.

[Midwives' feelings about the post-partum care of women with severe mental illness: A qualitative analysis]. / Ressenti des sages-femmes dans la prise en charge en suites de couche des patientes avec troubles psychiques sévères : une analyse qualitative.

BACKGROUND: A significant proportion of women with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) will become mothers during their reproductive life. These pregnancies are, however, more at risk of psychiatric, obstetrical and neonatal complications (increased risks of post-partum depression, relapse, suicide, gestational diabetes, placental abnormalities or low birth weight). Midwives often feel isolated and resourceless when taking care of these women. Specialized units such as mother-infant psychiatric units or the Transversal Unit of Perinatal Care (UTAP) in the Grenoble Alpes University Hospital (CHUGA) enhance the coordination between psychiatric and obstetrical teams and have shown effectiveness in improving maternal and child outcomes. OBJECTIVES: i) to assess midwives' feelings about the postpartum care of women with SMI; ii) to determine UTAP's impact on this feeling and its determinants; iii) to look for unmet needs. METHODS: This study is a prospective, exploratory, qualitative analysis. Twenty midwives from Grenoble Alpes University Hospital who took care of one of the selected patients participated in this study. Two women had schizophrenia and one bipolar disorder. Interviews realized with a semi-structured guide were fully transcribed, anonymized and thematically analyzed. Topics have been structured according to the number of occurrences to build a thematic tree. RESULTS: Midwives felt insecure and resourceless when the postpartum care was unclear, insufficiently anticipated and in case of a danger for the women or the children. They felt uneasy when not feeling able to provide usual care to these patients (due to lack of specific knowledge about SMI and to the impossibility to consider their patient otherwise than through their pathology). Midwives felt at ease and secure when the postpartum care was anticipated. UTAP was identified as a resource for midwives. Specific training and improvements in the organization of the pre and post-natal care could improve midwives' feelings when taking care of women with SMI.

Mental health nurses' understandings and experiences of providing care for the spiritual needs of service users: A qualitative study.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Addressing spiritual issues to maintain a sense of hope, meaning and purpose can be an important aspect of mental health care which goes beyond simply providing facilities for religious observance. Expressions of spiritual need from service users can potentially be confused with symptoms of mental ill health. Little is known about how mental health nurses understand or provide this aspect of care for service users. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: An understanding from the mental health nurse perspective of how mental health nurses understand and care for service users' spiritual needs, and what influences their practice in this area. Ideas about how education and opportunities for good practice in this area might be advanced. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Nurses need more education and guidance as well as supportive team and management cultures so that they feel comfortable and able to deliver this important aspect of care. Abstract Introduction Mental health nurses have a professional obligation to attend to service users' spiritual needs, but little is known about specific issues related to provision of care for spiritual need faced by mental health nurses or how nurses understand this aspect of care and deliver it in practice. Aim/Question To explore mental health nurses' ́understandings of spiritual need and their experiences of delivering this care for service users. Method A qualitative study was conducted in one NHS mental health service. Interviews were undertaken with seventeen mental health nurses practising in a variety of areas. Results Four themes were generated from thematic analysis of data in the template style: Expressing personal perspectives on spirituality; Expressing perspectives on spirituality as a nursing professional; Nursing spiritually; and Permeating anxiety (integrative). Discussion Participants had complex understandings of spiritual need and evident anxieties in relation to this area of care. Two different approaches to nursing spiritually are characterised as (a) pragmatic (concerned with procedural aspects of care) and (b) spiritually empathetic. Mental health nurses were uncertain about the acceptability of attention to spiritual issues as part of care and anxious about distinguishing between symptoms of mental ill health and spiritual needs. Implications for practice Educational experiences need to emphasise both pragmatic and empathetic approaches, and work needs to be organised to support good practice.

'There need to be a balance': Mental health nurses' perspectives on medication education in university and clinical practice.

Working with medication is an important role of the mental health nurse. However, little research has focused on staff nurses' perspectives on where the responsibility lies for preparing student nurses for safe, competent medication management. This study investigated mental health nurses' perspectives on medication education. An interpretive descriptive approach was used. Two focus groups were conducted, and data were analysed using inductive content analysis. It was found that participants embraced a medical approach to servicer user care, with less positive attitudes demonstrated towards psychosocial approaches. There were also tensions expressed between clinical practice and the university, with uncertainty voiced about whose responsibility it was to educate students about medication management. It is important that both environments complement each other in order to enhance the student nurse educational experience. While mental health nurses should be educated in this area to practice in a safe and competent manner, it is also key that a holistic approach to care is considered.

The use of positive behaviour support plans in mental health inpatient care: A mixed methods study.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: There is a drive to use positive and proactive approaches to mental health care to reduce the use of restrictive practices such as seclusion and restraint. Positive behaviour support plans have been used successfully to do this in learning disability services, and in England, it is now a regulatory requirement that anyone with challenging behaviour should have an individualized behaviour support plan. However, positive behaviour support plans specifically have not been evaluated as part of routine mental health care and mental health nurses' and relatives' attitudes towards them are unknown. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This evaluation of positive behaviour support plans in routine mental health inpatient care found that they had not been widely implemented or completed as intended. Barriers to the use of the plans included confusion among nurses and relatives around the principles of positive behaviour support, including how, when and for whom the plans should be used, difficulties in being able to describe the function of a patient's behaviour and lack of engagement with relatives and patients. Nevertheless, nurses and relatives valued the plans, in particular for their potential to facilitate holistic care. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: To use the plans successfully, mental health nurses will need training to understand fully the rationale behind the positive behaviour support approach and will need to engage more with relatives and patients. Commitment to the approach from the whole care team and organization will be needed to implement the plans consistently for all patients. Abstract Introduction An international drive is to minimize restrictive practices in mental health care. Positive behaviour support plans (PBSPs) help staff prevent behaviour which would require restrictive intervention. Originating in learning disability services, data within mental health care are limited. Aims To evaluate PBSPs within a mental health inpatient service; understand mental health nurses' and relatives' attitudes to them; and understand the barriers and facilitators for their use in routine mental health care. Methods Mixed methods-quality ratings and interviews with relatives and nurses. Results Positive behaviour support plans were poorly implemented. Relatives and nurses valued the potential of PBSPs to facilitate holistic care, though no relative had contributed to one and not every eligible patient had one. Barriers to their use included confusion around positive behaviour support, including how, when and for whom PBSPs should be used, and difficulties describing the function of a behaviour. Discussion The potential of PBSPs to improve mental health care is recognized. However, there are barriers to their use which should be addressed to ensure that PBSPs have been properly implemented before their impact on patient care can be assessed. Implications for practice Mental health professionals implementing PBSPs should engage with relatives and patients, gain organizational commitment and ensure that those involved understand fully the positive behaviour support approach.

Mental health nurses' experience of physical health care and health promotion initiatives for people with severe mental illness.

Health care for people with severe mental illness is often divided into physical health care and mental health care despite the importance of a holistic approach to caring for the whole person. Mental health nurses have an important role not only in preventing ill health, but also in promoting health, to improve the overall health among people with severe mental illness and to develop a more person-centred, integrated physical and mental health care. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe mental health nurses' experiences of facilitating aspects that promote physical health and support a healthy lifestyle for people with severe mental illness. Interviews were conducted with mental health nurses (n = 15), and a qualitative content analysis was used to capture the nurse's experiences. Analysis of the interviews generated three categories: (i) to have a health promotion focus in every encounter, (ii) to support with each person's unique prerequisites in mind and (iii) to take responsibility for health promotion in every level of the organization. The results show the importance of a health promotion focus that permeates the entire organization of mental health care. Shared responsibility for health and health promotion activities should exist at all levels: in the person-centred care in the relation with the patient, embedded in a joint vision within the working unit, and in decisions at management level.

Improving physical health outcomes for people with severe mental illness: A proof-of-concept study of nurse practitioner candidate practice.

People with severe mental illness have significantly reduced life expectancy and higher risk of cardiovascular diseases than the general population. There is a critical need for quality physical health care to improve consumers' health outcomes. There is minimal knowledge, however, on the impact of mental health nurse practitioner candidate (NPC) practices on consumers' health outcomes. The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to describe the impacts of NPC practices on the quality of physical healthcare provision and physical health outcomes (cardiovascular and cardiometabolic) of consumers in community mental health service settings. Using a mixed methods design, quantitative data were collected for 12 months prior to (Period 1), and 12 months during (Period 2), the candidacy period. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of n = 10 consumers to explore their perspectives on physical healthcare provision by the NPCs. During the 12-month candidacy period, the number of metabolic monitoring assessments rose from n = 55 in Period 1 to n = 146 in Period 2 (P < 0.01, χ2  = 41.20). Advanced practices provided by NPCs included taking an extensive holistic history and clinical examination, ordering diagnostic pathology, and clinical simulation of physical health medication prescription (under medical supervision). Analysis of consumer interviews resulted in two themes: (i) positive and helpful NPC health care and (ii) improvements in physical and mental health. The findings add new knowledge on specialist mental health nurse practitioner candidate roles and demonstrate the benefits these roles can have in reducing the significant morbidity and mortality of mental health consumers.

Initial psychometric evaluation of the physical health attitude scale and a survey of mental health nurses.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: A clear association exists between serious mental illness (SMI) and poor physical health. Individuals with SMI have markedly higher risks for mortality and morbidity. Mental health nurses play an important role in enhancing service users' mental and physical well-being. The attitudes of mental health nurses towards physical health care have been explored in the western part of the world. However, cross-country differences should be determined to reveal the importance of this global issue. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This study adds new data to the literature on the Physical Health Attitude Scale's (PHASe) validity and nurses' attitudes when working in acute mental health services in different cultures. Nurses in acute mental health wards mostly focus on the basic physiological indicators of patients' existing physical health problems, so health promotion practices such as sexual health and eye/dental examinations are neglected for individuals with SMI. Nurses' higher level of confidence about their delivery of physical health care is due to their familiarity with basic nursing practices (e.g. monitoring blood pressure and checking blood glucose levels). Differences that exist between countries in relation to smoking habits are probably due to different regulations. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: To improve patients' physical healthcare outcomes, nurses should be provided with additional training and supervision to strengthen their skills and confidence. Nurses' perceived need for additional training reflects the importance of physical health care in mental health settings, in which training could substantially improve patient outcomes. Authors believe that standard protocols must be established in acute psychiatric care to eliminate obstacles to holistic patient care. Training needs of mental health nurses on health promotion practices should be considered by administrators of mental health settings. Abstract Introduction Nurses play an important role in improving the physical health of individuals with serious mental illnesses. The literature on the attitudes of mental health nurses towards physical health care provides a small amount of data. Assessing trends in nurses' attitudes through suitable surveys is important to ensure holistic care. Aim/Question This study sought to examine the Turkish version of the Physical Health Attitude Scale's (PHASe) validity and reliability and to survey Turkish mental health nurses' attitudes towards physical health care. Method The sample consisted of 174 nurses working in acute psychiatric wards. Firstly, the psychometric properties of the scale were analysed using factor analysis and measures of internal consistency and reliability. Then, the survey results of the attitudes of mental health nurses towards the physical health of patients with serious mental illnesses were determined using the Physical Health Attitude Scale (PHASe). Results The translated PHASe functioned best as a 24-item version and 4-factor solution that explains 51.3% of the variance. The internal consistency value was 0.83. The respondents' attitudes were generally positive about their role. There was less agreement for the involvement of nurses in practices of health promotion, such as sexual health, eye and/or dental examinations. The nurses surveyed also tended to use smoking for therapeutic purposes. Implications for practice Mental health nurses' knowledge and attitudes should be enhanced by additional training in the ways of meeting patients' biopsychosocial needs. Obstacles to physical health care can be removed by implementing standard protocols nationwide.

An exploration of providing mental health skills in a generic advanced clinical practice programme.

BACKGROUND: advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) are expected to be competent in their holistic assessment and management of individuals, which includes those with both physical and mental health problems. A mental health component was introduced within a generic advanced practitioner programme to support the development of mental health skills required by advanced clinical practitioners in training (ACPiTs). AIMS: this research investigated the efficacy of content specific to mental health within an MSc ACP generic programme. METHODS: a single case study approach was adopted, which used a purposive sample of 10 ACPiTs to explore personal beliefs and experiences using semistructured interviews. Verbatim transcription was undertaken followed by content and thematic analysis. FINDINGS: Themes emerged included communication skills, and increased competence and self-awareness. CONCLUSION: insights provided by the ACPiTs showed they recognised the value of mental health teaching and exposure within their training programme in advancing their knowledge and skillset and, ultimately, increasing confidence in their clinical practice.

Nurses' perceptions regarding providing psychological care for older residents in long-term care facilities: A qualitative study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore nurses' perceptions regarding providing psychological health care for older residents in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). BACKGROUND: Loneliness and depressive symptoms are commonly observed among older residents living in LTCFs. Nurses are expected to provide holistic care including physical, psychological and social care for older residents in LTCFs to fulfil their needs. Therefore, understanding nurses' feelings and thoughts regarding providing care for older residents who feel lonely, sad, unhappy or depressed is important for delivering better care. DESIGN: A qualitative research design was employed. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) was used to enhance for reporting quality. METHODS: Purposive sampling and snowball sampling were applied in Northern Taiwan. One-to-one in-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Twenty-one nurses with a mean age of 38.4 years were interviewed. Content analysis was performed for data analysis. FINDINGS: Four themes were generated from the data: "insufficient psychological healthcare competency," "having a willing heart but not adequate support," "families playing an essential role in residents' mood" and "physical-oriented care model." CONCLUSIONS: Long-term care facilitie nurses felt that they were not adequately prepared for taking care of older adults' psychological problems before their nursing career or during their practice. Unreasonable nurse-to-resident ratios and an absence of care consensus among healthcare providers can make nurses feel that they have a willing heart but not adequate support. Family members are essential in older residents' emotional status within the Taiwanese cultural context. Physical care evaluation indicators emphasised by LTCF accreditation resulted in the current care practice model. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study provides valuable information for LTCF nurses, managers and directors to develop appropriate strategies to assist nurses in providing better psychological health care for older residents. Evaluation indicators required by LTCF accreditation in Taiwan must be re-examined at the earliest stage.

'There's more to a person than what's in front of you': Nursing students' experiences of consumer taught mental health education.

Holistic and person-centred nursing care is commonly regarded as fundamental to nursing practice. These approaches are complementary to recovery which is rapidly becoming the preferred mode of practice within mental health. The willingness and ability of nurses to adopt recovery-oriented practice is essential to services realizing recovery goals. Involving consumers (referred herein as Experts by Experience) in mental health nursing education has demonstrated positive impact on the skills and attitudes of nursing students. A qualitative exploratory research project was undertaken to examine the perspectives of undergraduate nursing students to Expert by Experience-led teaching as part of a co-produced learning module developed through an international study. Focus groups were held with students at each site. Data were analysed thematically. Understanding the person behind the diagnosis was a major theme, including subthemes: person-centred care/seeing the whole person; getting to know the person, understanding, listening; and challenging the medical model, embracing recovery. Participants described recognizing consumers as far more than their psychiatric diagnoses, and the importance of person-centred care and recovery-oriented practice. Understanding the individuality of consumers, their needs and goals, is crucial in mental health and all areas of nursing practice. These findings suggest that recovery, taught by Experts by Experience, is effective and impactful on students' approach to practice. Further research addressing the impact of Experts by Experience is crucial to enhance our understanding of ways to facilitate the development of recovery-oriented practice in mental health and holistic and person-centred practice in all areas of health care.

Conceptualising nurse-patient therapeutic engagement on acute mental health wards: An integrative review.

OBJECTIVES: The review aimed to 1) explore the constituents of nurse-patient therapeutic engagement on acute mental health wards; 2) map factors that influence engagement to the Theoretical Domains Framework and 3) integrate results into a conceptual model of engagement to inform the development of interventions to improve engagement. DESIGN: A systematic integrative review using an established framework specific to the integrative review methodology. DATA SOURCES: Database searches (CINAHL, PsycINFO, BNI and Cochrane Library) and hand searching identified 3414 articles. After screening, applying eligibility criteria, and quality appraisal, 37 articles were included: n = 27 empirical research studies, n = 10 expert opinion pieces, n = 1 case study and n = 1 theoretical report. REVIEW METHODS: Peer-reviewed empirical studies, theoretical reports or expert opinion pieces that explored therapeutic engagement as a stated aim and were conducted in acute mental health inpatient settings from the patient or nurse perspective were included. Data were extracted from the introduction, results and discussion sections of empirical research, and the complete article of theoretical and expert opinion pieces. Data were coded then grouped into subthemes and themes. Data relating to influencing factors were further categorised according to the Theoretical Domains Framework. Results were synthesised into a conceptual model of engagement. RESULTS: Five conceptually distinct, but closely related constructs of engagement - called the "Principles of Engagement" - emerged: 1) Understanding the person and their experiences; 2) Facilitating growth; 3) Therapeutic use of self; 4) Choosing the right approach and 5) Authoritative vs. emotional containment. Influences on engagement ranged across all 14 theoretical domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework. CONCLUSION: A holistic understanding of the essential components of engagement may make it easier for nurses to recognise what they do, and to do it well. The model can be used to generate testable hypotheses about how and where to target behavioural change interventions. The Principles of Engagement must be reflected in the development of interventions to improve engagement.