O ambiente terapêutico segundo a milieu therapy: uma intervenção especializada / The therapeutic environment according to milieu therapy: a specialized intervention

Este documento descreve o percurso formativo para o desenvolvimento de competências de enfermeiro especialista e de mestre no âmbito do curso de Mestrado em Enfermagem, área de especialização em Enfermagem de Saúde Mental e Psiquiátrica. Tem como objetivos apresentar o percurso e atividades desenvolvidas nos contextos de estágio, refletir sobre aprendizagens e competências desenvolvidas, e identificar intervenções do enfermeiro especialista promotoras do ambiente terapêutico, segundo o modelo Milieu Therapy. Esta área temática constituiu o foco deste trabalho e pretendeu-se dar resposta à questão: "Quais as intervenções do enfermeiro especialista de enfermagem de saúde mental e psiquiátrica na promoção do ambiente terapêutico, segundo o modelo Milieu Therapy?". De acordo com este modelo, o ambiente terapêutico caracteriza-se por ser estruturado, dinâmico e flexível, cuja finalidade se centra em promover o desenvolvimento do potencial do cliente, assegurando a satisfação das necessidades de segurança, estrutura, suporte e autogestão do mesmo. Recorreu-se à metodologia de projeto através de pesquisa bibliográfica, elaboração de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, construção de um documento de apoio à prática e realização de dois estágios (Hospital de Dia ­ Unidade de Adolescentes e Serviço de Internamento de Psiquiatria de Doentes em Fase Aguda) tendo por base uma prática reflexiva. O referencial teórico de Enfermagem mobilizado foi o de Hildegard Peplau. A intervenção do enfermeiro especialista no ambiente terapêutico deve ter em consideração a estruturação nas vertentes do ambiente físico, relacional e de trabalho em equipa; o autoconhecimento; e a supervisão clínica. O ambiente terapêutico influencia positivamente a relação terapêutica e fomenta o potencial de desenvolvimento do cliente, tendo em conta as necessidades individuais e as de grupo.

This paper describes the training process for competency development of students in a master's degree in nursing program with a specialisation in mental health and psychiatric nursing. The objectives are to present the experiences and activities completed in the internship, reflect on the learning and skills developed, and identify the interventions of the nurse specialist that promote the therapeutic environment, according to the milieu therapy model. These areas were the focus of this study and were intended to answer the following question: "What are the interventions of the mental health and psychiatric nurse specialist in promoting the therapeutic environment, according to the Milieu Therapy model?". According to this model, the therapeutic environment is characterised as structured, dynamic and flexible, and has the purpose to encourage the development of the patient's potential and ensure their safety, structure, support, and self-management needs. The project methodology included a bibliographic search, development of an integrative literature review, construction of a document to support the practice and implementation of two internships (Day Hospital - Adolescent Unit and Inpatient Psychiatric Service for Acute Patients) based on a reflective practice. Hildegard Peplau's theoretical framework of nursing was used. The intervention of the specialist nurse in the therapeutic environment should include the structure of the physical, relational, and teamwork environment; selfknowledge; and clinical supervision. The therapeutic environment positively influences the therapeutic relationship and fosters the patient's development potential, considering the individual and group needs.

Treating Agitation in Patients with Dementia with a Therapy Dog in a Milieu Therapy Setting on a Geropsychiatric Ward.

BACKGROUND: Animal-assisted intervention has become a common therapeutic practice used for patients with dementia in home-dwelling and institutions. The most established procedure is a visiting service by specially trained dogs and their owners to improve social interactions and reduce symptoms of agitation. OBJECTIVES: The study aims to investigate the effects of a therapy dog on agitation of inpatients with dementia in a gerontopsychiatric ward. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The severity of agitation was assessed by a rater blinded for the presence of the dog via the Overt Agitation Severity Scale (OASS). The scale was conducted on 1 day with the dog and his handler present (resident doctor on the ward) and on another day with only the handler present. Each patient was his/her own control. Heart rate variability (HRV) and serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) of the patients were measured on both days. 26 patients with the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score <21 and the diagnosis of dementia were included in the study. RESULTS: A significant reduction of agitation in the OASS could be shown when the dog was present (p = 0.006). The data neither demonstrated a difference in the HRV for the parameters mean heart rate (p = 0.65), root mean square of successive differences (p = 0.63), and high frequencies (p = 0.27) nor in serum BDNF concentrations (p = 0.42). DISCUSSION: Therapy dogs can be implemented as a therapeutic tool in a gerontopsychiatric ward to reduce symptoms of agitation in patients with dementia. The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00024093).

Milieu therapy for hospitalized patients with late-life anxiety and depression: a qualitative study.

Background: Milieu therapy (MT) is an important interprofessional part of therapy for persons with late-life anxiety and depression in psychogeriatric inpatient units. Research on how this is conducted is scarce.Aim: To explore nurses' and nurse assistants' experience regarding MT interventions for persons with late-life anxiety and depression and how this is applied and conducted in the everyday life in a psychogeriatric inpatient unit.Method: Four focus group interviews with nurses and nurse assistants were conducted. Systematic text condensation was used for analyzing and interpreting the data.Results: MT was described as a dynamic and active process. Conscious individualized cooperation and communication day and night emerged as overarching theme, with following categories: 1. Collecting clues about the patient's history, challenges and coping strategies. 2. Active use of these clues. 3. Active use of the ward setting as arena for staff to learn from each other, for patients to learn from other patients and as frame for MT in general. Strategies from both psychiatric and dementia care were used in MT interventions.Conclusion: Results from this study describe content and complexity of MT strategies that can be supportive in everyday practice in psychogeriatric inpatient units and nursing homes, and have the potential to facilitate teaching, supervision and counseling of health professionals, caregivers and patients.

Effectiveness of Milieu Therapy in reducing conflicts and containment rates among schizophrenia patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate effectiveness of Milieu Therapy in reduction of conflict and containment rates among schizophrenia patients. METHODS: This study utilized quasi experimental non-equivalent control group pre-post design. One hundred schizophrenia patients admitted in acute psychiatric wards were non-randomly assigned to either of the experimental (n=50) or control group (n=50). The experimental group received both milieu therapy and routine hospital treatment. The Milieu Therapy intervention Included environmental modification and structuring ward activities, establishing effective interaction with patient, and teaching caregivers on managing conflict behavior of patient. The control group received only routine treatment in the hospital. Outcome measures on conflict and containment rates were evaluated for both the groups at baseline and at 2nd, 3rd and 15th day. The Patient-Staff Conflict Checklist Shift Report (PCC-SR) was used to collect information about rates of conflict and containment. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the experimental group participants showed decrease in aggressive behavior, self-harm behavior and general rule breaking behavior at baseline and 2nd, 3rd and 15th day (F=4.61, p < 0.004, η2=0.04; F=11.92, p < 0.001, η2=0.11; F=6.94, p < 0.001, η2=0.06) over seven days interval. CONCLUSIONS: The present study findings provided evidence for the effectiveness of integrating Milieu Therapy in psychiatric acute wards in reducing conflict behaviors among schizophrenia patients. Milieu therapy should be considered as an integral part of psychiatric care settings in these patients.

Effectiveness of Milieu Therapy in reducing conflicts and containment rates among schizophrenia patients

Objective. To evaluate effectiveness of Milieu Therapy in reduction of conflict and containment rates among schizophrenia patients. Methods. This study utilized quasi experimental non-equivalent control group pre-post design. One hundred schizophrenia patients admitted in acute psychiatric wards were non-randomly assigned to either of the experimental (n=50) or control group (n=50). The experimental group received both milieu therapy and routine hospital treatment. The Milieu Therapy intervention Included environmental modification and structuring ward activities, establishing effective interaction with patient, and teaching caregivers on managing conflict behavior of patient. The control group received only routine treatment in the hospital. Outcome measures on conflict and containment rates were evaluated for both the groups at baseline and at 2nd, 3rd and 15th day. The Patient­Staff Conflict Checklist Shift Report (PCC-SR) was used to collect information about rates of conflict and containment. Results. Compared with control group, the experimental group participants showed decrease in aggressive behavior, self-harm behavior and general rule breaking behavior at baseline and 2nd, 3rd and 15th day (F=4.61, p<0.004, η2=0.04; F=11.92, p<0.001, η2=0.11; F=6.94, p<0.001, η2=0.06) over seven days interval. Conclusion. The present study findings provided evidence for the effectiveness of integrating Milieu Therapy in psychiatric acute wards in reducing conflict behaviors among schizophrenia patients. Milieu therapy should be considered as an integral part of psychiatric care settings in these patients.

Objetivo. Evaluar la efectividad de la terapia Milieu en la reducción de las tasas de conflicto y contención entre los pacientes con esquizofrenia. Métodos. Este estudio utilizó un diseño cuasi experimental con grupo control no equivalente y evaluación pre y posintervención. Cien pacientes con esquizofrenia hospitalizados en salas psiquiátricas en un hospital público en Karnataka (India) se asignaron de forma no aleatoria a los grupos experimental (n=50) y control (n=50). El grupo experimental recibió la terapia de Milieu, además del tratamiento hospitalario de rutina. La terapia de Milieu incluyó la modificación ambiental y la estructuración de las actividades de la sala, el establecimiento de una interacción efectiva con el paciente y la enseñanza a los cuidadores sobre el manejo del comportamiento conflictivo del paciente. El grupo control recibió solamente el tratamiento de rutina en el hospital. Las medidas de resultado (tasas de conflictos y de contención) se evaluaron en ambos grupos en los días de inicio, 2º, 3º y 15º posadmisión. El Patient­Staff Conflict Checklist Shift Report (PCC-SR) se utilizó para la recolección de la información acerca de las tasas de conflicto y contención. Resultados. En comparación con el grupo de control, los participantes del grupo experimental mostraron una disminución en el comportamiento agresivo, el comportamiento de autolesión y el comportamiento de incumplimiento de las reglas generales al inicio y al segundo, tercer y décimo quinto día (F=4.61, p<0.004, η2=0.04; F=11.92, p<0.001, η2=0.11; F=6.94, p<0.001, η2=0.06). Conclusión. Los hallazgos del presente estudio proporcionaron evidencia de la efectividad de la Terapia Melieu en la reducción de comportamientos conflictivos en el paciente esquizofrénico hospitalizado en fase aguda. La Terapia Milieu debe considerarse como una parte integral en los entornos de atención de estos pacientes.

Objetivo. Avaliar a eficácia da terapia Milieu na redução das taxas de conflito e contenção entre pacientes com esquizofrenia. Métodos. Este estudo utilizou um desenho quase-experimental com um grupo controle não equivalente e avaliação pré e pós-intervenção. Cem pacientes com esquizofrenia hospitalizados em salas psiquiátricas em um hospital público de Karnataka (Índia) foram designados não aleatoriamente para os grupos experimental (n = 50) e controle (n = 50). O grupo experimental recebeu terapia Milieu, além de tratamento hospitalar de rotina. A terapia de Milieu incluiu modificação ambiental e estruturação das atividades da enfermaria, estabelecendo uma interação efetiva com o paciente e ensinando os cuidadores sobre o gerenciamento do comportamento conflitante do paciente. O grupo controle recebeu apenas tratamento hospitalar de rotina. As medidas de resultado (taxas de conflito e contenção) foram avaliadas em ambos os grupos nos dias de início, 2, 3 e 15 após a admissão. O Relatório de Mudança de Lista de Verificação de Conflitos entre Pacientes e Funcionários (PCC-SR) foi usado para coletar informações sobre taxas de conflitos e contenção. Resultados. Comparados ao grupo controle, os participantes do grupo experimental mostraram uma diminuição no comportamento agressivo, no comportamento autolesivo e no não cumprimento das regras gerais no início e no segundo, terceiro e décimo quinto dia (F = 4,61, p <0,004, η2 = 0,04; F = 11,92, p <0,001, η2 = 0,11; F = 6,94, p <0,001, η2 = 0,06). Conclusão Os achados do presente estudo forneceram evidências da eficácia da Terapia Melieu na redução de comportamentos conflitantes no paciente esquizofrênico hospitalizado na fase aguda. A terapia Milieu deve ser considerada como parte integrante do ambiente de atendimento desses pacientes.

What Makes Soteria Work? On the Effect of a Therapeutic Milieu on Self-Disturbances in the Schizophrenia Syndrome.

Soteria represents an alternative approach to the treatment of acute psychosis providing a community-based social milieu, personal relationships ("being-with"), and meaningful shared activities ("doing-with") along with minimal neuroleptic medication. In this review article, we analyze Soteria's potential to adapt to and restore self-disturbances, a central element of phenomenological conceptions of the schizophrenia syndrome. Based on typical difficulties of psychotic patients in responding adequately to situational demands, in relating to others, and in utilizing skills, we analyze how the architectural and social context, being-with, and doing-with take account of self-disturbances. The central elements of the Soteria approach all appear to carry the potential to adjust to self-disturbances and even offer opportunities for their relief. We suggest that it is precisely this property of the Soteria paradigm that induces sustained relaxation in patients, allowing for symptom relief, thereby specifying a central claim of "affect-logic" to explain the antipsychotic effect of Soteria.

The Soteria Project: A forerunner of "a third way" in psychiatry? / Projekt Soteria: zwiastun "trzeciej drogi" w psychiatrii?

The article presents a somehow forgotten, yet largely controversial, experiment and therapeutic phenomenon known as Soteria Research Project. History, circumstances and main methodological assumptions of the experiment are briefly presented. Theoretical inspirations behind therapeutic model of Soteria are discussed and analyzed, and the results of the experiment are shortly described. The Soteria Research Project is placed in historical and contemporary context and compared to other theoretical propositions and practical solutions. A summary of critical arguments against Soteria is presented. Results of the Soteria Research Project suggest that therapeutic methods employed there were at least as effective as hospital treatment as usual, despite a radical reduction in, or even a complete lack of, pharmacotherapy. These results are still very important in the context of the debate concerning effective and ethical treatment of psychiatric disorders. It is claimed that Soteria was an attempt of restoring the importance of subjective experiences and subjectivity of a psychiatric patient in organized mental health care and a forerunner of contemporary postpsychiatric approaches, which postulate larger autonomy of patients, criticize sole reliance on pharmacotherapy and contemporary diagnostic systems, and underline the importance of psychotherapeutic interventions.

MIS416 Enhances Therapeutic Functions of Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Against Experimental Colitis by Modulating Systemic Immune Milieu.

Human adult stem cells, including umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs), have recently been considered a promising alternative treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to their unique immunomodulatory properties and ability to promote tissue regeneration. However, despite many years of research and pre-clinical studies, results from clinical trials using these cells have been diverse and conflicting. This discrepancy is caused by several factors, such as poor engraftment, low survival rate, and donor-dependent variation of the cells. Enhancement of consistency and efficacy of MSCs remains a challenge for the feasibility of cell-based therapy. In this study, we investigated whether administration of MIS416, a novel microparticle that activates NOD2 and TLR9 signaling, could enhance the therapeutic efficacy of hUCB-MSCs against Crohn's disease, using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model. Colitis was experimentally induced in mice by using 3% DSS, and mice were administered a retro-orbital injection of MIS416 and subsequent intraperitoneal injection of hUCB-MSCs. Mice were examined grossly, and blood, spleen, and colon tissues were subsequently collected for further ex vivo analyses. To explore the effects of MIS416 on the therapeutic process, hUCB-MSCs and primary isolated immune cells were cultured with MIS416, and in vitro assays were performed. Compared to the single administration of hUCB-MSCs, co-administration with MIS416 improved the therapeutic efficiency of the stem cells by significantly alleviating the symptoms of IBD. Interestingly, MIS416 did not exert any direct effect on the immunomodulatory capacity of hUCB-MSCs. Instead, systemically injected MIS416 altered the immune milieu in the colon which caused hUCB-MSCs to be more readily recruited toward the lesion site and to suppress inflammation more efficiently. In addition, considerable numbers of regulatory immune cells were stimulated as a result of the cooperation of MIS416 and hUCB-MSCs. These findings indicate that co-administration with MIS416 enhances the therapeutic potential of hUCB-MSCs by systemically regulating the immune response, which might be an effective strategy for overcoming the current obstacles to stem cell therapy in clinical practice.

The Importance of Nidotherapy and Environmental Change in the Management of People with Complex Mental Disorders.

Much has been done in the last 50 years to achieve a better understanding of the psychosocial causes and other factors influencing the manifestation of mental illness, but there has been a conspicuous omission. Although gross environmental deficiencies were exposed in old mental institutions, 70 years ago the more subtle maladaptive settings that reinforce chronicity in mental illness have often been forgotten. In this review, the potential of systematic environmental manipulation as a treatment (nidotherapy) and other similar forms of management, used many times in the past but now mainly in forensic settings, is examined. There is now accumulating evidence, reinforced by controlled trials, that planned environmental change, preferably carried out with the full cooperation of the patient, can be a major contributor to therapeutic benefit. It is also very cost-effective. All forms of the environment, physical, social and personal, can be addressed in making assessments, and once a planned way forward has been chosen, progress can be monitored by personnel with limited mental health experience. These interventions have applications in general mental health and occupational health services and deserve much wider use.

Cognitive Impairment in Chronic Kidney Disease: Vascular Milieu and the Potential Therapeutic Role of Exercise.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is considered a model of accelerated aging. More specifically, CKD leads to reduced physical functioning and increased frailty, increased vascular dysfunction, vascular calcification and arterial stiffness, high levels of systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress, as well as increased cognitive impairment. Increasing evidence suggests that the cognitive impairment associated with CKD may be related to cerebral small vessel disease and overall impairment in white matter integrity. The triad of poor physical function, vascular dysfunction, and cognitive impairment places patients living with CKD at an increased risk for loss of independence, poor health-related quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. The purpose of this review is to discuss the available evidence of cerebrovascular-renal axis and its interconnection with early and accelerated cognitive impairment in patients with CKD and the plausible role of exercise as a therapeutic modality. Understanding the cerebrovascular-renal axis pathophysiological link and its interconnection with physical function is important for clinicians in order to minimize the risk of loss of independence and improve quality of life in patients with CKD.

[Care and restraint, when the law questions nursing practice]. / Soins sous contrainte, quand le droit interroge la pratique.

With the reforms of 2011 and 2013 relating to psychiatric hospitalisation, raises the question of the suitability of modern psychiatric practice with regard to a person's recognised principles and basic rights. Achieving a balance is difficult and the Constitutional Council has joined the debate, bringing to an end any idea of compromise between safety and freedom. A decision which was made as a result of a clarification of certain regulations which have proved controversial from the point of view of individual liberties.

Treating Aggression in Forensic Psychiatric Settings.

Forensic psychiatric units are high-risk environments for aggressive behavior. Many elements are necessary for the successful reduction or elimination of aggression in the process of creating a safe treatment environment. Many specific interventions have been attempted over the years with various degrees of, usually limited, success. Tolisano et al. present an integrated behavioral approach with solid theoretical underpinnings and opportunities to support significant safety improvements for select patients, albeit with several caveats.

Integrated intervention for mental health co-morbidity in HIV-positive individuals: A public health assessment.

In South Africa, where it is estimated that more people have HIV than anywhere else in the world, HIV/AIDS and psychological disorder co-morbidity have been shown both to exacerbate the late diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders and to affect adherence to ARVs. Targeted, affordable and evidence-based strategies to reach these populations are essential. Against this backdrop, a pilot project and situational assessment aimed at determining the context of psychological care and HIV treatment services in South Africa was undertaken. The situational analysis consisted of individual interviews, a patient survey, and a retrospective medical record data review. Training and mentorship were conducted from 2011 to 2013 by the Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) in five anti-retroviral therapy (ART) clinics in the Tshwane-Metsweding area. Data were both descriptively and inferentially analysed. Outcomes indicate that the general structure of HIV services is well organised and well run in the sampled clinics. However, mental healthcare and HIV services need to be integrated further. There is also a need to develop and pilot-test appropriate materials and models for the delivery of mental healthcare within the parameters of affordability, acceptability and availability further, and to advocate the advancement of mental health and HIV treatment and policy integration.

[Anorexia and borderline personality disorder : bonds pathology]. / Anorexie mentale et trouble borderline : une pathologie du lien.

Comorbidity with a borderline personality disorder is far from rare in patients suffering from eating disorders. Clinically, this presents as chronic instability in many areas: interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, mood and acting out. Treatment is mainly based on a containing and reassuring therapeutic framework. A care plan may be put in place that incorporates reducing impulsive harmful, eating and self-harming behaviours. Dialectical behaviour therapy is intended in particular to prevent suicide risk in borderline personality disorder patients.

Can Frontline Clinicians in Public Psychiatry Settings Provide Effective Psychotherapy For Psychosis?

This report consists of the personal reflections of seven frontline clinicians who participated in a formal training program for the psychotherapy of psychosis implemented in a large public clinic setting. The training was part of a quality improvement initiative, consisting of 12 hours of didactic presentation followed by 30 hours of weekly peer-group supervision. The clinicians comment on ways of working with patients prior to the training, and how their views and techniques changed as a result of the training. The reflections of frontline staff provide proof of the concept that psychotherapy for psychosis techniques can be added to existing clinical skills, and that it is possible to implement a program in psychotherapy for psychosis in a busy public clinic.