RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to survey hospital staff knowledge of the application of the Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW) (MHA) and the Guardianship Act 1987 (NSW) (GA) in the care and treatment of older persons in a teaching hospital in Sydney. Method Over a two-month period in 2017, a survey questionnaire was distributed to staff involved in older persons' care across the hospital. RESULTS: The majority of the hospital staff demonstrated basic theoretical knowledge of both the GA (76%) and of the MHA (84.5%). Fewer (64.5%) appeared to understand the practical application of the MHA in the hypothetical clinical situations. An even lower proportion of staff appeared to understand the application of the GA either to obtain consent for medical treatment or to appoint a guardian through the Guardianship Division of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). CONCLUSION: Although clinical staff of the hospital displayed fair knowledge and awareness about the application of the MHA and the GA to inpatient care of older adults, further education is necessary, particularly about the application of the GA. The authors suggest similar findings may occur at other New South Wales hospitals, which may raise concern and need for education.
Assuntos
Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Pacientes Internados , Tutores Legais , Legislação Médica , Saúde Mental/legislação & jurisprudência , Recursos Humanos em Hospital , Idoso , Hospitais de Ensino/estatística & dados numéricos , Humanos , Pacientes Internados/legislação & jurisprudência , Tutores Legais/legislação & jurisprudência , New South Wales , Recursos Humanos em Hospital/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
AIM: It has been noted for many years that people with severe and enduring mental illness frequently have poor physical health. Their physical health needs often go unrecognised by the mental health team. This study aims to investigate the physical health status of all in-patients in a residential rehabilitation setting. METHODS: All the clients in a rehabilitation centre in Doncaster, England, were included in the health screening survey. The physical health of patients was assessed following the guidelines from 'Physical Health of the Severe and Enduring Mentally 111. A Training Pack for GP Educators'. RESULTS: Over one-third (35%) of the patients studied were found to be obese and more than one-half (53%) were heavy smokers. These compare with figures of 24% for obesity and 25% for smoking in the general population. CONCLUSIONS: The physical health needs of people residing in rehabilitation units should be a high priority for the mental health staff and regular surveys should be considered. If we are successful at encouraging the mental health team to be involved in annual physical health screening of patients with severe mental illness in the rehabilitation unit, we might improve their physical health and reduce mortality.
