International Journal of Mental Health Nursing

The Mediating Role of Psychological Capital in the Relationship Between Family Sense of Coherence and Caregiver Stress Among Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Zoromba MA, Atta MHR, Ali AS, El-Gazar HE and Amin SM
Caregiving for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) poses significant stress for parents, necessitating an exploration of mitigating factors. This study investigates the interplay between Family Sense of Coherence, Psychological Capital and caregiver stress in this context. A total of 205 caregivers of children with ASD participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected on Family Sense of coherence, Psychological Capital (encompassing hope, resilience, optimism and self-efficacy) and caregiver stress. Structural equation modelling was employed to test the mediation effect of psychological capital between family sense of coherence and caregiver stress. The results indicated a strong positive correlation between family sense of coherence and all subdomains of psychological capital, with coefficients ranging from 0.541 to 0.610. Conversely, psychological capital demonstrated significant negative correlations with various domains of the Kingstone Caregiver Stress Scale, including caregiving, family issues and financial issues (coefficients from -0.443 to -0.427). Furthermore, family sense of coherence showed a direct negative effect on stress (β = -0.384, p < 0.001). Notably, the study revealed a significant mediating role of psychological capital in the relationship between family sense of coherence and caregiver stress, with an indirect effect of family sense of coherence on stress through psychological capital (β = -0.127). The findings underscore the crucial role of family sense of coherence and psychological capital in enhancing psychological resources and mitigating stress among caregivers of children with ASD. These results suggest that interventions aimed at strengthening family coherence and building psychological capital could be effective strategies in alleviating stress among caregivers of children with ASD. Healthcare professionals should consider incorporating family coherence approaches and psychological capital techniques in their support programs for these caregivers.
Barriers and Enablers for Adolescents Accessing Substance-Use Treatment: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis
James PD, Nash M and Comiskey CM
Substance use is a persistent concern for adolescents in many countries due to the significant negative impact on mental, physical and social outcomes. US research indicates that while 4.1% of 12-17-year-olds require treatment, <10% of those who require it access it. This paper summarises the literature available on the barriers and enablers to those under 18s attending substance use treatment to inform policy and practice. Using a systematic approach, we searched six databases for studies which reported barriers and enablers to those aged 18 and under accessing substance use treatment. Thirty-two papers met the inclusion criteria and we present the findings using a narrative synthesis. Only one paper identified explored this topic in Europe. Barriers and enablers are presented across four themes: (1) individual factors, (2) societal factors, (3) Gateway Providers and (4) treatment service factors. Mental health nurses, especially those working with young people, should be aware that adolescents are unlikely to perceive their substance use as problematic and rely on adults to access treatment. Access appears more difficult for females and socially marginalised youth. Various professionals direct young people towards treatment, but clear protocols are needed to encourage them to intervene, which could be an opportunity for nurses to be innovative and lead in this area. Services perceived as adolescent-specific, youth-friendly and flexible encourage attendance while the cost of treatment, including time off work and transport, function as barriers.
Factors Influencing Staff Perceptions of Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitals: A Meta-Review of the Literature
Thompson KA, Modini M and Abbott MJ
Staff perceptions of inpatient psychiatric hospitals ultimately impact a range of organisational and care-related variables, including staff retention and quality of care for inpatients. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-review to synthesise themes reported by staff to influence their perceptions of inpatient psychiatric hospitals. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic reviews. PsycINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE and EMBASE were systematically searched. Reviews were eligible for inclusion if they examined the perception/experience of paid staff involved in caring for adults with mental illnesses admitted to an inpatient psychiatric hospital. Eligible reviews were assessed for methodological quality and bias. Thematic synthesis was used to merge thematically similar findings into an aggregate summary. Fifteen reviews were included, from which seven themes were reliably extracted: staff and patient safety, views on inpatients' experiences, relationships on the ward, ward rules, knowledge and experience, service delivery issues and coercive measures. Confidence in the evidence underlying each theme was analysed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (GRADE-CERQual) criteria. Results indicate that staff perceptions of inpatient psychiatric hospitals overlap with inpatients' perspectives, particularly regarding the therapeutic relationship, coercive measures and ward safety, in addition to unique experiences. Factors identified can help guide ways to improve staff retention, satisfaction and quality of treatment.
Why Are We Not Asking About Suicidal Mental Imagery?
Carey M, Keogh B and Doyle L
Homelessness: A Health and Social Crisis
Jackson D and Usher K
Unveiling Shadows: Challenges Encountered by Mental Health Nurses and Health Cadres in the Delivery of Care to Persons With Mental Illness in Indonesia
Warsini S, Kristanti MS, Saifudin IMMY, Fitryasari R, Marthoenis M and Usher K
Mental health nurses and health cadres in Indonesia who provide care to persons with mental illness (PWMI) report encountering several challenges and obstacles to the delivery of quality care. At present, there is a paucity of research on this topic. The objective of this study was to examine the challenges encountered by mental health nurses and health cadres in their interactions with the families of PWMI in the community. This descriptive qualitative study employed focus group discussions, conducted in three Indonesian cities: Banda Aceh, Surabaya and Yogyakarta. Thematic analysis was utilised to analyse the data. The study revealed that the theme of this research is nurses and health cadres experienced challenging family behaviours toward a PWMI. The initial subtheme of family behaviour is 'concealing the PWMI.' This subtheme encompasses instances where families attempted to hide the mental health condition of the PWMI. The second subtheme is 'unsupportive families'. This subtheme is characterised by reluctance to engage in treatment or outright rejection of hospital care. This is often due to factors such as familial busyness. The third subtheme is 'poor parenting styles'. This subtheme highlights how inadequate parenting practices, domestic violence and lack of family support contribute to stress and exacerbation of mental disorders in PWMI. The fourth subtheme is 'hidden motive related to wills and testaments', which reveals how families may attempt to manipulate treatment to remove the inheritance rights of PWMI. The fifth subtheme is 'abandonment by family', which describes scenarios where families completely neglect PWMI, leading to inadequate care and medication adherence. The final subtheme, 'removal of PWMI from family units', describes instances where families sent PWMI to mental health facilities for permanent separation, sometimes even relocating to another city. To address these issues, a comprehensive approach is required that considers both the affected individuals and their families. An understanding of the motivations behind these behaviours is essential for the development of targeted interventions that promote family support, reduce stigma and improve the overall mental health environment in communities.
2nd International Conference on Mental Health and Behavioral Medicine (MHBM2024), 13 - 15 September 2024, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Selected Meeting Abstracts From 2024 International Workshop on Psychology and Mental Health
Do Therapeutic Recreation Mental Health Clinical Placements Provide Educational Experiences to Pre-Registration Student Nurses?: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review
Leplaw A, Fernandez R, Lewer K, Patterson C and Moxham L
Clinical placements are a critical component in any pre-registration student nurse's skill development and play an influential role in career specialisation upon registration. However, students are reporting to feel anxious and under prepared attending clinical placements, especially within mental health settings. Such a concern was highlighted in the Australian Government's Productivity Commission into Mental Health (2020). With recommendations for clinical placements to occur in therapeutic recreation environments, allowing increased interactions between students and individuals with a lived experience. Hence, this mixed methods systematic review aims to explore the experiences of pre-registration student nurses completing their mental health clinical placement within a therapeutic recreation environment. Six databases were searched for the review; CINHAL, Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus and the ProQuest Dissertation and Theses database, yielding 10 214 articles. Data were imported to COVIDENCE for management and screening processes. Risk of bias was undertaken by two authors utilising the Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal Checklist for qualitative and quasi-experimental studies and McGill's Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool 2018 Version for mixed methods studies. Data were extracted manually for the 13 included articles which met the review inclusion criteria. Following a thematic analysis of the extracted data, three themes emerged: an optimal learning environment, impact on stigmatising beliefs and influence on future career. Findings identified that therapeutic recreation environments pose numerous education benefits for pre-registration student nurses. It is apparent through an immersive mental health clinical placement; student nurses are able to increase their mental health understanding through the lens of those with lived experiences. Such environments challenge stigmatising beliefs held by students prior to clinical placements and can lead to an increased desire to pursue a career within the mental health speciality. This review offers an insight into the many benefits for pre-registration student nurses who complete their mental health clinical placements in therapeutic recreation environments, including reduced stigmatising beliefs, increased mental health knowledge and improved clinical confidence. Trial Registration: PROSPERO: CRD42023476280.
Jungian Psychodrama and Nursing Education
Yüceyurt NK
Nursing, by its philosophy, is the process of providing quality care with an existential, humanitarian and holistic approach. In this context, nursing education aims to develop the intellectual, emotional and social skills of students to the greatest extent by reinforcing them with ideals. The psychodrama method, which can be a significant part of the therapeutic process of individuation and self-realisation, may be seen as a way for this. Psychodrama, which is a group psychotherapy method, is practiced worldwide under different styles and schools for the therapeutic processes of individuals. Jungian psychodrama is an approach that combines analytical psychology and drama therapy and aims to discover and transform the inner worlds of individuals. This article discusses the fundamental concepts and principles of Jungian psychodrama, the relationships of psychodrama with the profession of nursing, education in this profession and how Jungian psychodrama can be employed in nursing.
Revisiting Alcohol Consumption Among Nurses After the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Searby A, Burr D and Alexander L
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause nurses stress and trauma, with alcohol potentially being used to manage this stress. Prior studies of nurses' alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic have shown increases in alcohol consumption to manage stress associated with the pandemic. The aim of this paper is to explore perceptions of alcohol consumption and stress among nurses, particularly since the declared end of the COVID-19 pandemic. We used semi-structured interviews with Australian nurses (n = 55), using a qualitative-descriptive study design, conducted between October 2023 and January 2024. Data were analysed using structural coding and reported in accordance with CORE-Q guidelines. Four key themes emerged from the data: (1) Alcohol consumption in response to ongoing role stress, (2) Alcohol consumption in response to incidents, (3) The lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and (4) Do nurses feel comfortable seeking help for alcohol use? High-risk alcohol consumption has persisted beyond the end of the COVID-19 pandemic to manage the stress associated with clinical environments. Alcohol was also used in response to incidents, and the ongoing trauma and impact of the pandemic was described as a significant source of stress and anxiety. Not all nurses in our study felt comfortable seeking help for alcohol use, with participants describing concern for their nursing registration if they self-reported their alcohol consumption. Participants reported stronger links between stressful working environments and increased alcohol consumption. Nurses in our study do not feel safe seeking help or self-reporting alcohol consumption for fear of the regulatory body instituting sanctions that lead to loss or suspension of their registration. These factors require urgent attention to ensure workforce wellbeing and sustainability.
A Study on the Relationship Between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression and Anxiety Symptoms and the Quality of Life of Syrian Refugees: Case Study for the Province of Kayseri
Gokkaya E, Topal MH and Demirtas Ö
The aim of this study is to investigate the factors related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety mental disorders, as well as the quality of life of Syrian refugees and to examine the relationships between mental health disorders and the quality of life of Syrian refugees. Data were collected via face-to-face surveys with 613 adult Syrian refugees in an urban setting. Brislin's methodology was used for translating scale items, involving initial translation, back-translation and review by another professional translator. The study utilised the PTSD Scale, Beck Anxiety Scale, Depression Scale and Quality of Life Scale (QOLS). Descriptive, correlational and multivariate regression analysis were applied. Findings of correlational analysis indicate that PTSD levels among Syrian refugees are significantly related to gender, income level and employment. Depression levels are significantly associated with trauma history, healthcare service use, marital status and employment. Anxiety levels are significantly related to gender, trauma history, healthcare service use, employment and income. According to the findings of the regression analyses, the relationships between depression, quality of life and PTSD are complex. Meanwhile, anxiety decreases quality of life and increases PTSD. Quality of life moderates the relationship between depression and PTSD, as well as between anxiety and PTSD. The study concludes that the mental disorder levels of Syrian refugees, in terms of PTSD, depression and anxiety, are linked to their socio-demographic characteristics. These results highlight the importance of social, economic and cultural factors, healthcare and social services and the socio-demographic characteristics of the region where refugees have settled after displacement.
Development and Psychometric Properties of the Therapeutic Relationship Assessment Scale-Patient (TRAS-Patient)
Coelho JCF, Ribeiro JIF, Ribeiro ARM, Trindade ACG, da Sequeira CA, Roldán Merino JF, Moreno Poyato AR and Sampaio FMC
The therapeutic relationship plays a crucial role in nursing care for people with mental illness. Adopting a systemic and person-centred approach that considers the individual experiences and needs of the person is paramount. However, no instruments were found in the literature designed to evaluate the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship from the perspective of a person with mental illness. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of an instrument for assessing the quality of the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship from the patient's perspective. An e-Delphi study was conducted to develop the assessment tool, and a psychometric study was carried out to examine its psychometric properties. The sample comprised 240 adults with mental illness. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and the Omega coefficient. The final structure of the assessment instrument included 24 items distributed across two factors, explaining 64.2% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha was 0.94, and the Omega coefficient was 0.96. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.66-0.92). The therapeutic relationship assessment scale (TRAS-Patient) shows good psychometric properties. This is a relevant tool for assessing the quality of the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship from the patient's perspective, thus promoting a patient-centred approach and responding to the patient's needs. Mental health nurses can access a tool for evaluating the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship centred on disciplinary knowledge. This enables patient involvement in care, enhanced care and person-centred practice.
How Does Virtual Reality Technology Affect Suicidal Ideation in Society?
Ronaghi MH and Ronaghi M
Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression are on the rise in communities. Ignoring severe mental health issues can lead to suicide, which is a global public health issue. The use of advanced tools and methods to prevent suicide can help save human lives. Visual tools and virtual technologies have multiple applications in the medical and educational fields. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of using virtual reality (VR) technology on suicidal thoughts. A quasi-experimental study was conducted, in which 189 individuals who had a history of suicide were tested. These individuals were divided into three groups: one control group and two intervention groups that received traditional and VR-based training for 90 days. The Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation was used. The posttest results after the training period showed that conducting the training course had a statistically significant effect on individuals' suicidal behaviour and those who participated in the VR-based training course had better improvements in suicidal thoughts. Therefore, the use of 3D simulation and visualisation tools can have a significant impact on individuals' thoughts and perceptions. The results of this study have practical implications for hospital managers and counsellors in healthcare centres to use VR technology in counselling and training courses to improve the behaviour of individuals with a history of suicide.
Adapting Group Model Building for Mental Healthcare: A Participatory Co-Design Approach
Forrester-Bowling T, Lucas JJ, Brown AD, Bennetts S, Carolin R, Hayward J, Scott D, Peeters A and McLure J
Countries around the world are experiencing both a growing need for mental health services and major gaps in the delivery of mental healthcare. The World Health Organisation's 2022 report on mental health emphasised co-designed and systems-level innovations responsive to the voice of those with lived experience. However, evidence for implementing such methodologies is sparse. Group model building (GMB), a participatory systems-based approach, has been used in various fields, but its application is limited within mental healthcare settings. It is recognised as a valuable tool for engaging stakeholders, including those with lived experience, in understanding and redesigning health systems and services. The participatory approach aligns with the mental health sector's shift towards co-design and person-centred care. This study assessed the acceptability of GMB as a method for co-design within mental healthcare, aiming to explore its potential for meaningful collaborative improvement and systems-level insights. Participants from a regional Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Service (MHDAS) engaged in GMB workshops and focus groups. Eighteen individuals, including lived experience workers and healthcare professionals, provided feedback that informed adjustments to the workshops' design, language, timing and facilitation techniques, enhancing GMB's relevance for mental health co-design. The findings demonstrate the value and acceptability of the adapted GMB process in acute mental healthcare, marking a significant step towards evidence-based, person-centred service improvement. This study highlights the potential effectiveness of participatory methods in identifying and addressing systemic challenges, paving the way for future mental health reforms. Future work will focus on implementing and evaluating co-designed interventions, aiming for more inclusive and effective mental healthcare and advancing innovation and reform in the field.
Banging My Head Against a Brick Wall! Enablers and Barriers to Nurse Practitioners Delivering Opioid Agonist Treatments in Regional/Rural Victoria, Australia
Patil T, Dostal J, Nielsen S, Buus N, Molloy P, Armstrong F, Coventry J and Shlonsky A
The Victorian government's Alcohol and other drugs (AOD) workforce policy calls for greater recruitment of alcohol and other drugs nurse practitioners (AODNPs). However, frontline organisations in Victoria report several systemic barriers to their recruitment and retention. Additionally, there is scant Australian literature that examines the experiences of AODNP in opioid agonist treatment (OAT) provision in regional/rural areas. This research aims to address this gap by examining the AODNP workforce issues in delivering pharmacotherapy treatments in regional/rural areas of Victoria. Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, we conducted qualitative, in-depth interviews with 11 OAT prescribing AODNP's working in regional or rural Victoria. We analysed transcripts using reflective thematic analysis and generated three themes: (1) Professional motivations and values, (2) Enablers to professional role and (3) Barriers to professional role. The findings suggest that AODNPs in regional/rural areas are a dedicated workforce who provide holistic and integrated care for OAT clients. AODNPs play an important role in reducing and providing timely and subsidised health care for OAT clients living in regional/rural locations. AODNPs face many systemic and organisational barriers. These include inadequate funding for AODNP positions to prescribe pharmacotherapy treatments, lack of understanding of the AODNP professional role at the executive/management level within organisations and irregular access to supervision, mentoring, training and education. Also, endemic stigma in the health system acts as a barrier in recruiting and supporting AODNP positions that focus on care for OAT clients.
'Clinical Is the Pinnacle': Nurse Academics' Perspectives and Opinions of Their Students Undertaking Mental Health Clinical Placements
Moxham L, Foster K, Happell B, Lakeman R, Hazelton M and Hurley J
Clinical placements form an integral and important part of preregistration nursing student learning. The theory-practice gap has been identified as problematic, with clinical experience being a key strategy to address this. Despite this, the perceptions of nurse academics teaching preregistration mental health nursing regarding clinical placements have not been widely explored. To garner perspectives and experiences of mental health clinical placements from nurse academics teaching mental health nursing to preregistration nursing students. A descriptive qualitative study involving 19 nurse academics from 13 metropolitan and regional Australian universities, who were involved in the design and delivery of preregistration mental health nursing content. Data were analysed thematically. The study adhered to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). Participants reported that inappropriate clinical placements generate negative student experiences. Furthermore, mental health placements in nonspecialist settings such as medical-surgical or aged care compromised student learning and posed a barrier to linking theory to practice. Increasing meaningful and appropriate mental health clinical placements in nurse education requires investment and support from multiple stakeholders. Nurse academics are crucial stakeholders in terms of understanding the impact of mental health clinical placements. Appropriate mental health clinical placements are central to effective comprehensive nurse education. Academics teaching mental health in preregistration curricula are significant stakeholders, and their informed perceptions are central to compel change.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer People's Experiences of Stigma Across the Spectrum of Inpatient Psychiatric Care: A Systematic Review
Clark KD, Jewell J, Sherman ADF, Balthazar MS, Murray SB and Bosse JD
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other diverse sexual orientations and gender identity groups (LGBTQ+) face high rates of poor mental health. In the most severe and emergent of instances, inpatient psychiatric care may be required. LGBTQ+ people report experiences of mistreatment in healthcare settings broadly, such as denial of healthcare services and harassment from healthcare providers and other patients. However, little is known about the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in inpatient psychiatric care settings, specifically. The purpose of this review was to assess the existing literature for descriptions of LGBTQ+ people's experiences within inpatient psychiatric care. We searched multiple databases (i.e., PubMed, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science and Google Scholar) for peer-reviewed articles that described the experiences of LGBTQ+ people within inpatient psychiatric care that were published in English. The included articles (N = 14) were analysed using a conceptual model of stigma and organised within those strata (structural, interpersonal and individual stigma) across the inpatient experience, (admission, inpatient unit, and discharge). Themes identified included: noninclusive intake tools and pervasive misgendering during the admission process; lack of healthcare infrastructure, inadequate training and lack of cultural humility, pervasive discrimination and victimization, silencing of LGBTQ+ patients, and feelings of fear and shame while on inpatient units, and lack of community resources during the discharge process. Clinicians should consider the perspectives and experiences of LGBTQ+ people to enact identity-affirming care practices that may increase mental healthcare engagement and improve long-term mental health outcomes.
Improving the Use of Sensory Approaches in an Acute Inpatient Mental Health Unit Using a Co-Designed Multifaceted Implementation Strategy
Wright L, Meredith P, Bennett S and Doig E
Despite the therapeutic benefits of sensory approaches being well documented, little research has focused on improving their implementation in acute mental health units. The use of implementation frameworks to improve the use of evidence-based practices has shown promising results in healthcare; however, there is little evidence for their use in acute mental health units. A pre-post comparison design was used to determine the effect of an 11-month co-designed theory-informed multifaceted implementation strategy on the use of sensory approaches and the use of seclusion/restraint in one acute mental health ward. This study was guided by Integrated Knowledge Translation (IKT) and informed by the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) approach. Implementation strategies were co-designed and included provision of sensory materials/resources; education/training; prompts/reminders; modelling; audit and feedback; workplace coalition; and facilitation. Data were collected through pre- and post-project questionnaires (pre- n = 37, post- n = 40) and routine clinical data. Data were analysed using SPSS and thematic analysis. Data for matched pairs (n = 19) revealed significant improvements between pre- and post-perceived levels of knowledge and confidence in using sensory approaches. Significant increases were found in the use of sensory kits, weighted modalities and sensory assessment/plans. Post participants' recommendations to sustain the use of sensory approaches in their unit included ongoing training; funding; maintenance and supply of sensory equipment; increased staffing; and support from colleagues. This is the first study to use the IKT and BCW to design, facilitate and evaluate a co-designed, theory-informed implementation strategy to improve the use of sensory approaches in an acute mental health unit.
Analysing the Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Mental Health Differences in Chinese Society: Integrating Cultural, Psychological and Technological Perspectives
Luan D and Mu Q
Mental health (MH) differences remain an issue in contemporary Chinese society, with various factors influencing individuals' well-being. This study investigates the complex connection between results related to psychological wellness and social issues, integrating cultural, psychological and technological perspectives. Through a quantitative research methodology, data were collected from 1000 individuals using a questionnaire survey and analysed using SPSS software. The study's findings shed light on the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on MH stigma, help-seeking behaviour and overall well-being. The findings identify that lower SES was associated with heightened levels of MH stigma and decreased the search for assistance actions. Cultural beliefs emphasising MH stigma and societal expectations were identified as mediators in the connection involve SES and MH outcomes. Digital technology use emerged as a moderator, indicating that higher levels of technology utilisation were linked to reduced disparities in accessing MH resources. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive examination of the multifaceted factors influencing MH disparities within Chinese society. Additionally, psychological factors such as resilience and social support were observed to mitigate the negative lower SES's effect on MH consequences. The interaction between SES and cultural factors was found to predict MH outcomes, with lower SES exacerbating the effects of MH stigma and cultural barriers.
'It's a Horrible Place to Have a Period': A Survivor-Led Investigation of Experiences of Menstrual Health in Psychiatric Inpatient Settings in England
Porter MH
This study examined patients' experiences of menstrual health in psychiatric inpatient settings in England as reported by staff and patients. Questionnaires were conducted with 67 staff members and 101 people with lived experience of menstruation and treatment on a psychiatric ward. 10 semi-structured interviews were conducted with people with lived experience. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Grouped into overarching themes of institutional and interpersonal environments, four themes were identified: access to menstrual materials; the lack of privacy when menstruating in psychiatric inpatient settings; attitudes and approaches to menstruation; and menstrual support needs and care provision. There was variation among the experiences reported, with some patients receiving dignified care, whilst others described facing 'degrading' and 'dehumanising' treatments and enhanced feelings of shame and embarrassment around menstruation, in comparison with what they usually experience. This appeared to arise due to the interplay between mental health services overlooking menstruation and the overreliance on restrictive practices. These experiences may be understood as menstrual injustices, period poverty, potentially amounting to neglect and posing iatrogenic harms. Participants also discussed how their mental illness and distress, particularly within the context of trauma and/or eating disorders, shaped their menstrual experiences. However, many patients did not receive adequate support in relation to this. Patients' pain and disorder related to menstruation, or gynaecological conditions, was often described as being dismissed by staff or being viewed as beyond the responsibility of mental health services. This study highlighted the urgency for actions to be taken to provide greater support for patients who menstruate in psychiatric inpatient settings.
Mental Health Experiences Among Undergraduate Nursing Students in a New Zealand Tertiary Institution: A Time for Change
Solomon B, Topp M, Solomon DJA and Solomon D
Nursing students in undergraduate programmes exhibit comparable, sometimes higher, levels of poor mental health and substance use compared to the general population; however, this area remains under-researched in New Zealand. The study involved 172 nursing students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing programme at one tertiary institution in Auckland, New Zealand. Employing a mixed-methodology approach, a 29-question survey comprising both open and closed questions was administered to explore the students' experiences with mental health and substance use, as well as their access to support services. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 29 descriptive statistics, while a general inductive approach guided the qualitative analysis. A significant proportion of participants (75%) reported experiencing emotional distress during their studies, with anxiety being the most prevalent (78.5%). A smaller percentage disclosed substance use (8.1%) including excessive alcohol use, cannabis use, nicotine use, vaping cannabis and some refusal to reveal substance use. Surprisingly, less than 1% (n = 0.6) utilised institutional support services. Three qualitative themes were identified including emotional distress and associated effects, emotional and psychological impacts on nursing students' academic journey and tertiary support systems. The findings highlight the urgent need to address the mental health and addiction challenges experienced by nursing students, given their potential adverse effects on academic success and overall well-being. Urgent action is needed to integrate mental health training into the curriculum and provide faculty support. In this study, the underutilisation and inadequacy of institutional support services signal a need for institutional reforms to provide access and personalised mental health support to nursing students. Providing essential skills and support for student success contributes to the overall well-being of the nursing workforce.
Patient Experiences of Patient-Initiated Brief Admission in Psychiatric Care: A Systematic Review
Värnå E, Nederman J, Saliba-Gustafsson EA and Eckerström J
Patient-initiated brief admission (PIBA) is an innovative psychiatric care intervention that gives patients the autonomy to initiate a short admission (approximately 1-3 days) to psychiatric inpatient care. This intervention is structured around a mutual agreement between the patient and their care provider that outlines the specific structure and content of their care. Unlike regular psychiatric admissions, healthcare professionals do not review the patient's decision for admission during PIBA. Similar interventions have been developed globally to reduce the need for long inpatient admissions and compulsory care by enhancing patient autonomy, promoting active participation in care, and empowering patients to recognise early signs of mental health deterioration. The objective of this systematic review was to explore the experiences of PIBA among individuals with mental health disorders. A systematic review was conducted using qualitative articles sourced from the PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases. A total of thirteen original articles were included in the review, encompassing 186 patients. Research demonstrates that PIBA significantly impacts patients' care experiences in various ways. Access to PIBA gives patients the opportunity to take a break from daily stressors, which has proven significant in interrupting the cycle of worsening symptoms and negative thoughts. Furthermore, when the care environment is characterised by trust and respect, patients experience an increased sense of freedom, which contributes to a more effective recovery process. PIBA provides patients with a sense of safety and offers the possibility of a more functional daily life. Healthcare professionals'attitude and care provision also significantly influences patients' experiences. Central to a positive patient experience are a warm reception, attentiveness, and active listening. PIBA can not only change patients' perceptions of healthcare but, more importantly, fosters a transformative view of themselves as active participants in their own well-being. Knowledgeable healthcare professionals are crucial for the successful implementation of this intervention. By offering dignity and warmth alongside safety, PIBA addresses a critical gap in patient mental health care.
The Impact of Clinical Supervision on the Mental Health Nursing Workforce: A Scoping Review
McDonough J, Rhodes K and Procter N
Clinical supervision is a psychologically safe practice that aims to provide support and training for workers within the healthcare industry, including mental health nurses. Over the years, clinical supervision has been cited as a practice to improve workforce outcomes for both individual mental health nurses and the organisations they work in. The aim of this scoping review is to examine the evidence exploring the relationship between clinical supervision and workforce outcomes for mental health nurses. Twenty-eight articles sourced from six databases were included in this study. The most frequently evaluated workforce outcomes were competence (n = 14), workplace culture (n = 13) and compassion (n = 7). Studies reported that the association between clinical supervision and workforce outcomes was predominantly positive, but there were mixed results for competence, workplace culture, job satisfaction and burnout. Details on the type of clinical supervision received by participants were limited, and most of the evidence included in this review included qualitative research and participants self-reporting their perceived benefits from clinical supervision, as opposed to using validated instruments in experimental and/or longitudinal study designs. Organisations should be hesitant to implement mandatory clinical supervision within workplaces, as this could have the opposite effect on workforce outcomes for mental health nurses who are already time-poor and overworked, as well as those who are indifferent or hostile to clinical supervision.
Examining the Receptivity to Tobacco Treatment Information for Individuals Living With Mental Illnesses: A Mixed Method Study
Abufarsakh B, Seng S, Cline MS, Scarduzio J and Okoli CTC
People living with mental illnesses (MI) have a specific need that requires tailored tobacco treatment (TT) information to be delivered in a desirable, appropriate, and acceptable manner to increase their receptivity. In this mixed-method study, we aimed to develop tailored TT pamphlets for people with MI. In Phase I, we explored perspectives on tailored TT information from mental health providers (MHPs) and individuals with MI. In Phase II, we assessed the desirability, applicability, and acceptability of the developed tailored TT pamphlets. Semistructured interviews were used to obtain qualitative and quantitative data from 16 MHPs and 13 individuals with MIs recruited from an inpatient psychiatric facility. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used to synthesize the data. The study guides the development of effective approaches, presentations, and content to enhance TT engagement for people with MI. The proposed tailored TT pamphlets proved desirable, applicable, and acceptable for individuals with MI. We recommend developing tailored TT information for people with MI in collaboration with MHPs and the target audience. Clear, concise communication is crucial, ensuring desirability, applicability, and acceptability. Further research should identify effective approaches and evaluate tailored TT materials to enhance program effectiveness.
Nurse Experiences of Caring for Medically Compromised Adolescents With Eating Disorders in General Hospital Environments: A Scoping Review
Gamlath I, Buchanan-Hagen S, Alexander L and Searby A
Eating disorders encompass a spectrum of mental health conditions that are characterised by a preoccupation with eating, exercise, body weight or shape. The trajectory of eating disorders can result in hospitalisation for medical complications, such as electrolyte imbalance, extremely low weight and other medical issues that require urgent inpatient attention. Typically, care for adolescents with medically compromised eating disorders occurs in general medical settings, with most care provided by nurses who may or may not have the training and experience to provide quality care for this complex mental health condition. The aim of this scoping review is to examine literature surrounding the experience of nurses caring for adolescents admitted to general medical wards (non-mental health settings) with medically compromised eating disorders. We used Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) five-step scoping review process to conduct this review. A systematic search of the literature located 476 relevant papers, and after screening, 10 were included in the final review. Most included papers were qualitative in methodology, with one using a mixed-methods design. The papers examined in this scoping review found common themes among nurses who were providing care for adolescents with medically compromised eating disorders being cared for in medical wards (non-mental health settings): a lack of preparation to care for individuals with eating disorders, a high emotional and psychological toll on nurses providing care and a degree of stigma towards adolescents with eating disorders, including a belief that eating disorders were a 'choice.' This review indicates that to provide quality and safe care for adolescents with eating disorders admitted to general medical wards, nurses require specialised training. In addition, the care of adolescents with medically compromised eating disorders requires the support of trained mental health nurses, especially where nurses on general medical wards are novice or have limited mental health training. We recommend further research into support structures to prevent burnout and turnover that is prevalent when providing care to individuals with eating disorders.
Barriers and Facilitators to Mental Health Service Integration: A Scoping Review
Searby A, Burr D, Carolin R and Hutchinson A
Mental health service integration currently has no consensus definition and exists in a variety of settings, including primary care, addiction treatment and chronic disease management, and mental health nurses have often experienced efforts at service integration with varying degrees of success. The intent of mental health service integration is to enable collaboration between mental health services and other healthcare providers to improve service access and the care provided to individuals with mental health issues or mental illness. This scoping review aimed to explore service integration between mental health services and with a specific focus on those evaluated in peer-reviewed, primary literature, to determine facilitators and barriers to service integration. Using the Arksey and O'Malley's framework for scoping reviews, we located 3148 studies, with screening narrowing final papers for inclusion to 18. Facilitators to service integration included clinician education, adequate resourcing and an interdisciplinary approach, while barriers included staff factors such as a reluctance to work with individuals with mental illness, consumer level barriers such as poor mental health literacy, 'territorialism' among staff and organisational climate. Research indicates that service integration is an effective means to detect and treat mental health issues in settings that do not traditionally provide mental health care, lowering the costs of providing healthcare and providing improved care for mental health needs; however, there are several barriers to be addressed to achieve full implementation of integration models.
'My Journey': A Qualitative Study of Recovery From the Perspective of Individuals With Chronic Mental Illness
Yüksel R, Çekiç Y and Çolak B
Due to the humanistic paradigm shift in recent years, mental health recovery has been approached through personal recovery beyond the limits of the biomedical perspective, emphasising the subjective perception and uniqueness of the individual. Therefore, approaching recovery perceptions from patients' perspectives has gained importance. This study aimed to examine in depth the recovery perceptions of individuals with chronic mental illness. It is a qualitative study conducted using a phenomenological design. The study group consisted of 12 patients who had been undergoing treatment for mental illness for at least 1 year and were selected by purposive sampling method. Data were collected face-to-face using a semi-structured interview form and analysed using the content analysis technique. The content analysis revealed three main themes and seven sub-themes. The themes were journey (a meaningful life, optimal functioning, new identity), journey ticket (resilience, support systems) and stones on the road (traditional perspective, barriers). In conclusion, the study results revealed that individuals in the recovery process required support and counselling to make sense of the process and adapt their identity. Employment should be used more effectively in the recovery process of individuals with chronic mental illness. Recovery can only be achieved by breaking away from the traditional perspective of healing and combating the perception of society towards patients. Accordingly, psychiatric nurses should provide effective guidance and counselling to show that individuals can create and live a meaningful life alongside their illnesses.
Challenges for Family Caregivers of Persons With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Qualitative Longitudinal Study
Kuo LM, Wang CL, Huang HL, Hsu WC and Shyu YL
Family caregivers of persons with mild cognitive impairment attempt to understand the behavioural and functional changes exhibited by their relative. However, how caregivers respond to initial changes and changes over time has not been explored. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experience of family caregivers responding to changes in their relative's memory, behaviours, and physical functions over 2 years. Eleven family caregivers of a relative with mild cognitive impairment were purposively recruited from neurological clinics in Taiwan. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted within 6-months of referral; three follow-ups were conducted at 6-month intervals. Content analysis of 41 transcribed audio-recorded interviews revealed the longitudinal changes in their relative with cognitive impairment was made caregiving challenging. Three themes described the challenges: (1) Changes related to their relative's cognitive impairment, which included increases in mood fluctuations, erratic behaviours, and reductions in physical abilities; (2) changes in their relative's comorbidities, which included adapting to new symptoms and treatments for a chronic disease, monitoring medication adherence and drug interactions; and (3) changes in caregiver burden, which increased levels of stress, uncertainty, and anxiety resulting in greater role strain. Caregiving became more challenging with time, especially caregivers whose relative developed dementia during the study period. These findings offer insight into the trajectory of the experience of family caregivers attempting to understand changes in cognition, behaviours, and physical functions for their relative with mild cognitive impairment over 2 years, which could help mental healthcare providers develop support services to reduce caregiver role strain.
Clinical Risk Management in Mental Health Services: 10 Principles for Best Practice
Doyle M, Grundy A, McGleenan K, Nash M and Deering K
Risk assessment and management are a fundamental part of clinical practice globally within mental health services. In the United Kingdom (UK), the evidence to support the effectiveness of structured risk assessment and management remains limited, although the perception remains that structured management frameworks are effective in reducing risk in mental health care. Despite the importance of risk management within mental health services, the most recent UK wide guidance was published in 2009, while international guidance for the assessing and management of service user risks also appears sparse. This perspective paper reports on a consultation and co-production project to provide up-to-date best practice principles in clinical risk management to enhance the consistency, quality and safety of mental health practice in the UK mental health services, and for mental health services in other English speaking countries. A three-stage approach was used including literature review, referral to mental health experts for review and final evaluation and sign off by users of mental health services as experts by experience. Ten principles for best practice were confirmed as a benchmark for practice and are offered as a benchmark to improve the quality and safety of mental health practice.