Investigating the effects of a virtual reality-based stress management programme on inpatients with mental disorders: A pilot randomised controlled trial.

This study aimed to examine the effects and feasibility of a virtual screen-based stress management programme (V-DESSERTS) on inpatients with mental disorders. A single-blinded, pilot randomised controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Convenience sampling was used and participants were randomised into either the intervention group or the waitlisted control group (WL). The intervention group received individual-based, twice-daily sessions of the programme. Each session comprised education and virtual screen-based relaxation practice. Data were collected through self-reported questionnaires and physiological measures. The intervention group showed a significant increase in perceived relaxation and knowledge in comparison with the WL group. However, inconclusive results were observed on subjective and objective stress. The findings in this study indicated that the V-DESSERTS programme is feasible to be implemented for patients with schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorders.

Exploring predictors of medication adherence among inpatients with schizophrenia in Singapore's mental health settings: A non-experimental study.

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder, which is marked by frequent relapses. The main reason for relapse is nonadherence to antipsychotics. A cross-sectional, correlational research study was conducted with a convenience sample of 92 participants. The primary aim of this study was to explore the predictors of medication adherence among inpatients with schizophrenia hospitalised at tertiary hospitals in Singapore. Post-hoc analysis revealed that insight, religion, side effects, types of antipsychotics, social support from significant others, nurse-client relationship, were significant predictive factors. Results from this study added knowledge to the nursing literature about medication adherence of schizophrenia patients and in Singapore setting.

Factors Affecting Medication Adherence Among Adults with Schizophrenia: A Literature Review.

This review aimed to summarize empirical evidence concerning factors relating to medication adherence among patients with schizophrenia. A comprehensive search was implemented to recruit articles which met the present eligibility criteria. Twenty-five articles were included whereby only one was a qualitative study. Greater awareness of illness (insight), previous history of medication adherence, positive attitude toward medication, types of atypical antipsychotics, less severe psychotic symptoms, and social support were identified as factors of medication adherence. Knowledge gaps and methodological limitations were also identified. Implications to clinical practice include providing psychoeducation to patients by increasing their knowledge about illness and medication.

Efficacy of the virtual reality-based stress management program on stress-related variables in people with mood disorders: the feasibility study.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a VR-based stress management program on people with mood disorders. A quasi-experimental study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Singapore, and a convenience sample of 22 was recruited. The program comprised three daily 1-hour sessions incorporating psychoeducation and VR-based relaxation practice. Participants who completed the program had significantly lowered subjective stress (t=6.91, p<0.001), depression (t=5.62, p<0.001), and anxiety (t=5.54, p<0.001); and increased skin temperature (F=17.71, p<0.001), perceived relaxation (F=26.20, p<0.001) and knowledge (F=13.77, p<0.001). Participants' feedback on the program was positive. Findings from this study contribute to improving clinical practice and serve as preliminary data to conduct more rigorous research in the future.

The impact of antipsychotic side effects on attitudes towards medication in people with schizophrenia and related disorders.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This research aimed to: (i) investigate the prevalence and perceived severity of antipsychotic side effects in people with schizophrenia and related disorders living in communities in Singapore; (ii) examine the relationship between antipsychotic variables (type, dose, route, prescription duration) and side effects; and (iii) examine the relationship between side effects and attitudes towards medication. BACKGROUND: Antipsychotics are the mainstay treatment in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. However, antipsychotics are associated with a wide range of side effects, which potentially have adverse effects on patients' functioning. A lack of studies comparing the frequency of side effects and their associated levels of distress across multiple antipsychotics and different medication variables has been noted. Additionally, it is essential to assess patients' attitudes towards antipsychotics in relation to their experience of side effects. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, non-experimental research design was used. METHOD: A convenience sample of 96 adults with schizophrenia and related disorders on antipsychotic treatment and attending the hospital's outpatient clinic was recruited. Variables collected included antipsychotic type, dose, route, prescription duration and side effects, attitudes towards medication and demographic and clinical variables. They were analysed with descriptive statistics and correlational analyses. RESULTS: Many participants experienced psychic (80·2%), extrapyramidal (69·8%) and miscellaneous side effects (61·5%). Side effects positively correlated with dose (p = 0·016) and negatively correlated with prescription duration (p = 0·014). Negative attitudes towards medication were positively correlated with side effects in general (p = 0·023), along with hormonal (p = 0·013) and psychic side effects (p = 0·008). CONCLUSION: Findings revealed that majority of the participants experienced and were distressed over psychic, extrapyramidal and weight gain, which may be related to high doses and treatment duration. Additionally, patients experiencing psychic and hormonal side effects are at risk of developing negative attitudes towards medication. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Findings guide the development of appropriate nursing interventions that aim to alleviate side effects, reduce negative attitudes towards medication and prevent compliance problems.