Workplace trauma and professional quality of Life in clinical and forensic psychiatry: the CRITIC study.

Background: Frontline staff in psychiatry need to perform at a very high professional level in order to ensure patient and community safety. At the same time they are exposed to high levels of stress and workplace trauma. This may have severe consequences for their professional quality of life. In addition, health care workers in general have higher incidence levels of childhood adversity than the general population. The CRITIC (CRITical Incidents and aggression in Caregivers) Study aims to improve increased understanding of the interaction between personal life history (childhood adversity and benevolence), individual capabilities, exposure to trauma and violence at work and Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL). Method: The Critic Study is a cross-sectional survey of these aspects in frontline, treatment and administrative staff in clinical and forensic psychiatry. We aim to include 360 participants. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires on childhood adversity and childhood benevolence (assessing personal life history), professional quality of life, current trauma and violence exposure, current mental health (depression, anxiety and stress), coping, social support, work engagement and resilience. In this study we will examine the moderating role of adverse and benevolent childhood experiences in the association between workplace trauma exposure and professional quality of life. Finally, a theoretical model on the relationships between trauma, stress and coping in the context of professional functioning will be tested using structural equation modelling. Discussion: The CRITIC study examines which factors influence the complex relationship between childhood adversity and benevolence, and ProQOL in healthcare workers. It also aims to provide insight into the complex relationship between personal life history, individual characteristics, exposure to trauma and violence at work and ProQOL. The results can be used for designing interventions to increase resilience to trauma and to improve professional quality of life among health care professionals. Trial registration: The CRITIC study has been approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of the Erasmus Medical Centre, under trial registration number NL73417.078.20.

[Self-harming behavior of patients on a closed psychiatric ward]. / Zelfbeschadigend gedrag bij patiënten op een gesloten psychiatrische afdeling.

BACKGROUND: Self-harming behavior is a frequent problem seen in patients admitted to a closed ward in a psychiatric hospital. Little is known about prevalence and characteristics of this behavior as well as the preceding triggering factors. AIM: To gain insights in the self-harming behavior of patients admitted to a closed ward in a psychiatric hospital. METHOD: From September 2019 till January 2021 was gathered information on self-harming incidents and aggressive behavior towards others or objects, of 27 patients admitted to the closed department of the Centre Intensive Treatment (Centrum Intensieve Behandeling). RESULTS: 20 of 27 patients examined (74%) showed 470 incidents of self-harming behavior. Head banging (40.9%) and self-harming using straps/ropes (29.7%) occured most. Tension/stress as triggering factor was mentioned most (19.1%). Self-harming behavior occured more during evenings. Besides self-harm, a high degree of aggressive behavior towards others or objects was registered. CONCLUSION: This study delivers insights in self-harming behavior of patients admitted to closed psychiatric departments that can be used for prevention and treatment.

[Efficacy of integrated dual disorder treatment for dual disorder patients: a systematic literature review]. / Geïntegreerd behandelen van patiënten met dubbele diagnose met integrated dual diagnosis treatment (IDDT): systematische literatuurstudie.

BACKGROUND: Dual diagnosis (substance use disorder combined with a comorbid mental illness) is a common problem. One of the methods to treat this is integrated dual diagnosis treatment (IDDT). IDDT consists of the simultaneous, integrated application of different treatment components. Their efficacy, however, has only been studied separately. As a result, the effectiveness of the IDDT program as a whole remains unclear. AIM: To evaluate the scientific evidence relevant to the effectiveness of IDDT in dual diagnosis patients. METHOD: A systematic literature review using MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO (Prisma guideline). RESULTS: Six studies were found: a randomised controlled study (RCT), two non-randomised controlled studies, and three uncontrolled pre-post studies . There was a notably large diversity in outcome measures. The results differed significantly, including some studies concluding a significant (additional) effect, while others concluded that there was no indication of a significant effect of IDDT. CONCLUSION: In clinical practice, IDDT is recommended and chosen frequently as the treatment for patients with dual diagnosis. However, it is remarkable how limited and unthorough the research is pertaining to the effects of the full IDDT program on dual diagnosis.

Nurses' attitudes towards self-harm: a literature review.

ACCESSIBLE SUMMARY: People who self-harm experience many problems and needs related to management of emotional and practical stress. A positive attitude among nurses is especially important given the close contact they have with people who self-harm. This article is based on a review of the literature. It includes articles that concern both general and mental health nurses who work in various healthcare settings (e.g. acute inpatients wards, community mental health, emergency departments and medical admission units). The literature shows that negative attitudes towards self-harm are common among nurses. It remains unclear how nurses' age, work experience and gender influence their attitudes. The setting in which nurses work appears to influence their attitude, as does their level of qualification. For example, mental health nurses appear to have more positive attitudes than general nurses. Nurses' attitudes can be improved with the help of education comprising reflective and interactive elements. Supervision and support from colleagues appear to be especially important for mental health nurses. Self-harm is a growing health problem. Nurses in a variety of healthcare settings play a central role in the care of people who self-harm. Their professional attitudes towards these people are essential for high-quality care. This review aims to develop insight into nurses' attitudes towards self-harm as they exist in contemporary nursing practice. A literature search was conducted in four databases, and a total of 15 relevant articles were found. This review indicates that negative attitudes towards self-harm are common among nurses. The influence of nurses' age, gender and work experience remains unclear. Healthcare setting and qualification level appear to be influencing factors. Education can have a positive influence on nurses' attitudes towards self-harm, especially when it includes reflective and interactive components. It is demonstrated in this review that a major change is needed regarding nurses' attitudes. To realize this change, nurses need to be trained and educated adequately concerning self-harm. They need time and resources to build a therapeutic relationship with people who harm themselves so they can offer high-quality care for this vulnerable group.