Uncovering Complexities in Reducing Aggression, Conflict and Restrictive Practices in Acute Mental Healthcare Settings: An Overview of Reviews.

Aggression, conflict and restrictive practices present complexities in acute mental health services, as do implementing service changes to reduce them. Existing published literature needs to offer more high-level guidance on the effectiveness of these service changes and their associated implementation factors. As a result, an overview of systematic reviews was undertaken to identify (i) nonpharmacological interventions to reduce conflict, aggression and restrictive practices in acute mental health settings, and (ii) their effects across different clinical outcomes. A parallel re-extraction from primary studies was then utilised (iii) to identify factors influencing successful intervention implementation. Of 124 articles sourced from nine databases and registries, four reviews were retained for the final analysis, using the direction of effect and tabular and narrative summaries. These reviews included programmes or interventions focused on inpatient adolescent, adult and older adult populations. They reported on alternative containment strategies, risk assessments, Safewards, sensory rooms and equipment, Six Core Strategy-based interventions and staff training. The overview found that a combination of interventions intended to improve relationships and reduce interpersonal conflict may help reduce aggression, conflict and restrictive practices. At the same time, stand-alone staff training and sensory rooms and equipment may have mixed effects. The quality of the evidence linking these interventions to reductions in aggression, conflict and restrictive practices is limited. Successful implementation hinges on multiple factors: intervention characteristics, preparation and planning, evaluation and monitoring, outcome interpretation, stakeholder involvement/investment, staff-related factors and contextual factors. Any implementation initiative may benefit from using pragmatic and complexity-informed research methodologies, including integrating meaningful involvement with service users, peer workers and culturally diverse groups.

Stakeholder perspectives on continuous observation in inpatient psychiatric wards.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Continuous observation is often used in mental health wards to support the safety of service users, where they will be constantly watched by a member of staff. Evidence suggests that continuous observations may be unhelpful and restrictive, but not enough is known about the practice or the best ways to improve it. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This evaluation integrates the perspectives of service users, informal carers and staff to explore current continuous observation experiences and inform future improvements. While previous research highlights the importance of therapeutic engagement, this study additionally emphasizes how the observation procedure could be adapted to individual needs. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Continuous observations could be more beneficial if they are therapeutic, proportional to the level of risk and co-developed with the service user, informal carer and staff. Further training about communication could support staff engagement and the observation process could be formalized to ensure regular collaborative reviews. ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Continuous observation is a frequently used tool to manage high levels of risk on psychiatric wards. However, there is little previous research on its use in practice. AIM: This qualitative service evaluation aims to explore the continuous observation experiences of service users, informal carers and staff in a local NHS Mental Health Trust, informing suggested future improvements to current practice. METHOD: Five service users, three informal carers and seven healthcare staff completed semi-structured interviews, which were thematically analysed to create four themes. RESULTS: Positive interaction and engagement in activities were critical for a therapeutic approach to observations, supporting service users and staff to minimize the unproductive behaviours that can arise. Difficulties balancing safety with privacy could suggest the importance of proportionate and tailored observation procedures for each service user. Ensuring the voices of service users and informal carers remain central to decisions regarding care could further improve the observation experience. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study highlights therapeutic, proportionate and co-produced observations as key characteristics to improve practice. Further training and formalization of the observation process could foster cultural changes towards more long-term approaches to risk management.

Goodbyes without farewells under the rubble: A phenomenological study of earthquake victim's methods of coping with ambiguous loss.

INTRODUCTION: Ambiguous loss refers to the lack of clear information about the fate of a missing person or object. AIM: This study aims to examine in-depth the experiences of earthquake victims regarding the methods of coping with the uncertain losses they experienced after the Kahramanmaras-based earthquake disaster on February 6, 2023. METHODS: In this qualitative study conducted using phenomenological research design, the snowball sampling method, one of the purposive sampling methods, was used. Face-to-face, in-depth interviews of approximately 30 to 40 minutes were conducted with 20 earthquake victims reached by this method. Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis method was used to analyze the data obtained. Data were collected by COREQ criteria. RESULTS: According to the results of the analysis, three main categories (inner journey and emotional transformation, bridges of solidarity built on destruction, and change and growth in life perspectives) and nine themes (whispers coming from under the rubble, the reaction of facing ambiguity, mental labyrinths in the search for meaning, hearts united amid destruction, the search for meaning in ambiguity and ways out of spiritual wreckage, growth among the rubble, and the value of transience and new horizons rising from the ruins) emerged. DISCUSSION: The research reveals that the coping methods adopted by earthquake victims in the face of personal and objective ambiguous losses range from spirituality to social support mechanisms. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: In line with the results obtained from the findings, it is suggested that the coping strategies of earthquake victims should be strengthened, and new methods should be developed.

Mental health nurses' attitudes towards consumers with co-existing mental health and drug and alcohol problems: Adescriptive study.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Dual diagnosis is one of the leading causes of disability globally. There is limited evidence on mental health nurses' attitudes towards consumers with dual diagnosis. WHAT DOES THE PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Mental health nurses have positive attitudes towards consumers with dual diagnosis. A positive attitude at work is influenced by various factors, including feeling that one's role is appropriate and legitimate. This also includes receiving support in that role, being motivated to work, having confidence in completing tasks and feeling satisfied with one's job. ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Dual diagnosis is a global health concern. This descriptive research assessed mental health nurses' attitudes towards consumers with dual diagnosis in Australian mental health settings. The research question was: What is the attitude of mental health nurses towards consumers with co-existing mental health and drug and alcohol problems? MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional survey included 103 mental health nurses who work with consumers with dual diagnosis. Participants were recruited from various mental health settings through convenience sampling. The Comorbidity Problems Perceptions Questionnaire was used to assess attitudes. Descriptive data and multiple regression analyses were conducted. We utilized the consensus-based checklist for reporting results of this study. RESULTS: Mental health nurses positively perceived consumers with dual diagnosis. Factors associated with a positive attitude were a higher level of work experience, feeling that one's role is adequate, perceiving one's role as legitimate, receiving increased support in one's position, having high work motivation, possessing high task-specific self-esteem and experiencing higher levels of work satisfaction. Work experience predicted role adequacy. Position predicted role support. The work sector predicted role-related self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS: As mental health nurses gain work experience; they develop positive attitudes that boost their self-esteem and sense of importance towards consumers with dual diagnosis. This constructive mindset also positively affects their work motivation and job satisfaction towards consumers with dual diagnosis. Conducting interventional studies is necessary to examine how clinical experiences, work environments, and job positions can impact attitudes, aiming to improve mental health nursing interventions towards consumers with dual diagnosis. IMPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE: The study found that mental health nurses' positive attitudes towards consumers with dual-diagnosis are influenced by their experience and knowledge. Moreover, mental health nurses who feel supported, motivated and confident in their roles are more likely to provide high-quality care to consumers with dual diagnosis. Mental health nurses could provide better care and support if they took a proactive approach and addressed the challenges associated with this consumer population. To be successful in their roles, mental health nurses require access to resources and support from healthcare organizations. As a result, their job satisfaction and attitudes towards consumers with dual diagnosis will be enhanced. In this way, consumers as well as healthcare organizations will benefit.

Development and evaluation of a personalised sleep care plan on child and adolescent in-patient mental health wards.

AIMS AND METHOD: The study evaluated a package of measures to improve sleep on psychiatric wards admitting patients from children and young people's services (CYPS). Sleep disturbance has significant impact on adolescent mental health, and in-patient wards can directly cause sleep disturbance, independent of the problem that led to admission. We developed a CYPS-specific package (TeenSleepWell) that promoted a better sleep environment, enhanced staff education about sleep, screened for sleep disorders, and raised awareness of benefits and side-effects of hypnotics. This included personalised sleep care plans that allowed a protected 8 h sleep period when safe. RESULTS: Evaluation over 2 years showed enhanced in-patient care: 57% of patients were able to have a protected sleep period. There was no increase in adverse events and there was a decrease in hypnotics issued. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Improving sleep during in-patient CYPS admissions is possible and personalised sleep care plan should be a care standard.

Teaching psychiatric nursing with films during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT: Interactive learning environments are known to be among the most effective methods used in education. Some of the interactive methods used in psychiatric nursing education are simulations, group discussions, case studies and video and film presentations. In psychiatric nursing education, cinematic films are among the online methods used. It is known that films used in psychiatric nursing education are useful for understanding mental disorders, the nurse-patient relationship, the roles of the nurse and the therapeutic environment. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE: The COVID-19 pandemic deeply affected nursing education, and the difficulties faced gave rise to many new perspectives. After this period, it is of prime importance to update the nursing curriculum and develop new strategies in clinical practice. Teaching with films can help students to understand people's feelings, make sense of them and empathize. This method can have an emotional impact on student nurses and take learning to a deeper level beyond simple theoretical understanding. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The findings of the study suggest that teaching through film is an effective method that can be used practically in psychiatric nursing education. Standardizing these practices may be an effective strategy for developing students' professional identity as nurses. This study is focused on undergraduate students, but has implications for nurses in continuing education and professional development of nurses in developing a positive perspective towards psychiatric patients, increasing self-awareness and reducing prejudices. ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic affected many areas of life and had a negative effect on education. AIM/QUESTION: This study investigated the impacts of using film as a method of education in students who were taking Psychiatric Nursing class during the COVID-19 pandemic, examining how this method contributed to theoretical and clinical practices of the students, their personal development and their viewpoint on psychiatric patients. METHOD: This study adopted a qualitative research design. The study data were collected from 15 nursing students in June 2022. Interviews were conducted, audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. RESULTS: The method of education via film made contributions such as better theoretical understanding of the subjects taught, acquisition of analytical thinking skills and greater awareness of professional nursing skills and care practices. The students developed their professional perspectives, and their motivation increased. DISCUSSION: Using film is effective and practical when used in psychiatric nursing education. Standardizing these practices may be an effective strategy for developing students' sense of their identity as professional nurses. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: This study relates directly to undergraduate students and also has implications for nurses undergoing continuing education and professional development.

Handling conflict situations in psychosis inpatient care: Nursing staff experiences of the Interactive Approach model.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: In inpatient wards, there is a risk that conflicts occur when nursing staff interact with psychotic patients. The Interactive Approach (IA) model is an action-based model, used in psychiatric settings, to manage conflict situations. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The IA model can be used to improve communication between nursing staff and patients in numerous critical situations. Using a structured risk scale to evaluate a conflict can be an effective way to guide action and sort out the different aspects of communication between nursing staff and psychotic patients. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The clarity of an action-based model will help sort out which interventions are most likely to succeed in each conflict situation. The IA model highlights the importance of understanding and strengthening the patient's perspective, being flexible for each individual patient, and providing the patient with clear information about the situation. ABSTRACT: Introduction The Interactive Approach (IA) model is a structured management tool used to improve communication between caregivers and patients in psychiatric care settings. Aim/Question To examine the nursing staff's experiences of the IA model. How do they use the interventions in conflict situations with psychotic patients? Method A sample of nursing staff (n = 11) was recruited from three psychosis inpatient care units. Semi-structured questions covered staff experiences of working with the problem-solving interventions in the IA model. Transcribed data were analysed by qualitative content analysis. Results Three categories were defined: (1) 'To apply a flexible approach' describes how staff tried to adapt to each patient and situation; (2) 'Try to understand the person's inner world' describes the importance of active listening and exploring the patient's concerns; and (3) 'To communicate clearly' relates to experiences of clear communication and the setting up of boundaries. Discussion The risk scale and training in communication skills helped the interaction between staff and patients in conflict situations. Different interventions were used with a focus on maintaining patient alliance. Implications for Practice The findings highlight the importance of educational efforts and practical training, to prevent violence and the use of coercive measures.

The effect of self-esteem development programme applied to secondary school students on self-esteem and peer bullying victimization: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Self-esteem and peer bullying, which affect the academic success and psychological development of secondary school students, are increasingly becoming a serious problem. AIM: This study was conducted to examine the effect of the Self-Esteem Development Programme applied to secondary school students on self-esteem and peer bullying victimization. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted with 66 students (intervention = 33, control = 33) studying in the 6th grade at a secondary school. Personal Information Form, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Peer Bullying Identification Scale Adolescent Form were used to collect the data. The intervention group received 8 sessions of Self-Esteem Development Programme in the form of one session per week of 45-60 min; the control group continued their routine education programme. RESULTS: In the study, after the Self-Esteem Development Programme, the mean self-esteem score of the intervention group increased and the mean peer bullying score decreased, and the difference between the groups was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, it can be stated that the Self-Esteem Programme is an effective psychiatric nursing intervention in increasing self-esteem and reducing peer bullying. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICES: Students with low self-esteem are at risk of exposure to peer bullying. This study provides significant evidence for improving the self-esteem and reducing peer bullying among students who are at risk due to low self-esteem and peer bullying. The results of this study demonstrate that the Self-Esteem Development Programme can be utilized to enhance self-esteem and reduce exposure to peer bullying among students. CLINICALTRIALS ID: NCT04737374.

Teaching Strategies in Psychiatric Nursing Based on Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives.

Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objective (BTEO), as a classic method for categorizing educational objectives, provides a clear and specific framework for formulating teaching goals in the global education field. Psychiatric nursing, as a highly specialized discipline, demands high requirements for students in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. However, traditional teaching methods often focus excessively on knowledge impartation, neglecting the cultivation of students' practical abilities and emotional attitudes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to Improve the existing psychiatric nursing curriculum by combining Bloom's educational goals theory, which emphasizes the comprehensive development of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills, providing new perspectives and methods for psychiatric nursing education. By applying BTEO, specific teaching goals at different levels can be defined more clearly, and corresponding teaching strategies and methods can be employed to achieve these goals. Furthermore, the application of BTEO requires effective interaction between teachers and students. Teachers need to monitor students' learning progress, adjust teaching strategies promptly, and ensure that students comprehensively grasp knowledge and skills. Thus, the application of this teaching strategy contributes to improving the quality of psychiatric nursing education and cultivating outstanding psychiatric nursing professionals. We hope to cultivate students' theoretical knowledge and practical skills in mental care by helping them develop their overall skills.

The Relationship of Functioning and Life Satisfaction with Illness Management and Recovery in Patients with Bipolar Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to determine relationship between functioning and life satisfaction with illness management and recovery, and determinants of illness management and recovery in patients with bipolar disorder. This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 152 participants between August 2022 and February 2023. "Personal Information Form", "Illness Management and Recovery Scale", "Functioning Assessment Short Test" and "Adult Life Satisfaction Scale" were used to collecting data. In study, a positive relationship was found between illness management and recovery and total functionality, autonomy, cognitive functionality, interpersonal relationships, and life satisfaction. Gender, marital status, educational status, employment status, total functioning, autonomy, cognitive functioning, interpersonal relationships, and life satisfaction were found to be effective in illness management and recovery. Being female, single, primary school graduate, unemployed, having low functioning (autonomy, cognitive functioning, interpersonal relationships) and having low life satisfaction were found to be determinants of illness management and recovery.

Testing a recovery-oriented nursing communication framework to encourage collaboration and discussion about aggression prevention: A mixed methods study.

Recovery-oriented practice is essential in healthcare, yet research exploring methods for integrating recovery-oriented principles in forensic mental health settings is limited. This study involved the co-development, with mental health care nurses and a lived experience expert, and testing of a recovery-oriented script for forensic mental health nurses to use when communicating with consumers at high-risk of imminent aggression. The aim was to examine whether nurses perceived the script as more empathic when the script included specific references to empathy, compared to an equivalent script that did not include empathic statements, and to explore nurses' perspectives on whether the script could help prevent aggression. Nurses (n = 54) working in a secure forensic mental health hospital were randomly allocated to read a script containing statements representing nine recovery-oriented principles that also included empathic statements, or an equivalent script that did not include empathic statements. After reading the script, the participants completed a questionnaire involving a recovery-oriented practice scale developed by the authors, measuring the extent to which the scripts reflected recovery-oriented principles, and open-ended questions about the script's potential to prevent aggression. Results revealed no significant difference in nurse perceptions of empathy between the two scripts. Content analysis indicated that nurses perceived the scripts could help prevent aggression.

Youth, caregiver and healthcare professional perspectives on planning the implementation of a trauma-informed care programme: A qualitative study.

AIMS: To explore youth, caregiver and staff perspectives on their vision of trauma-informed care, and to identify and understand potential considerations for the implementation of a trauma-informed care programme in an inpatient mental health unit within a paediatric hospital. DESIGN AND METHODS: We applied the Interpretive Description approach, guided by complexity theory and the Implementation Roadmap, and used Applied Thematic Analysis methods. FINDINGS: Twenty-five individuals participated in individual or group interviews between March and June 2022, including 21 healthcare professionals, 3 youth and 1 caregiver. We identified two overarching themes. The first theme, 'Understanding and addressing the underlying reasons for distress', related to participants' understanding and vision of TIC in the current setting comprising: (a) 'Participants' understanding of TIC'; (b) 'Trauma screening and trauma processing within TIC'; (c) 'Taking "a more individualized approach"'; (d) 'Unit programming'; and (e) "Connecting to the community". The second theme, 'Factors that support or limit successful TIC implementation' comprises: (a) 'The need for a broad "cultural shift"'; (b) 'The physical environment on the unit'; and (c) 'Factors that may limit successful implementation'. CONCLUSION: We identified five key domains to consider within trauma-informed care implementation: (a) the centrality of engagement with youth, caregivers and staff in trauma-informed care delivery and implementation, (b) trauma-informed care core programme components, (c) factors that may support or limit success in implementing trauma-informed care within the mental health unit and (d) hospital-wide and (e) the importance of intersectoral collaboration (partnering with external organizations and sectors). IMPACT: When implementing TIC, there is an ongoing need to increase clarity regarding TIC interventions and implementation initiatives. Youth, caregiver and healthcare professional participants shared considerations important for planning the delivery and implementation of trauma-informed care in their setting. We identified five key domains to consider within trauma-informed care implementation: (a) the centrality of relational engagement, (b) trauma-informed care programme components, (c) factors that may support or limit successful implementation of trauma-informed care within the mental health unit and (d) hospital-wide and (e) the importance of intersectoral collaboration. Organizations wishing to implement trauma-informed care should consider ongoing engagement with all relevant knowledge user groups throughout the process. REPORTING METHOD: Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The local hospital research institute's Patient and Family Advisory Committee reviewed the draft study methods and provided feedback.

Assessing the Educational Needs of Family Caregivers of Psychiatric Patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Background Family caregivers of psychiatric patients in Saudi Arabia and most of the Eastern world are suffering a big burden as a result of their caregiving role. Aim This study aims to assess the need for psychoeducation for family caregivers of psychiatric patients from outpatient clinics in a psychiatric hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods A cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted, which included a total of 379 family caregivers providing care to a patient suffering from a psychiatric illness. Results The majority of family caregivers looking after a patient suffering from a psychiatric illness were a brother or sister (20.8%), followed by a son or daughter (20.6%), and lastly, a spouse (10.3%). The top 10 important educational needs of the caregivers included their desire to know about the daily treatment of the patient, followed by how to improve social relationships, and a need for effective stress management. Family caregivers also showed interest in stress and illness. The caregivers' areas of least concern were about the admission of the patients to psychiatric hospitals, recent research on mental illnesses, and how to deal with weight gain. Conclusion The study showed that caregivers demonstrated a need for more experience in how to care for psychiatric patients. Indeed, this has an interrelated impact on the general well-being of both the patient and the caregiver. The study recommends the need for care guidelines to be provided by hospitals from the patient's education department for caregiving to help the family in their daily care.

Mental health nurses' empathy experiences towards consumers with dual diagnosis: A thematic analysis.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Dual diagnosis is one of the leading causes of disability globally. Consumers with dual diagnosis have complex needs and are at risk of relapse of their psychiatric symptoms. Mental health nurses require essential skills, including empathy, to manage consumers with dual diagnosis. No studies have explored mental health nurses' empathy towards consumers with dual diagnosis. WHAT DOES THE PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Developing empathy towards consumers with dual diagnosis is complex. Mental health nurses' unemotional empathy experiences with consumers with dual diagnosis are related to their lack of ability to connect to their consumers' choices and feelings. Negative attitudes towards consumers with dual diagnosis contributed to nurses' poor empathy experiences. The unemotional responses of mental health nurses can be caused by factors such as novelty, insufficient information, and neutral evaluation of a consumer's situation. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The study results benefit researchers, teachers, clinicians, and administrators when designing, developing, and delivering empathy training packages for mental health nurses. Improving the empathy of mental health nurses towards consumers with dual diagnosis should be a top priority for healthcare leaders and educators. A core curriculum containing holistic awareness of the biopsychosocial components of dual diagnosis makes it easier for mental health nurses to understand and develop empathy towards consumers with dual diagnosis. Future studies must address the relationship between attitude, stress, burnout, compassion fatigue and empathy among mental health nurses in relation to consumers with dual diagnosis. ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: There is a lack of evidence regarding mental health nurses' empathy towards consumers with dual diagnosis. AIMS: This qualitative study aimed to describe mental health nurses' empathy towards consumers with dual diagnosis in Australian mental health settings. METHOD: Through purposeful sampling, interviews were conducted with 17 mental health nurses who have experience in caring for consumers with dual diagnosis. Thematic analysis, as an inductive approach was used, to generate codes and themes from participant data. To report on this qualitative study, we adhered to the ENTREQ guidelines. RESULTS: Four themes emerged: challenges to develop empathy with consumers, lack of conducive attitude of nurses towards consumers, appraising consumers' emotions accurately and holistically responding to the appraised emotions. The findings indicated that developing empathy towards consumers with dual diagnosis is a complex task. DISCUSSION: Mental health nurses may struggle to empathize with consumers when encountering confrontational situations. Interventional studies are required to address the relationship between mental health nurses' attitudes, stress, burnout, compassion fatigue and empathy in relation to consumers with dual diagnosis. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Understanding why mental health nurses emotional experiences differ about a similar challenging situation experienced by their consumers is vital. Further research on strategies to address empathy issues among mental health nurses could enhance nursing practice and consumer care.

The mediating role of psychological flexibility in the relationship between psychotic symptom severity and depression in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia.

WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE SUBJECT?: Psychotic symptoms and depression are common problems in people diagnosed with schizophrenia. Psychological flexibility is a skill that facilitates coping with difficulties. There is limited research on the role of psychological flexibility in the relationship between psychotic symptoms and depression in people diagnosed with schizophrenia. WHAT DOES THE ARTICLE ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This article investigates the role of psychological flexibility in the link between psychotic symptom severity and depression in people diagnosed with schizophrenia. The article shows that psychological flexibility partially mediates the relationship between psychotic symptom severity and depression. The article suggests that interventions aimed at improving psychological flexibility may be beneficial in reducing depressive symptoms in people diagnosed with schizophrenia. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Mental health nurses should consider psychotic symptom severity and psychological flexibility when assessing and intervening for depressive symptoms in people diagnosed with schizophrenia. Mental health nurses should receive training to improve psychological flexibility and pass this skill on to their patients. Mental health nurses should continue to research the effectiveness and outcomes of interventions aimed at improving psychological flexibility. ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Psychological flexibility may help people diagnosed with schizophrenia (PWS) cope with their psychotic symptoms and reduce their depressive symptoms, but the mechanism of this effect is unclear. AIM: To investigate whether psychological flexibility mediates the relationship between psychotic symptom severity and depression in PWS. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted, in which a total of 111 PWS were assessed with DSM-5 Clinician-Rated Dimensions of Psychosis Symptom Severity, Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25 and PROCESS macro. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between psychotic symptoms, depression and psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility partially mediated the relationship between psychotic symptom severity and depression. DISCUSSION: Psychological flexibility could weaken the impact of psychotic symptom severity on depression in PWS. Higher psychotic symptoms were associated with lower psychological flexibility and higher depression. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Interventions to improve psychological flexibility may prevent depressive symptoms in PWS. Psychiatric nurses can use psychological flexibility as a goal for evaluation and intervention.

The Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Based Psychoeducation on Anger Management and Death Anxiety in Individuals Receiving Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study was conducted to examine the effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based psychoeducation on anger control and death anxiety in individuals receiving chemotherapy. The research was completed as a pretest-posttest experimental design with 80 individuals who received chemotherapy (40 control, 40 experimental). The data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Controlled Anger Scale (CAR), and the Death Anxiety Scale (DAS). Individuals in the experimental group received eight sessions of CBT-based psychoeducation. We used percent distribution, chi-square test, and t test for dependent and independent groups were used to analyze the data. This study demonstrated that the gap among between the pretest and posttest total scores of the anger scale and death anxiety scale of the individuals in the CBT-based psychoeducation experimental group receiving chemotherapy was statistically significant (p < .05). CBT-based psychoeducation can be recommended as a professional psycho-oncology practice to improve the anger and anxiety in individuals with cancer.

Implementing the Verbal and Electronic Handover in General and Psychiatric Nursing Using the Introduction, Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation Framework: A Systematic Review.

Background: Patient handover (handoff in America) is the transfer of information and accountability among nurses assigned to patient care. Introduction, Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation (ISBAR) is currently the most popular framework for framing handovers. However, research shows that incomplete handovers and information transfers among healthcare providers and nurses exist and are responsible for adverse patient events. Materials and Methods: The current systematic review aims to view contemporary literature on handover, especially but not exclusively in psychiatric settings, and to extract current conditions from Electronic Patient Records (EPRs) using the ISBAR framework. A total of fifty-five scientific papers were selected to support the scoping review. Eligibility criteria included structured research to analyze outcomes, completed by reviewing policy papers and professional organization guidelines on I/SBAR handovers. Results: Our systematic review shows that the application of ISBAR increases interprofessional communication skills and confidence and the quality of the transfer of clinical information about patients, resulting in increased patient safety and quality of care. Conclusions: Implementing the knowledge and application of structured patient handover will respond to current recommendations for service improvement and quality of care. Furthermore, nurses who use ISBAR also reported its benefits as they feel they can deliver what is required for patient care information in a structured, fast, and efficient way. A further increase in the efficacy of handovers is reported by using EPR.

Physical Restraint Experience of Patients with Mental Disorders in Mainland China: A Qualitative Study.

Introduction: The use of physical restraint (PR) is considered a controversial practice and research in Western countries has demonstrated negative physical and psychological consequences for patients, as well as staff, family members/carers, organisations and society as a whole. However, there are few research reports on restraint experiences of patients with mental disorders in non-Western countries, especially in mainland China. Aim: This study aims to explore the subjective experiences and perceptions of patients with psychiatric disorders who have experienced PR in mainland China. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 inpatients with mental disorders in convalescence at a specialized mental health hospital in Shanghai. Interviews were recorded on audiotape and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Five themes emerged: "perception and understanding of PR", "response to PR", "negative physical and psychological experiences", "unmet care needs during PR" and "changes after PR", which together characterize patients' perceptions, experiences, feelings, and needs in PR. Conclusion: The use of PR involves ethical issues and brings negative experiences to patients with mental disorders that cannot be ignored and should be used as a last resort. Different patients have different attitudes and reactions to PR. During PR, patients' physical and psychological needs are not adequately met. Medical staff should give more attention to patients in PR, meet their physical and psychological needs, and actively seek PR alternatives and reduction options based on evidence-based resources on restraint reduction available in the West and the national context and culture of China.

Percepción del uso del humor por parte de enfermeras y pacientes en los servicios de salud mental / Perception of the use of humour by nurses and patients at Mental Health Units

Objetivo: conocer, en función de la literatura disponible, el significado del sentido del humor entre enfermeras y pacientes en el contexto de servicios de salud mental, así como determinar los factores que facilitan o dificultan el uso del sentido del humor en las unidades de salud mental. Métodos: se llevó a cabo una revisión narrativa en el periodo 2022-2023. Las búsquedas se realizaron en Pubmed, PsycINFO, LILACS y CINAHL, usando los descriptores: “Nurse-patient relations”, “mental health”, “wit and humor as topic”, "psychiatric nursing”. Se incluyeron todo tipo de documentos que abordaran el tema según los objetivos, publicados desde 2012 hasta noviembre de 2022 en inglés, español o portugués. Se añadió un artículo traducido del coreano por su relevancia. Resultados: se incluyeron 10 manuscritos en la revisión. Los hallazgos sugieren que el sentido del humor se percibe como una herramienta esencial para fortalecer la relación entre enfermeras y pacientes en entornos psiquiátricos. No obstante, se destaca la existencia de factores que podrían conducir a un uso inapropiado del humor, llevando a la deshumanización de la atención y la posible ruptura del vínculo terapéutico. Conclusiones: es importante considerar cuidadosamente el empleo del humor en el contexto de la salud mental, para garantizar su efectividad sin comprometer la calidad asistencial. (AU)

Objective: based on the literature available, to understand the meaning of sense of humour between nurses and patients in the setting of Mental Health Units, as well as to determine the factors that facilitate its use, o make it difficult. Methods: a narrative review was conducted during the 2022-2023 period. Searches were conducted in Pubmed, PsycINFO, LILACS and CINAHL, using the descriptors: “Nurse-patient relations”, “mental health”, “wit and humor as topic”, “psychiatric nursing”. All type of documents addressing this matter according to the objectives were included, published from 2012 until November 2022 in English, Spanish or Portuguese. An article translated from Korean was added due to its relevance. Results: ten (10) manuscripts were included in the review. Findings suggested that sense of humour was perceived as an essential tool in order to strengthen the relations between nurses and patients in psychiatric settings. However, it was highlighted that there are factors which could induce an inadequate use of humour, leading to dehumanization in care and a potential breach in the therapeutic link. Conclusions: it is important to carefully consider the use of humour in the mental health setting, in order to guarantee its effectiveness without compromising the quality of care. (AU)

Perspectives of adult patients with mental health disorders on the relationship with nurses: a focus group study.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the nurse and the patient with mental health disorder is crucial to the recovery process. Thus, patients with mental health disorders should be active subjects in this relationship by having autonomy and self-determination. METHODS: This study aimed to explore the perspectives of adult patients with mental health disorders on the relationship with nurses. A qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study was conducted in March 2023, using focus group meetings in an association to support patients with severe mental health disorders in the Northern region of Portugal. The study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). A total of 8 patients participated in the study. Two focus group meetings were conducted. The inductive method was used, and content analysis of the transcripts was performed. The QDA Miner Lite 4.0 and Microsoft Excel were used for content analysis. RESULTS: Participants considered the relationship with nurses important for their recovery and expected nurses to provide support and help, being able to identify their needs, thus personalising their care. Attitudinal and communication aspects were also considered crucial for establishing a solid, trusting, and meaningful relationship. CONCLUSION: According to the findings nursing care is expected to focus on the patient, his/her preferences, expectations, and the uniqueness of each individual. The results of this study may be useful for the reflection and improvement of nurses in their relational and communication skills and the driving force for nursing students' awareness of the perspective of the relationship with patients with mental health disorder and its relevance.