De‐escalation: A survey of clinical staff in a secure mental health inpatient service

De‐escalation is an important tool for preventing aggression in inpatient settings but definitions vary and there is no clear practice guideline. We aimed to identify how clinical staff define and conceptualize de‐escalation, which de‐escalation interventions they would use in aggressive scenarios, and their beliefs about the efficacy of de‐escalation interventions. A questionnaire survey (n = 72) was conducted using open and closed questions; additionally, clinical vignettes describing conflict events were presented for participants to describe their likely clinical response. Qualitative data were subject to thematic analysis. The major themes that de‐escalation encompassed were communication, tactics, de‐escalator qualities, assessment and risk, getting help, and containment measures. Different types of aggression were met with different interventions. Half of participants erroneously identified p.r.n. medication as a de‐escalation intervention, and 15% wrongly stated that seclusion, restraint, and emergency i.m. medication could be de‐escalation interventions. Those interventions seen as most effective were the most commonly used. Clinical staff's views about de‐escalation, and their de‐escalation practice, may differ from optimal practice. Use of containment measures and p.r.n. medication where de‐escalation is more appropriate could have a negative impact; work is needed to promote understanding and use of appropriate de‐escalation interventions based on a clear guideline.     

Promoting positive and safe care in forensic mental health inpatient settings: Evaluating critical factors that assist nurses to reduce the use of restrictive practices

Reducing and eliminating the use of restrictive practices, such as seclusion and restraint, is a national priority for Australia's mental health services. Whilst legislation, organization and practice changes have all contributed to a reduction in these practices, forensic mental health services continue to report high rates. This paper details the findings of research that examined the experiences of nurses working in the inpatient forensic mental health setting. The research aimed to (i) document the experiences of nurses working in the forensic mental health setting, (ii) articulate their perceived unique skill set to manage challenging patient behaviours, and (iii) determine how their experiences and skill set can inform practice changes to reduce the use of restrictive practices. Thirty‐two nurses were recruited from one Australian forensic mental health service. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and analysed using inductive content analysis. Four categories were identified that influenced practice experiences: (i) working in a challenging but interesting environment, (ii) specialty expertize, (iii) exposure to aggression and resilience as a protective factor, and (iv) the importance of effective teamwork and leadership. Forensic mental health care is complex, highly specialized, and often delivered in an unpredictable environment. Whilst high rates of restrictive practices may be linked to the unique characteristics of forensic patients, training, teamwork, and leadership are critical factors influencing their use in this setting. Nurses working in this area need to be educated and supported to work confidently and safely with this high‐risk patient cohort.     

Trauma-informed care in acute mental health units through the lifeworld of mental health nurses: A phenomenological study

Trauma-informed care has gained increasing popularity in mental health services over the past two decades. Mental health nurses remain one of the largest occupations employed in acute mental health settings and arguably have a critical role in supporting trauma-informed care in this environment. Despite this, there remains a limited understanding on how trauma-informed care is applied to the context of mental health nursing in the hospital environment. The aim of this study was to explore what it means for mental health nurses to provide trauma-informed care in the acute mental health setting. The study design was qualitative, using van Manen's (Researching lived experience: human science for an action sensitive pedagogy. State University of New York Press, 1990) approach to hermeneutic phenomenological inquiry. A total of 29 mental health nurses participated in this study. There were three overarching themes that emerged; these entail: embodied trauma-informed milieu, trauma-informed relationality and temporal dimensions of trauma-informed mental health nursing. The study found that for mental health nurses, there are elements of trauma-informed care that extend far beyond the routine application of the principles to nursing practice. For mental health nurses working in the acute setting, trauma-informed care may offer a restorative function in practice back to the core tenants of therapeutic interpersonal dynamics it was once based upon.     

Risk assessment and subsequent nursing interventions in a forensic mental health inpatient setting: Associations and impact on aggressive behaviour

Aim and objectives

To examine associations between risk of aggression and nursing interventions designed to prevent aggression.

Background

There is scarce empirical research exploring the nature and effectiveness of interventions designed to prevent inpatient aggression. Some strategies may be effective when patients are escalating, whereas others may be effective when aggression is imminent. Research examining level of risk for aggression and selection and effectiveness of interventions and impact on aggression is necessary.

Design

Archival case file.

Methods

Data from clinical files of 30 male and 30 female patients across three forensic acute units for the first 60 days of hospitalisation were collected. Risk for imminent aggression as measured by the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression, documented nursing interventions following each assessment, and acts of aggression within the 24‐hours following assessment were collected. Generalised estimating equations were used to investigate whether intervention strategies were associated with reduction in aggression.

Results

When a Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression assessment was completed, nurses intervened more frequently compared to days when no Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression assessment was completed. Higher Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression assessments were associated with a greater number of interventions. The percentage of interventions selected for males differed from females; males received more pro re nata medication and observation, and females received more limit setting, one‐to‐one nursing and reassurance. Pro re nata medication was the most commonly documented intervention (35.9%) in this study. Pro re nata medication, limit setting and reassurance were associated with an increased likelihood of aggression in some risk bands.

Conclusions

Structured risk assessment prompts intervention, and higher risk ratings result in more interventions. Patient gender influences the type of interventions. Some interventions are associated with increased aggression, although this depends upon gender and risk level.

Relevance to clinical practice

When structured risk assessments are used, there is greater likelihood of intervention. Intervention should occur early using least restrictive interventions.

     

Burnout in community mental health nurses: findings from the all-Wales stress study

Stress and its outcomes are significant problems for mental health workers. Questionnaires were sent to 614 community mental health nurses (CMHNs) in Wales. Three hundred and one responded (49%). Of these, 283 completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) (Maslach et al. 1996). Half of those who responded indicated that they were emotionally overextended and exhausted by their work. One quarter of respondents were found to possess negative attitudes towards their clients, and approximately one in seven experienced little or no sense of satisfaction with their work. Working in an urban environment and lacking a supportive line manager were indicators for higher emotional exhaustion. CMHNs were significantly more likely to have negative attitudes towards their clients if they: were male; worked with an elderly care caseload; lacked job security; and had an unsupportive line manager. However, CMHNs who had worked longer within the field of community mental health were more likely to have positive attitudes towards their clients. Those CMHNs who had not completed a specialist postqualifying education course and those who did not hold a supervisory or management position were found to have a lowered sense of personal satisfaction in their work. Those CMHNs who reported that they drank alcohol were more satisfied with their sense of personal accomplishments achieved in their work.     

Effectiveness of home visits by mental health nurses for Japanese women with post‐partum depression

Post‐partum depression affects 10–13% of Japanese women, but many do not receive appropriate treatment or support. This intervention study evaluated the effectiveness of home visits by mental health nurses for Japanese women with post‐partum depression. Eighteen post‐partum women met the inclusion criteria and were randomly allocated into the intervention (n = 9) or control (n = 9) group at 1–2 months after giving birth. The intervention group received four weekly home visits by a mental health nurse. Control group participants received usual care. Two women in the intervention group did not complete the study. Depressive symptoms and quality of life were measured at 1 and 6 weeks' postintervention. In addition, participants completed an open‐ended questionnaire on satisfaction and meaning derived from the home visits. Women in the intervention group had significant amelioration of depressive symptoms over time and reported positive benefits from the home visits, but there were no statistically significant differences between groups. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed at times 2 and 3 between groups in terms of increased median scores of physical, environmental, and global subscales, and the total average score of the World Health Organization/quality of life assessment instrument. On the psychological subscale, significant differences (P = 0.042) were observed between groups at time 2. The qualitative analysis of comments about home visitation revealed four categories related to ‘setting their mind at ease’, ‘clarifying thoughts’, ‘improving coping abilities’, and ‘removing feelings of withdrawal from others’. These results suggest that home visits by mental health nurses can contribute to positive mental health and social changes for women with post‐partum depression. A larger trial is warranted to test this approach to care.     

护士职业应激与精神卫生状况分析

[目的 ]了解护士职业应激与精神卫生状况及其相关性。 [方法 ]应用抑郁自评量表(SDS)和焦虑自评量表 (SAS)及护士职业压力源量表对 779名在岗护士进行调查。 [结果 ]护士抑郁和焦虑发生率分别为3 6.3 %和 14 .2 % ,两者并存者占 11.6% ,SDS和SAS标准分均值与国内常模比较有统计学意义 (P <0 .0 1) ;护士职业应激总分 1.97分± 0 .460分 ;精神卫生与职业应激呈高度正相关 (P <0 .0 0 1)。 [结论 ]护士群体精神卫生状况低下 ,与其职业应激密切相关。管理者应在引导护士正确认识和舒缓职业应激的同时 ,考虑到女性的社会脆弱因素及其独特的生理特征     

Towards a Foucauldian reading of the Australian mental health nursing workforce

This article reflects on the findings of the recently published Scoping Study of the Australian Mental Health Nursing Workforce from the perspective of Foucault's work on 'governmentality'. First, the policy background to the scoping study is described. This is followed by a discussion of Foucauldian concepts and method that will be used to explore selected aspects of the scoping study. The related concepts of 'governmentality' and 'technologies of the self' are used to begin a theoretically grounded analysis of mental health nursing education and practice, with particular attention to discourses of 'change' and 'survival'. The examples chosen are used to support the argument that competing discourses order multiple 'readings' of Australian mental health nursing, including whether or not it is thriving or surviving. The article ends with comments on whether a Foucauldian analysis adds anything to what has been reported in the scoping study.     

Patient aggression in clinical psychiatry: perceptions of mental health nurses

Mental health nurses are faced with an increasing number of aggressive incidents during their daily practice. The coercive intervention of seclusion is often used to manage patient aggression in the Netherlands. However, GGZ Nederland, the Dutch association of service providers for mental health and addition care, has initiated a project to decrease the number of seclusions in clinical psychiatry. A first step in this project is to gain insight into the current situation: the perceived prevalence of patient aggression, the attitudes of mental health nurses towards patient aggression and those socio-demographic and psychosocial factors that contribute to the use of coercive interventions. A survey was undertaken among 113 nurses from six closed and semi-closed wards. In this survey, two questionnaires were used: (1) the Attitude Toward Aggression Scale; and (2) the Perceptions of the Prevalence of Aggression Scale. Variables derived from the Theory of Planned Behaviour were also measured. Nurses reported being regularly confronted with aggression in general and mostly with non-threatening verbal aggression. They perceived patient aggression as being destructive or offensive and not serving a protective or communicative function. The nurses generally perceived themselves as having control over patient behaviour (i.e. considerable self-efficacy) and reported considerable social support from colleagues. Although the nurses in this study were frequently confronted with aggression, they did not experience the aggression as a major problem.     

在职学历教育护士心理压力与心身健康的关系研究

目的了解在职学历教育护士心理压力现状及其与心身健康的关系。方法采用分层整群抽样法于2008年7～9月对1693名在职学历教育护士的心理压力及心身健康进行问卷调查。结果在职学历教育护士心理健康水平较差，其心理压力源从高到低依次为工作压力、家庭压力、学习压力。回归结果发现，心理压力的各个维度与在职学历教育护士的心身健康均存在相关（均P〈0．05），其中回报、技能利用和决策能力维度是保护因素，付出、心理要求、学习压力和家庭压力维度是危险因素。结论在职学历教育护士的心理压力问题应引起各级管理者的重视。     

肿瘤科护士心理压力与心理健康状况调查

目的探讨肿瘤科护士心理压力与心理健康状况、个性特征的相关性。方法整群抽取112名湖南省株洲市四所医院肿瘤科护士为研究对象,其它临床科护士120名为对照。采用心身压力测试量表、症状自评量表、艾森克个性问卷对两组进行评定分析。结果研究组58.93%心理压力程度高,对照组49.17%心理压力程度高;研究组心理压力积蓄高于对照组(P<0.05)。症状自评量表总分及阳性项目数研究组高于对照组,而两组又明显高于全国常模组(P<0.01或P<0.05);心身压力测试量表、症状自评量表总均分与艾森克个性问卷P、N量表分呈显著正相关,与E量表分呈显著负相关。结论肿瘤科护士心理压力程度与其个性特征及心理健康状况密切相关。在开展心理健康教育的同时,给予人文关怀是医院管理中不可忽视的内容。     

The role of mental health nurses in planetary health

This article will critically explore the concept of planetary health and locate the role and identity of the mental health nurse (MHN) within it. Like humans, our planet thrives in optimum conditions, finding the delicate balance between health and ill-health. Human activity is now negatively impacting the homeostasis of the planet and this imbalance creates external stressors that adversely impact upon human physical and mental health at the cellular level. The value and understanding of this intrinsic relationship between human health and the planet is in danger of being lost within a society that views itself as being separate and superior to nature. The Period of Enlightenment witnessed some human groups viewing the natural world and its resources as something to exploit. White colonialism and industrialization destroyed the innate symbiotic relationship between humans and the planet beyond recognition and in particular, overlooking the essential therapeutic role nature and the land facilitated within the well-being of individuals and communities. This prolonged loss of respect for the natural world continues to breed human disconnection on a global scale. The healing properties of nature have effectively been abandoned within healthcare planning and infrastructure, which continue to be driven principally by the medical model. Under the theory of holism, mental health nursing values the restorative capabilities of connection and belonging, employing skills to support the healing of suffering, trauma and distress, through relationships and education. This suggests MHNs are well situated to provide the advocacy the planet requires, through the active promotion of connecting communities to the natural world around them, both healing the other.     

Placing physical activity in mental health care: a leadership role for mental health nurses

The wide-ranging benefits of physical activity for consumers with mental illness are acknowledged within the mental health nursing field; however, this is not commonly translated to practice. The primary aim of this paper is to argue that mental health nurses are well positioned to, and should, provide leadership in promoting physical activity to improve the quality of care for people with mental illness. Topics addressed in this paper include the relationship between physical activity and both physical and mental health, the views and experiences of consumers with physical activity, the efficacy of physical activity interventions, the attitudes of nurses to physical activity as a component of care, barriers to a physical activity focus in care for mental illness, and the role of mental health nurses in promoting physical activity. There is a clear and important relationship between physical activity and mental health. Mental health nurses are well positioned to encourage and assist consumers to engage in physical activity, although they might lack the educational preparation to perform this role effectively.     

Burnout and job satisfaction: a comparative study of psychiatric nurses from forensic and a mainstream mental health service

Within the nursing profession stress and burnout are considered to be widely present and problematic. These factors tend to impact negatively on job satisfaction and ultimately affect the retention of nurses. Psychiatric/mental health nursing as a specialty is considered to be a highly stressful environment; however, there is a paucity of research in this area. The current study adopted a survey design to compare forensic psychiatric nurses ( n = 51) with psychiatric nurses from a mainstreamed mental health service ( n = 78) in relation to burnout and job satisfaction. Forensic nurses displayed lower burnout and higher job satisfaction than their counterparts from the mainstreamed services. These findings are surprising in light of the image of forensic psychiatric nursing as dangerous and unpredictable.     

Towards a rhetoric of spirituality in mental health care

The spiritual dimension of care is frequently alluded to in the nursing literature, but rarely examined in terms of what it means in practice or how it might be taught to students entering the profession. Some of those most in need of spiritual care are people suffering from mental illness or psychological distress. The aim of this paper is to explore the different meanings of spirituality and to suggest ways in which the spiritual care of clients can be implemented. It further recommends which aspects of spirituality could usefully be included in nursing curricula. The paper concludes by alerting nurses to the causes and manifestations of spiritual apathy in contemporary health care and calls for a rhetoric that will counter the jargon of cost analysis which currently prevails in the health services.     

The relationship between emotions and stress among mental health nurses

This paper presents findings from an exploratory correlational study that examined the relationships between Emotional Competency, Trait Affectivity, Stress and Experienced Emotions among 43 mental health nurses in Australian regional hospitals. A significant relationship was found between Emotional Competency and Personal Self‐doubt in male nurses only; however, no association was found between Emotional Competency and Experienced Emotions. Trait Affectivity was found to be associated with Experienced Emotions but not Stress. Gender differences were found in Trait Affectivity and Experienced Emotions. The results of the study have implications for the retention of mental health nurses in their profession.