The development of the serious mental illness physical Health Improvement Profile

People with serious mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are more likely to suffer from a range of long-term physical conditions including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Consequently they will die 10–15 years earlier than the general population. Health services have failed to address this major health inequality because of a lack of consensus about the type and frequency of monitoring people with SMI require and a lack of knowledge and skills in the mental health workforce. We developed the SMI physical Health Improvement Profile to help mental health nurses profile the physical health of the SMI patients they work with and direct them towards the evidence base interventions available to address identified health problems.     

The competence of certified nurse assistants caring for persons with dementia diseases in residential facilities

In Sweden, a majority of elderly persons living in residential facilities have some form of dementia, and caring for them is a demanding and complex task. The formal education level of personnel in residential facilities is low. The aim of this paper is to describe certified nurse assistants' (CNAs) content of competence caring for persons with dementia diseases in residential facilities. Information from 22 diary notes was obtained and 12 CNAs in four residential facilities were interviewed. The diary notes and interviews were transcribed and analysed using conventional content analysis. Three main categories were generated from the diaries: Social and Health Care, Health Care Targeted towards Medicine and, finally, Organization. The same categories were generated from the interviews but with the addition of Knowledge – its use, growth and deficiencies. The results show that competence is mainly based on personal, experienced-based knowledge and 'standard routines'. In general, the nurse assistants' interest in developing knowledge is weak. Furthermore, CNAs lack competence in essential theoretical knowledge about dementia diseases. It is notable that CNAs, caring for people with serious dementia, know little about the reasons for the residents' divergent behaviour. Consequently, knowledge related to dementia and mental diseases must be highlighted. Therefore, formal education focused on these diseases is crucial.     

General practitioners' views on a mental health service

Aim : This study set out to investigate general practitioners (GPs) views on a Mental Health Service. It seeks their views on how well the Trust is providing those services and suggestions for change and development of the service.
Method : A short survey questionnaire which addressed the major services offered was sent to all GPs in the Grampian region. The data were analysed using non-parametric statistical techniques.
Findings : Maybe rather surprisingly, GPs felt that the service provision overall was of a good standard. Two areas which GPs suggested required more provision were highlighted.
Conclusion : The survey was used to inform Trust Management of GPs views and as a basis for meetings with GPs about the service. As a result new services have been developed.