Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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Spice boys: an exploratory study around novel psychoactive substance use on a male acute ward
- Authors:
- PLACE Charlie, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Dual Diagnosis, 10(3), 2017, pp.97-104.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) – often known as “legal highs” – are a varied group of substances that are causing concern due to their possible effects on mental health. Particular concerns have been raised about synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists often known as “Spice”. The purpose of this paper is to identify the prevalence of NPS use and explore any association with acute psychological disturbance. Design/methodology/approach: The authors reviewed the case notes for 153 admissions to a male acute inpatient ward. Prevalence of reported NPS use and admissions to psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) were recorded. Findings: In total, 18.9 per cent of individuals admitted to acute inpatient care were reported to have used NPS. NPS users were almost ten times as likely as their non-NPS using peers to require care in PICU. This result was statistically significant (Fisher exact test: p<0.001). Although caution is required given the limitations of this study, the data and clinical experience suggest that synthetic cannabinoids may be the specific type of NPS that is being used by this group. Practical implications: Mental health professionals can expect to care for people using NPS in acute inpatient environments, and so they need to understand the nature and effects of these substances. It is possible that NPS use may be associated with sustained acute psychological disturbance. Originality/value: There have been few studies on the prevalence of NPS use in inpatient environments and none of them have published that explore the association with PICU admission. Despite the limitations of this study, it has significant value by identifying an urgent need for comprehensive research in this area. (Publisher abstract)
“Talking in a new way”: older individuals' experiences of group work in an acute psychiatric ward
- Authors:
- PARTINGTON Jennifer, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 55(1), January 2012, pp.72-86.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
The core of a strengths-based approach is that each person has abilities and resources that can help them cope effectively with challenges. Group work is often used in mental health, however qualitative studies of older service-users' views are limited. The authors argue that such inquiry is integral to the strengths perspective. Semistructured interviews explored 12 participants' experiences of a café-style social group and a mutual-aid group offered on an older persons psychiatric ward in Christchurch, New Zealand (ten women, two men, age range 65-89 years). The values of the strengths-based approach underpinning the groups were reflected back in the experience of an affirming environment, an exchange of strengths, and the capacity to change. The authors note that the appeal of the café-style may be culturally specific to European women, reinforcing the importance of an awareness of culture and diversity.
Gender comparisons of self-identified strengths and coping strategies: a study of adolescents in an acute psychiatric facility
- Authors:
- TYSON Edgar H., BAFFOUR Tiffany S., DUONGTRAN Paul
- Journal article citation:
- Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 27(3), June 2010, pp.161-175.
- Publisher:
- Springer
This study examined gender comparisons of adolescents in psychiatric acute care who responded to an intervention designed to help youth self-identify strengths and coping strategies. A cross-sectional survey design and a random, census-based sampling approach were employed to obtain data from 281 adolescents. During the study period, a small group method was used to deliver a solution-focused, brief-therapy intervention to these adolescents. These data revealed that 38.2% identified an “arts-based” strength, 26.7% of the sample utilized a 'relational' strategy and 26.1% reported a variety of sports and physical activity as a means of coping with crises. Controlling for psychiatric diagnosis, we found gender differences and similarities in the types of strengths identified by adolescents in this study. One application of these results is that they support the continued practice of engaging young clients in clinical settings using strength-based perspectives.
Carers included
- Author:
- SYMINGTON Jim
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Today, September 2010, pp.36-37.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
The Triangle of Care: Best Practice Guide on Acute Mental Health Care, which promotes the essential three-way relationship between professionals, service users, their carers and families is briefly discussed. The approach was developed by carers and staff who wanted to improve carer engagement in acute inpatient and home treatment services. It emphasises the need for better local strategic involvement of carers and families in the care, planning, and treatment of people experiencing mental ill health and calls for better partnership working between service users, their carers and organisations in order to achieve the best possible outcomes. Adopting the Triangle of Care will ensure the views of carers are heard. The guide offers key principles, resources and examples of best practice to influence services and other people working with carers to be more effective in involving them within acute care and recognises that this will greatly benefit staff, service users and carers themselves. The case of a 65 year old male who first cared for his wife and who is now caring for his daughter is given as an example of how carers have been excluded in the past.
Peer support workers’ experience of an intentional peer support scheme on an acute ward
- Authors:
- STONE Nicola, WARREN Fiona, NAPIER Clare
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Research and Practice, 7(1), Spring 2010, pp.93-102.
- Publisher:
- South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust and University of Huddersfield
Peer support has been identified as one approach to enhancing service-user recovery. Peer support relationships can allow people to benefit from the inspiration and support of other who have faced similar challenges. This paper reports on a study which formed part of a multi-perspective evaluation of an Intentional Peer Support scheme within an adult acute psychiatric inpatient setting. The objectives of the evaluation were twofold. Firstly, to explore the experience of Peer Support Workers (PSW) in their new role and, secondly, to examine the extent to which peer support may contribute towards recovery-based practice within the context of the NHS. The Intentional Peer Support Worker scheme was a joint initiative between South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust and Sutton Mental Health Foundation, a mental health charity. PSWs were recruited, trained and employed to work in an acute psychiatric ward. The study employed a qualitative methodology, with 2 focus groups conducted with PSWs 3 months apart. The findings highlighted that the participants described both positive aspects, such as personal growth and adaptation, and challenges in relation to their new role as PSW. Initial challenges, particularly around working relationships with staff, were subsequently overcome during the study period.
Critical friends
- Author:
- JACKSON Catherine
- Journal article citation:
- Openmind, 161, January 2010, pp.14-15.
- Publisher:
- MIND
The principles of intentional peer support, a formal model of peer support developed in the US, are briefly summarised. The peer support project operated by Sutton Mental Health Foundation is then described. As well as providing training for peer support they provide intentional peer support on acute psychiatric wards for South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.
Promoting mental wellbeing through activity in a mental health hospital
- Authors:
- HUTCHESON Catriona, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 73(3), March 2010, pp.121-128.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Studies have indicated widespread inactivity in psychiatric wards, although the occupational therapy and mental health journals support the therapeutic benefits of participation in activity. A service evaluation was conducted to explore activity provision and identify gaps in service within a 13-ward psychiatric hospital. The results of the initial exploration were that staff and patients indicated a lack of structured and accessible activity. An activity programme was introduced offering a minimum of 17 groups weekly, including functional, leisure, art and sport groups. Six months after the introduction of the programme, 63 patients participated in one week, which was a considerable increase from 6 inpatients taking part in activity prior to the introduction of the programme. The results of a service evaluation conducted by questionnaire identified positive feedback from over 90% of patients and 100% of staff. The main recommendation was the continuous provision of an inpatient activity programme within the hospital. A further recommendation was to build closer links with community resources to enable continued participation after discharge from hospital.
Factors related to admissions to a psychiatry unit from a medical emergency room: the role of social work
- Authors:
- MASON Susan E., AUERBACH Charles
- Journal article citation:
- Social Work in Mental Health, 7(5), 2009, pp.429-440.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
The aim of this study was to examine the factors associated with psychiatric hospital admissions from accident and emergency, and to discuss the role of social work in relation to psychiatric referrals. The three possible outcomes were: admission to the hospital's medical/surgical ward, admission to a psychiatric unit, or non-admission. Social workers collected data for 3370 patients. Most patients were not admitted (83.8 percent); almost 10 percent were admitted to the hospital's psychiatric unit; and 6.3 percent were admitted to the medical/surgical ward. Age, gender, “Adjustment problems” and “Behaviour problems” had statistically significant coefficients for medical/surgical admission. “Care/activities of daily living (ADL) problems,” “Relationship problems,” and “Environmental problems” had statistically significant coefficients for both medical/surgical and psychiatric admissions. The role of social workers in making referrals is described with suggestions for future research.
Let's talk mental health: a booklet for people who are using mental health services
- Author:
- NORTHERN IRELAND. Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
- Publisher:
- Northern Ireland. Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 42p.
- Place of publication:
- Belfast
This booklet is for adults who are experiencing mental health difficulties. It offers guidance on what to expect from Mental Health Services and to show how users can become more involved in decisions about care and treatment. Contents include: why should you get actively involved?; coming into contact with Mental Health Professionals; your General Practitioner; specialist psychological therapies; admission to a mental health unit; discharge and aftercare; taking medications and medication safety; contacting mental health services in times of crisis; some terms used in mental health and what they mean; mutual respect; giving feedback and making complaints. Details useful organisations are also provided.
Mental health: impact of the 2007 Act on children
- Author:
- HEWITT David
- Journal article citation:
- Childright, 251, November 2008, pp.16-18.
- Publisher:
- Children's Legal Centre
Each year approximately 3,000 children are admitted to hospital for mental health care. Around 350 of these are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. This article discusses how recent legal change to the Act will impact on children. Coverage on electro-convulsive therapy; age-appropriate accommodation, and the Zone of Parental Control is included.