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Betting on a different horse: a qualitative analysis of mental health in health promotion policies
- Authors:
- SOLIN Pia, LEHTO Juhani
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health Promotion, 3(3), September 2004, pp.8-17.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
Aims to analyse the position and role of mental health in health promotion policy. Policy documents from Finland, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, England and Portugal indicate that, although mental health is considered a serious issue, it is problematic in policy terms. Arguments make the case for the importance of mental health within the health promotion agenda, including the classification of mental illness as a public health problem, socio-economic and individual costs of mental health problems, and the view that mental wellbeing is a crucial element of overall health. However, problems of definition and measurement, and a traditional focus on treatment and care, continue to make mental health promotion problematic for policy makers.
Characteristics of double care demanding patients in a mental health care setting and a nursing home setting: results from the SpeCIMeN study
- Authors:
- COLLET Janine, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 22(1), 2018, pp.333-39.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Background: Older patients suffering from a combination of psychiatric disorders and physical illnesses and/or dementia are called Double Care Demanding patients (DCDs). Special wards for DCDs within Dutch nursing homes (NHs) and mental health care institutions (MHCIs) offer a unique opportunity to obtain insight into the characteristics and needs of this challenging population. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study collected data from 163 DCDs admitted to either a NH or a MHCI providing specialised care for DCDs. Similarities and differences between both DCD groups are described. Results: Neuropsychiatric symptoms were highly prevalent in all DCDs but significantly more in MHCI-DCDs. Cognitive disorders were far more present in NH-DCDs, while MHCI-DCDs often suffered from multiple psychiatric disorders. The severity of comorbidities and care dependency were equally high among all DCDs. NH-DCDs expressed more satisfaction in overall quality of life. Conclusions: The institutionalised elderly DCD population is very heterogeneous. Specific care arrangements are necessary because the severity of a patient's physical illness and the level of functional impairment seem to be equally important as the patient's behavioural, psychiatric and social problems. Further research should assess the adequacy of the setting assignment and the professional skills needed to provide adequate care for elderly DCDs. (Publisher abstract)