Facilitating knowledge of mental health nurses to undertake physical health interventions: a pre‐test/post‐test evaluation. (7th March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hemingway, Steve; Clifton, Andrew; Stephenson, John; Edward, Karen‐Leigh
• Is Part Of: Journal of nursing management. Volume 22:Number 3(2014)
• Page Start: 383
• Page End: 393
• Publication Date: 2014-03-07
• Subjects: Nursing services -- Administration -- Periodicals; Nursing services -- Business management -- Periodicals; 610.73068
• DOI: 10.1111/jonm.12220
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0966-0429

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="jonm12220-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="jonm12220-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>The aim of this project was to develop and deliver an evidence‐based educational package with a physical and mental health focus to clinicians and other health care workers in mental health settings. </p> </sec> <sec id="jonm12220-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>For individuals who experience mental disorders, pharmacotherapy is often considered as a first line of treatment. However, owing to adverse drug reactions and pre‐existing physical conditions, outcomes for clients/service users may be compromised. Mortality and morbidity rates of people diagnosed with a serious mental illness caused by physical health conditions do not compare favourably with the general population. This paper reports on a physical skills project that was developed in collaboration between the University of Huddersfield and South West Yorkshire Partnership Foundation Trust.</p> </sec> <sec id="jonm12220-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Method</title> <p>Pre–post study design: five workshops were conducted in the fields of intramuscular injections, diabetes, health improvement, oral health and wound care. A total of 180 pairs of questionnaires to assess practitioner and student skills and knowledge were administered to participants before and after workshops. All workshops resulted in a statistically significant improvement in subject skills and knowledge scores (<italic>P</italic> < 0.001 in all cases). Questionnaires also elicited participant satisfaction with the workshops: over 99% of participants reported being 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with the workshops.</p> </sec> <sec id="jonm12220-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Implications for nursing management</title> <p>Mental health nurses are the largest group of registered practitioners working in the mental health setting and thus need to be harnessed to make a positive contribution to the improvement of the physical health status of service users with a serious mental illness.</p> </sec> </abstract>