Innovative Strength‐Based Care in Child and Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatry. Issue 3 (23rd August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sams, Deanna P.; Garrison, David; Bartlett, Joanne
• Is Part Of: Journal of child and adolescent psychiatric nursing. Volume 29:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 110
• Page End: 117
• Publication Date: 2016-08-23
• Subjects: Adolescent -- inpatient -- strength‐based care; Child psychiatric nursing -- Periodicals; Adolescent psychiatric nursing -- Periodicals; Child mental health -- Periodicals; Teenagers -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Child mental health -- United States -- Periodicals; Teenagers -- Mental health -- United States -- Periodicals; 618.92890231
• DOI: 10.1111/jcap.12147
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1073-6077

Abstract

Abstract : PROBLEM: Child and adolescent psychiatric units serve the highest risk, most vulnerable populations in the mental health delivery system. This article describes the integration of a strength‐based approach with a traditional, medical model of psychiatric care on an acute inpatient unit. A strength‐based framework allows for increased focus on exploring patients' goals, strengths, relationships, skills, and family communication within the hospital setting. METHODS: The process of integration of strength‐based care is described, followed by discussion of the implementation and evaluation of interventions, including mindfulness, family movie, narrative, and animal‐assisted therapies. FINDINGS: Innovative interventions led to improvement in patient symptoms, unit culture, and patient, family, and staff satisfaction. CONCLUSION: A strong emphasis on strength‐based, multidisciplinary treatment has enhanced patient care, as the goals of acute inpatient admission are broadened to include more than diagnosis and medication management.