Facilitating knowledge of mental health nurses to undertake physical health interventions: a pre-test/post-test evaluation
Date
2014-03-07Abstract
AIM:
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.
BACKGROUND:
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.
METHOD:
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 (P < 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.
IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT:
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
Description
Citation : Hemingway S., Clifton A., Stephenson J. and Edward K. (2014) Facilitating knowledge of mental health nurses to undertake physical health interventions: a pre-test/post-test evaluation. Journal of Nursing Management, 22, pp. 383–393
Research Group : Nursing and Midwifery Research Centre
Research Institute : Institute of Health, Health Policy and Social Care
Peer Reviewed : Yes
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