International journal of mental health nursingMichelle Glascott, Philip Hodgson, Wendy Hope, Nicola Clibbens, Luke Aston, Laura Fleming, Alison Innerd, Michael Graham
Adult acute mental health wards operate under sustained pressure, characterised by high patient acuity, workforce shortages and a focus on risk management that can limit opportunities for therapeutic engagement. Although physical activity is increasingly recognised as beneficial for mental and physical health, there remains limited evidence to guide its implementation within acute inpatient settings. The purpose of this study was to generate practice-relevant insights to inform the design and implementation of feasible physical activity interventions in adult acute mental health wards. A qualitative study was conducted using focus groups across two National Health Service mental health trusts in England. Thirty participants took part, including mental health nurses, multidisciplinary staff and people with lived experience of acute ward care. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis within a multidisciplinary and lived-experience-informed research team. Three interrelated themes were identified. Barriers to implementation reflected the interaction between patient acuity, medication effects, restrictive practices, workforce pressures and ward organisation. Enablers and opportunities included nursing leadership, flexible and relational delivery approaches, staff participation and active involvement of patients in the design of activities and care planning. Participants also highlighted the importance of evaluation approaches that balance feasibility with meaningful patient-centred and ward-level outcomes, including staff wellbeing and ward atmosphere. Physical activity was perceived as both desirable and achievable when adapted to the realities of acute ward environments. These findings address an important evidence gap and can inform the development of context-sensitive, recovery-oriented physical activity interventions aligned with acute inpatient mental health nursing practice.
International journal of mental health nursingEuna Si, Ki Han Kwon
AI is increasingly being integrated into mental health support, with applications spanning chatbots, large language models, digital therapeutics and clinical decision-support systems. Although these technologies have demonstrated potential to improve access to care and support clinical practice, their implications for psychiatric mental health nursing (PMHN) remain insufficiently synthesized. This scoping review aimed to examine how AI is being applied in mental health care and to synthesize its implications for psychiatric mental health nursing practice and related nursing-relevant outcomes. A scoping review was conducted following established scoping review methodology and reported in accordance with the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Searches were conducted across four databases for studies published between January 2022 and May 2026. A total of 42 sources of evidence met the inclusion criteria. Five overarching themes were identified: (1) AI-based psychosocial interventions and mental health care delivery; (2) suicide prevention and risk management; (3) therapeutic relationships and human-centred care; (4) ethics, safety and governance; and (5) nursing readiness, education and professional transformation. AI applications were associated with improved accessibility of mental health support, enhanced symptom management and more efficient risk assessment. However, concerns regarding privacy, algorithmic bias, transparency and the preservation of therapeutic relationships were consistently reported. AI demonstrates considerable potential to support care delivery, suicide prevention and clinical decision-making, yet raises important ethical, relational and professional challenges. AI should be viewed as a complementary tool that supports rather than replaces psychiatric mental health nursing practice. Educational programmes should strengthen AI literacy, digital ethics and critical appraisal skills to support safe and person-centred AI integration.
International journal of mental health nursingIvana Felicia Angkawijaya, Celine Joy Jing Hsia Gan, Ziqiang Li, Yong Shian Goh
The rising prevalence of mental health conditions (MHCs), coupled with increased public awareness, has led to greater help-seeking behaviours and heightened demands on nurses across healthcare settings. However, many general trained nurses report feeling inadequately prepared to care for individuals with MHCs due to limited training and clinical exposure. This lack of preparedness may result in compromised quality of care, reduced professional satisfaction and poorer recovery outcomes for clients. Existing systematic reviews have predominantly focused on psychosocial interventions for psychiatric nurses, limiting insights into interventions relevant to the broader nursing workforce. This review aimed to map the available evidence on interventions that prepare general trained nurses to care for individuals with MHCs. A comprehensive search was conducted across eight electronic databases between August and September 2024, alongside grey literature sources, including ProQuest Dissertations and Theses and ClinicalTrials.gov, searched between September and October 2024. A total of 7646 records were identified. Following title and abstract screening, 38 full-text articles were reviewed, of which 24 met the inclusion criteria. A narrative synthesis was undertaken, with findings organised into delivery methods, intervention domains and implementation challenges. The review found that interventions targeting mental health literacy, stigma reduction, interpersonal and communication skills, and nurse safety and resilience were associated with improved confidence, empathy, therapeutic relationships and willingness to provide care. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of multifaceted, contextually relevant approaches, including digital literacy training, ongoing evaluation and stronger organisational support, to enhance nurses' preparedness and well-being in mental health care.
International journal of mental health nursingNovia K N Mak, Bridget Dibb, Nicholas Stokes, Emerita Elizabeth Alexandra Barley, Magdalena Zasada
Approximately 80% of individuals in secure mental health units are overweight or obese, yet nurses often lack practical guidance on how to initiate and sustain weight-related conversations in these complex settings. This study aimed to co-design an evidence-based, nurse-led weight talk tool with service users and nursing staff, and to evaluate its acceptability and usability in low- and medium-secure inpatient care. A multi-stage, iterative design was undertaken. Initial evidence informed development, followed by a person-centred co-design process involving service users and staff through workshops, structured discussions and repeated feedback. The tool was subsequently evaluated using a think-aloud approach with 19 nurse-service user pairs, enabling real-time exploration of usability, understanding, and emotional responses. Co-design produced a structured, visually engaging tool tailored to the sensitivities and constraints of secure mental health settings. Service users and staff shaped key refinements, including simplified language, removal of potentially stigmatising elements, enhanced visual design, and the inclusion of structured opening and closing components to support psychologically safe conversations. Evaluation findings demonstrated high acceptability and usability. Service users valued the respectful, collaborative approach, while nurses reported increased confidence in addressing weight-related issues. These findings highlight the value of co-design as a method for developing acceptable, contextually relevant interventions for sensitive clinical topics. Embedding collaborative approaches within mental health nursing practice may strengthen therapeutic engagement and support more effective, person-centred care across diverse international settings.
International journal of mental health nursingLouise Alexander, Gabrielle Burdeu, Anita Cappello, Keith Griffin
Persistent challenges remain in attracting and retaining early-in-career mental health nurses in Australia. Key contributing factors include gaps in undergraduate nursing preparation, with many students reporting insufficient mental health placement experience to inform career choice. Health services have responded to recognised gaps between undergraduate preparation and the realities of clinical practice by developing structured early-in-career programs, such as graduate nurse and transition-to-practice initiatives. These programs combine supported clinical exposure, targeted education and mentorship to consolidate core skills. However, early-in-career mental health nursing practice often occurs within unpredictable and complex environments that can be hostile and emotionally demanding, compounding stress for recently graduated nurses. This study aimed to explore early-in-career mental health nurses' experiences of (1) workplace readiness, (2) wellbeing and (3) preparedness for practice. Using a qualitative descriptive design, we recruited 12 early-in-career mental health nurses from a tertiary hospital in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were thematically analysed according to Braun and Clarkes methodology. From analysis, four themes were identified: (1) Feeling ready, becoming ready; (2) Finding the right fit; (3) Practising under pressure; and (4) Organisational influences on readiness. This study provides important insights into early-in-career nursing experiences, highlighting the role of placement quality, exposure to workplace violence and organisational support in shaping preparedness and workforce retention. Variability in placement experiences contributed to misaligned expectations and heightened transition challenges. Findings also underscore occupational violence perpetrated by consumers and their family members highlighting the need for targeted preparation during undergraduate education and early career transition, as well as organisational responses to support safe workplaces.
Journal of the American Association of Nurse PractitionersLaurie M Connors
Genomics is increasingly influencing psychiatric practice as evidence links genetic variation with neurodevelopmental disorders, treatment response, and complex psychiatric presentations. Psychiatric nurse practitioners are well positioned to incorporate genomics into patient assessment and management; however, familiarity with testing options and clinical indications remains limited. This column reviews key genomic considerations for psychiatric practice, including pharmacogenomics, chromosomal microarray analysis, and exome or genome sequencing. Clinical "red flags," such as developmental delay, dysmorphic features, early-onset psychosis, epilepsy, and strong family patterns of neuropsychiatric disease, can guide decisions on when to refer for further genetic evaluation. Integrating genomics enhances diagnostic clarity, supports precision prescribing, and informs risk assessment, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Strengthening nurse practitioner genomic literacy is essential to advancing person-centered mental health care and ensuring that emerging genomic tools are applied responsibly, ethically, and effectively in practice.
International journal of mental health nursingAlana Wilson, Renee Molloy, Sharon Yahalom, Adam Searby
As of May 2026, the Australian Government reported approximately 23 034 international students enrolled in pre-registration nursing degrees in Australian universities. These pre-registration nursing degrees typically include mandatory clinical placements in mental health settings; however, to date no research has explored the experiences of international pre-registration nursing students during their mental health clinical placement. Using a qualitative descriptive methodology, we interviewed 13 pre-registration international nursing students from an Australian university about their experiences of clinical placement in mental health settings. Analysis of the data resulted in four themes: (1) Pre-existing perspectives of mental health; (2) Experiencing transformation during clinical placement; (3) Gaining confidence during the placement experience; and (4) Overcoming placement challenges. Several participants held differing negative perceptions of mental illness prior to placement, which initially invoked feelings of fear and apprehension. However, as the mental health placement progressed, participants gained confidence and began exploring mental health nursing as a specialty. Challenges, such as racist comments, were encountered by some participants. Findings suggest that mental health placement plays an important role in preparing international nursing students for practice and influences their decision to specialize in mental health nursing. However, further work is needed from both universities and clinical placement venues to support the unique challenges faced by those who are not domestic students.
International journal of mental health nursingNaushi Manzoor, Phil Maude, Alistair Ross
This scoping review examined and synthesised existing literature on models of care involving Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (MHNPs) practising or consulting within Emergency Department (ED)-based Emergency Mental Health (EMH) services. EDs are a key access point for mental health care and often provide first contact or after-hours support for people experiencing crisis, reinforcing their central role within the mental health system. The review highlights the need for timely, safe and specialised mental health care within EDs to strengthen the quality, safety and responsiveness of EMH services. Given the limited ED-specific MHNP literature, studies involving related advanced mental health nursing roles were also included where functions overlapped with MHNP practice, although these roles were not considered equivalent. Using Arksey and O'Malley's framework, 13 ED-specific studies were included: two quantitative, two qualitative, five mixed-methods, three realist or realist-informed evaluations and one descriptive or pilot service evaluation. Three themes were identified: consumer outcomes and timely access to care; MHNP roles within ED service models; and stakeholder perspectives and systemic challenges. Across studies, MHNPs and related advanced mental health nursing roles were associated with improved access to specialist assessment, enhanced care coordination, reduced psychological distress and high consumer and staff satisfaction. However, evidence was largely derived from early-stage, single-site evaluations. Barriers relating to role visibility and organisational support also limited sustainability. Overall, MHNP roles remain under-researched, highlighting the need to identify system-level enablers supporting effective integration and impact.
International journal of mental health nursingKim Jørgensen, Maria Estrup Scredi, Michael Haurum Marcussen
This scoping review examines and synthesizes the theoretical foundations underpinning trauma-informed care (TIC) in mental health settings. A systematic search of CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed yielded 1278 records, of which 23 peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria. Reporting followed the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist and explanation. Seven overarching theoretical domains were identified: neurobiological and psychophysiological foundations, psychological and relational models, adverse childhood experiences and social determinants frameworks, SAMHSA and Harris & Fallot principles, socio-ecological and intersectional frameworks, organizational and implementation science models, and integrated or hybrid approaches. These frameworks highlight the multidimensional nature of trauma and its implications for mental health nursing practice, interdisciplinary care, organizational change, and policy development. The findings underscore that TIC is not a single model but a pluralistic and evolving concept bridging individual, relational, and structural dimensions of trauma. Theoretical clarity can enhance implementation fidelity, reduce re-traumatization, and support recovery-oriented care. Future research should focus on evaluating hybrid frameworks and linking theoretical models to measurable individual, organizational, and system-level outcomes.
Self-efficacy is a critical factor influencing quality of care, particularly for psychiatric nurses at higher occupational risk; however, research on its current status and influencing factors among the nursing population in China remains scarce. This study aimed to investigate the self-efficacy level of psychiatric nurses in Guangdong Province and to analyze its influencing factors. This cross-sectional study utilized convenience sampling to survey psychiatric nurses from 27 hospitals in Guangdong Province, China, between January and May 2022. Self-efficacy was assessed using a validated General Self-efficacy Scale. Univariate and linear regression analyses were used to explore factors influencing self-efficacy among psychiatric nurses. The General Self-efficacy Scale score of the 668 participants was 25.25 ± 5.90. When comparing the self-efficacy scores of psychiatric nurses of different ages, genders, working years, positions, number of night shifts, and whether they were assisted by unlicensed assistive personnel, the differences were statistically significant (P < .05). Age, gender, and the presence of unlicensed assistive personnel assistance were influencing factors of self-efficacy (P < .001). The study's findings are consistent with theoretical derivations from Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory, demonstrating that higher self-efficacy was associated with advanced age, male sex, and unlicensed assistive personnel support. Therefore, targeted interventions focusing on female and junior nurses, including team structure optimization and specific training, are suggested to improve collective self-efficacy among psychiatric nurses.
In medical-psychological centers, care is provided through a multidisciplinary team comprising nurses, advanced practice nurses specializing in psychiatry and mental health, psychologists, and psychiatrists. These care approaches work in a complementary manner - particularly between nursing care and psychotherapy - enabling support for both symptoms and psychological development. Ms. C.'s situation illustrates this integrative care approach.
Psychiatry sometimes treats patients who do not acknowledge or resist treatment and who continue to face stigma in our society. Across the country, psychiatric inpatient units operate under a wide variety of service models, which influences how patients' rights are exercised and the nature of the caregiving work. Healthcare professionals from Brittany and Île-de-France highlight the importance of an ethical approach that fosters the therapeutic alliance. Breaking down barriers will help bring psychiatry further into the community and foster a different perspective on the "strangeness" of psychotic patients.
The co-occurrence of a psychiatric disorder and a substance use disorder affects many patients in adult psychiatry, with significant clinical and social repercussions. The fragmentation of healthcare systems hinders continuity of care. A survey of 147 nurses at two psychiatric facilities explored existing practices regarding dual diagnosis and defined the roles of advanced practice nurses. These nurses contribute to improving care and reducing disruptions in the care pathway.
The psychoanalytic unconscious is a concept with multiple meanings. Its first, positivist interpretation opens the door to a psychological debate with the neurosciences on the nature of the psyche, provided that the differences in methods and languages are respected. The second, hermeneutic interpretation views the unconscious as meaning to be interpreted or a narrative to be coconstructed. The third, which is emphasized here, offers a concrete definition of the unconscious within and through the pragmatics of psychoanalytic communication, in the here and now of the encounter. It is from this perspective that psychoanalysis's contribution to psychiatry seems most relevant today - as a tool for training in encounter and active listening within the realm of intersubjectivity, which lies at the heart of all clinical practice.
International nursing reviewBruno Santos, Lara Guedes Pinho, Luís Silva, Regina Pires, Pilar Monteso-Curto, Carlos Sequeira
AIM: To design the structure and content of a cognitive restructuring intervention for people with depressive symptoms. BACKGROUND: Given the limited number of psychotherapeutic interventions currently available to mental health nurses, there is a pressing need to develop new evidence-based approaches. METHODS: A focus group methodology was used, informed by the findings of a previous scoping review. Data were collected from 11 experts during two focus group sessions and analyzed using content analysis. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist was followed. RESULTS: Guidelines have been defined for theoretical conceptualization, inclusion and exclusion criteria, therapeutic objectives, diagnostic assessment tools, clinical practice context, number and duration of sessions, type of the intervention, and session content. The contents were defined and grouped into seven sessions and a prior evaluation session: (1) welcome; (2) exploration; (3) identification; (4) understanding; (5) change; (6) consolidation; and (7) follow-up session. DISCUSSION: The design of the intervention will allow it to be applied in a structured and uniform way, enabling the evaluation of its efficacy and contributing to the advancement of research in the field of mental health nursing. CONCLUSION: The focus group made it possible to design a structured cognitive restructuring intervention that could be applied by mental health nurses. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: The developed intervention provides a structured framework that may support future nurse-led psychotherapeutic care and inform the evolution of mental health nursing practice and education, pending validation through feasibility and effectiveness studies. IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH POLICY: If validated in future studies, the intervention may inform guidelines and policies supporting nurse-led psychotherapeutic care.
AIM: To examine the indirect association between subsyndromal delirium knowledge and clinical behaviour among psychiatric nurses, with attitude as a linking factor. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey design. RESULTS: The mean scores for SSD self-perceived knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 17.32 ± 6.66, 32.55 ± 4.54, and 30.11 ± 6.08, respectively. All three variables showed positive correlations (p < 0.01). Attitudes exhibited a significant association within the knowledge-practice relationship. The direct association between knowledge and behaviour (81.0%) proved to be more robust than the indirect association (19.0%). The moderating role of professional title was not statistically significant (p = 0.058). Given the cross-sectional design, the direct and indirect comparisons are descriptive only and should not be interpreted causally. CONCLUSION: Attitude showed a relatively small indirect association with SSD knowledge and behaviour among psychiatric nurses, though the direct association was considerably more robust. Despite favourable attitudes, self-perceived knowledge levels remained notably low. The findings suggest that system-level behavioural triggers (e.g., electronic health record prompts, standardized handover checklists) and knowledge education both offer potentially promising directions for future intervention research, though their relative effectiveness requires further investigation. However, the convenience sample was predominantly composed of tertiary hospital nurses (73.2%), limiting generalizability to primary-level settings. Due to the cross-sectional nature of this study, the findings indicate associations and necessitate longitudinal validation. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: The direct knowledge-behaviour association suggests that system-level workflow factors may be relevant intervention targets. Low self-perceived knowledge scores also indicate a continued need for knowledge education as a complementary goal. IMPACT: The predominance of the direct knowledge-behaviour association over the attitudinal pathway suggests that system-level workflow factors may play a key role in sustaining clinical practices, whereas self-perceived knowledge deficits point to the continued need for knowledge education. These findings provide empirical support for considering both system-level and educational approaches in SSD nursing care. REPORTING METHOD: This study adhered to the STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional studies. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.
AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an aesthetics-based educational intervention on compassion competence and aesthetic nursing care among psychiatric nurses. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study with a control group. METHODS: The study was conducted at a psychiatric hospital in Kerman, Iran. A total of 90 eligible psychiatric nurses were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 45) or a control group (n = 45). The intervention group participated in four weekly 90-min aesthetics-based nursing care educational sessions over four consecutive weeks, whereas the control group continued routine practice without receiving the educational intervention. Data were collected at baseline and 1 month after completion of the educational program using the Aesthetics of Nursing Care Scale (ENCS) and the Compassion Competence Scale (CCS). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Following the intervention, the mean total aesthetic nursing care score increased significantly in the intervention group compared with baseline and the control group (81.02 ± 6.26 vs. 43.26 ± 2.18, p < 0.001). In contrast, no significant change was observed in the control group (p = 0.11). Similarly, the mean total compassion competence score increased significantly in the intervention group after the intervention (60.73 ± 16.17) compared with baseline and the control group (p < 0.001), while no significant change was found in the control group (p = 0.12). NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution was involved in this study.
Issues in mental health nursingGülsüm Zekiye Tuncer, Zekiye Çetinkaya Duman, Başak Kilinçkaya
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered virtual patient application (ChatGPT) on the development of Mental Status Examination (MSE) skills in psychiatric nursing internship students and to explore how this process is reflected in their experiences. This study employed a sequential explanatory mixed-method design, consisting of a quantitative pre/post-test phase followed by a qualitative phase. In the quantitative phase, the MSE Competency Assessment scores of 27 undergraduate psychiatric nursing internship students were evaluated using a pre-test/post-test model. In the qualitative phase, in-depth individual interviews were conducted with 18 volunteer students. As part of the intervention, students participated in the "AI-Supported Virtual Patient Intervention: Structured Prompting Framework". The quantitative findings of the study revealed that the mean MSE Competency Assessment scores increased from 42.00 ± 6.43 in the pre-test to 49.57 ± 3.44 in the post-test (Z = -6.266, p < 0.001). Thematic analysis of the qualitative data yielded five main themes: Skill Development, Learning Experience, Impact of AI, Debriefing, and Limitations. Students reported that the application enhanced their MSE examination and communication skills; they also described a unique learning experience through AI, highlighted the importance of guided support.
Frontiers in public healthLiyun Deng, Zhou Wang, Guiying Cao, Xiangjun Li, Meng Zhou, Jiali Fan, Qiang Wang, Xiaojing Sun, Guangjian Li, Yun Yue, Jingping Shu
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of workplace violence (WPV) among psychiatric nurses in China and to identify factors associated with WPV, thereby providing evidence for the prevention and management of workplace violence in psychiatric nursing practice. METHODS: From September 2024 to September 2025, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among on-duty nurses from 20 psychiatric hospitals in Jiangsu Province, China. Data were collected using the Workplace Violence Scale (WVS), the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS), and the Survey of Perceived Organizational Support (SPOS). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine factors associated with overall workplace violence, physical workplace violence, and non-physical workplace violence. RESULTS: A total of 43.9% of psychiatric nurses reported experiencing at least one form of workplace violence during the past 12 months. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that sex, years of work experience, hospital level, department, number of monthly night shifts, and perceived organizational support were independently associated with overall workplace violence (all p < 0.05). Further analyses demonstrated that physical and non-physical workplace violence shared several common associated factors, including sex, years of work experience, hospital level, department, number of monthly night shifts, and perceived organizational support. Negative coping was independently associated only with non-physical workplace violence. CONCLUSION: Workplace violence remains highly prevalent among psychiatric nurses. Physical and non-physical workplace violence share common associated factors but may involve partly different underlying mechanisms. Physical workplace violence appeared to be more closely related to work-environmental and immediate patient-care conditions, whereas non-physical workplace violence was additionally associated with negative coping. These differences highlight the need to combine system-level prevention measures with targeted interventions addressing coping styles and non-physical aggression in psychiatric healthcare settings.
Journal of Korean Academy of NursingYun Ju Lee, Hee Kyung Kim, Jinhee Yoo, Sukja Kim, Jungeun Shin, Kyoungduck Park, Bunsun Cho
PURPOSE: This study systematically analyzed the job duties of nurses in acute psychiatric intensive care units using the Developing A Curriculum (DACUM) technique and identified the core job structure that reflects the characteristics of acute mental health nursing. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study used a DACUM workshop conducted in 2025 to identify job duties. The DACUM committee included one job analysis expert, one coordinator, and eight acute psychiatric nurses. Content validity was verified by eight experts using an item-level content validity index of ≥0.78. A total of 80 nurses assessed task importance, difficulty, and frequency. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the determinant coefficient. RESULTS: The DACUM analysis identified a structured framework consisting of 10 duties and 39 tasks. "Emergency and crisis management" had the highest determinant coefficient, followed by "therapeutic milieu management," "psychosocial interventions," and "education and professional development." At the task level, crisis intervention and response, physical emergency nursing care, and management of safety incident recurrence were prioritized. CONCLUSION: DACUM-based job analysis clarified the structured roles of nurses in acute psychiatric intensive care units and highlighted job characteristics centered on emergency management and safety. These findings provide foundational data for standardizing nursing roles, establishing staffing strategies, and developing specialized clinical education programs for acute psychiatric care.
Hu li za zhi The journal of nursingJhe-Jun Wu, Hsin-Pei Feng, Kai-Jo Chiang, Wen-Chii Tzeng
Mental health recovery, a core concept in contemporary mental health care, emphasizes that service users can pursue meaningful life goals by rebuilding hope, identity, and purpose even as related symptoms persist. As care has shifted from a biomedical focus on symptom control toward person-centered and community-oriented approaches, the mental health recovery process has presented challenges to traditional nursing roles and practices. Moreover, misperceptions of these approaches as psychiatric rehabilitation or illness management interventions have led to gaps between principles and practice. In this article, the relevant literature is reviewed to describe the meaning of recovery and its influencing factors, and measurement tools widely used to support nurses' understanding of recovery processes are summarized. In addition, the authors integrate their practical experiences in community psychiatric rehabilitation to reflect on challenges related to role positioning, intervention flexibility, and organizational support when implementing recovery-oriented care in practice.
International journal of mental health nursingSeung-Woo Han, Eun-Hee Kim, Hyun-Ok Jung
Stigmatising beliefs towards people with mental health disorders impede treatment-seeking and recovery. This study examined how the predictive contributions of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours to stigmatising beliefs towards people with mental health disorders differed by clinical practicum experience among nursing students exposed to auditory hallucination simulation. A non-randomised comparative cross-sectional design was employed (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines). Nursing students (n = 363) from four Korean universities were allocated to groups with (n = 175) and without (n = 188) clinical practicum experience based on academic progression. All participants completed an auditory hallucination simulation programme followed by questionnaires measuring knowledge, attitudes, behaviours, and stigma. Stepwise multiple regression analyses revealed that among students without clinical experience, knowledge (β = -0.435, p < 0.001), attitudes (β = -0.259, p < 0.001), and behaviours (β = -0.144, p = 0.020) predicted stigma (Adjusted R2 = 0.419). Among students with clinical experience, only knowledge (β = -0.455, p < 0.001) and attitudes (β = -0.287, p < 0.001) predicted stigma (Adjusted R2 = 0.478); behaviours did not reach significance despite a stronger bivariate correlation in the experienced (r = -0.390) than inexperienced group (r = -0.332). This paradoxical pattern-a stronger zero-order association losing independent variance in the multivariate model-suggests clinical experience integrates the three stigma components such that behaviour's effect becomes fully mediated through knowledge and attitudes. These findings support a stage-sensitive model: direct behavioural strategies are most effective pre-practicum, while post-practicum intervention should prioritise cognitive-affective integration via structured debriefing.
International journal of mental health nursingLouise Alexander, Whitney Johnson, Adam Searby, Jacqueline Rozario, Sue Belmore, Cally Mills
Mental health reform represents a sustained effort to improve the accessibility, quality and human rights orientation of mental health systems through changes to policy, legislation and service delivery. The scale and pace of growth in the lived and living experience workforce (LLEW) is unprecedented within mental health services, with a marked increase in roles representing a significant shift in the contemporary mental health landscape. In Australia, the state of Victoria is currently undergoing the most significant mental health reform in its history. This study aimed to explore mental health nurses' perceptions of the impacts of mental health reform on (1) their delivery of care in relation to consumer and carer safety and wellbeing and (2) their experiences of working alongside lived experience workers within reformed service contexts. This study employed a qualitative descriptive design, with secondary analysis of existing qualitative data (Szabo and Strang 1997), which were thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke and reported in accordance with CORE-Q guidelines. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with mental health nurses working in Victoria (N = 14), Australia, with three themes generated through reflexive thematic analysis: (1) Mind the gap: Reform impacts to safety and risk; (2) When care comes too late: reform impacts to care and treatment; and (3) Between sympathy and resistance: ambivalent attitudes towards LLEW roles. Persistent integration challenges related to LLEW influenced nurses' perceptions of usefulness. Nurses also described that an increased legislative emphasis on consumer choice, relative to clinical decision-making, contributed to uncertainty and hesitancy in intervention, which nurses perceived as negatively affecting care outcomes in some situations.
Journal of child and adolescent psychiatric nursing : official publication of the Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nurses, IncR Colin Blenis
BACKGROUND: Developmental dysgraphia affects 5% to 20% of school-age children and reaches 59% among children with ADHD or autism. The condition produces task avoidance, eroded self-esteem, and behavioral presentations that frequently result in psychiatric referral for anxiety, depression, school refusal, and behavioral disturbance. More than 37% of children with learning disabilities reach clinical thresholds for affective and ADHD problems. Despite this clinical footprint, dysgraphia remains nosologically contested and rarely identified within psychiatric evaluation. OBJECTIVES: This integrative review synthesizes the multidisciplinary evidence on developmental dysgraphia and examines its implications for child and adolescent psychiatric-mental health nursing. DATA SOURCES: Eight databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, ERIC, Cochrane, OTseeker, Web of Science) yielded 8290 records published between January 2000 and March 2026. After deduplication, 6308 records were screened, 1476 were assessed for eligibility, and 56 contributed to synthesis. Synthesis followed Whittemore and Knafl (2005) under PRISMA 2020 reporting conventions. CONCLUSIONS: Findings document definitional disagreement, fragmented assessment, underpowered intervention evidence, and substantial psychosocial burden. Three nursing publications addressed dysgraphia, and none reported original research on the condition. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Dysgraphia screening may be integrated into psychiatric evaluations of children referred for ADHD, anxiety, depression, school refusal, or behavioral disturbance. Handwriting may be monitored as a stimulant medication outcome. On inpatient units, writing-based therapeutic activities require adaptation when dysgraphia is suspected. Pediatric primary care and school health represent upstream identification opportunities.
Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health servicesLadda Thiamwong
The aging population is transforming societies worldwide, necessitating a shift from deficit-based models of care to approaches that promote thriving, purpose, and well-being across the lifespan. The current article reframes aging as an opportunity for innovation and value creation, highlighting the critical role of psychiatric-mental health professionals in leading this transformation. Four key pillars are emphasized-reframing aging as opportunity, enhancing communication as a catalyst for change, transitioning from reactive to proactive care, and leveraging technology while aligning innovation with compassion. Psychiatric-mental health nurses are uniquely positioned to integrate mental, physical, and social care while addressing social determinants of health and reducing ageism. Through inclusive communication and system-level strategies, they can reshape care delivery and societal narratives around aging. Ultimately, redefining professional value in a longevity society requires a commitment to equity, dignity, and human-centered innovation, ensuring that older adults not only live longer but live well and thrive.
International journal of mental health nursingAlison Taylor, Matthew Flowers, Marie Hutchinson
This paper presents a reflective account of the implementation of the Safe Steps for De-escalation practice model over a 12-month period across three acute mental health units. It describes the implementation process of the model, designed to reduce restrictive practices in acute mental health settings. The Safe Steps model is a mental health nurse-designed and led approach for person-centred, structured and relational de-escalation. It positions therapeutic engagement, emotional attunement, and psychological safety as central components of effective responding, particularly during high-stress situations. The model offers a practical and adaptable resource for diverse acute care environments. This paper examines the implementation process and lessons learned from a multi-site evaluation of the Safe Steps model in a number of acute mental health units. The evaluation was guided by the complexity model of Skivington et al. (2021), which emphasises multifaceted real-world approaches to evaluation. Drawing on reflective accounts from the research and implementation leads, using practice-informed insights, the paper explores the opportunities, challenges and lessons learned in embedding a relational de-escalation model into everyday clinical practice. Particular attention is given to capability building, scenario-based learning, and team-based support strategies that facilitated implementation. The findings highlight the importance of leadership, emotional safety, and inclusion of the consumer voice in sustaining reductions in coercive practices. The paper offers practical insights for clinicians and researchers seeking to implement relational and trauma-informed approaches in acute mental health services.
International journal of mental health nursingWhitney Johnson, Michael Kelly, Bridget Poole, Jas Ulger, Liza Hopkins
Clinical supervision for health care workers is well established across many disciplines; however, supervision for nurses has proven more difficult to implement and sustain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the experience of establishing regular, ongoing group clinical supervision for mental health nurses in two acute adult inpatient wards. The study took a qualitative descriptive approach to data collection, gathering and triangulating data from nurses who took part in the supervision sessions, as well as supervision facilitators and ward managers. Data were collected through a brief anonymous online survey with open text options (n = 21) followed up with one-on-one semi-structured interviews (n = 10). Interview questions covered issues such as the experience of taking part in group supervision sessions, barriers and facilitators to implementation, enabling environmental factors, and ways to overcome challenges and build psychological safety for participants as well as a sustainable program. Quantitative survey data were analysed using simple counting, while qualitative data from open-ended survey responses and interviews were coded independently by the authors using an inductive grounded theory approach to identify emergent themes. The study found that successful implementation of group supervision required careful attention to the design and development of the program prior to and during establishment, with support from all levels of management as well as addressing administrative and logistic requirements. Sustainability was ensured through enabling attendance for all staff working the relevant shift, as well as by ensuring skilled facilitation of the sessions. Broader cultural change ensured the meaning, relevance, and value of supervision for nurses was built over time. In addition, a positive experience during the group supervision sessions meant that nurses felt more confident and better supported in their care of patients.
International journal of mental health nursingSini Jacob, Sebastian Samuel, Greety Antony, Susan Hua, Nisha Antony
Mental health nursing requires specialised training in therapeutic communication and related soft skills. Innovative, digitally enhanced strategies may support competency development, particularly amid clinical placement shortages. This article outlines insights from a scoping review of technology use in undergraduate mental health nursing education. The objectives were to (a) explore the impact of using these technologies in students' experience and (b) develop insights that can contribute to the development of a curriculum that embed innovative educational technology with strong theoretical foundations and pedagogical strategies. This review was guided by the modified Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework. The PCC (Population, Concept, Context) framework was used to formulate the eligibility criteria. A review protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF). The databases for searching included CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science. The results were reported according to the PRISMA-ScR checklist. The review included 35 studies and the evidence showed that, virtual reality simulations (VRS) with varying immersive abilities were the most popular innovative educational technology used in undergraduate mental health nursing education. Interestingly, no articles were identified that used other innovative educational technologies as outlined in the search strategies. Both immersive and non-immersive VRS were equally effective in improving student learning experiences compared to traditional learning modalities. The main benefits included enhanced learning experiences and comprehension and the development of necessary skills and confidence before entering clinical settings. Advanced technologies offer future-focused benefits for mental health nursing education; however, core therapeutic skills remain essential. Virtual learning should therefore complement, not replace, realistic learning experiences.
International journal of mental health nursingAntony Mullen, Brenda Happell, Bridget Hamilton, Stephanie Skinner
The Safewards model and its ten interventions have been effective in reducing restrictive practices and preventing conflict within acute inpatient mental health units. However, few studies in the current literature explore the consumers' experiences of Safewards. This exploration also needs to consider the views of Mental Health Nurses and the Lived Experience Workforce, who are both important stakeholders in the application of Safewards and how it impacts on consumers' experiences. Despite this, the views of Mental Health Nurses and the Lived Experience Workforce about consumers' experiences of Safewards are limited. This qualitative study explored the views of Lived Experience Workforce leaders about consumers' experiences of Safewards, and Mental Health Nurses' responses to these experiences in acute inpatient mental health units in Australia. Six Lived Experience Workforce leaders participated in individual interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, revealing four themes: (1) consolidating Safewards through understanding consumers' experiences, (2) consumers as leaders in Safewards, (3) acknowledging the realities of acute inpatient mental health units and (4) practice foundations underpinning Safewards. Results highlighted the positive impact of improved consumer involvement in Safewards. Additionally, mechanisms to develop strategic partnerships between Lived Experience Workforce leaders and mental health nurses warrant further investigation. This study highlighted the restrictive nature of acute inpatient mental health units and the need to acknowledge the impact this has on consumers. Further embedding of foundational approaches, such as trauma-informed and recovery-oriented practice within Safewards, is also required to align with consumers' expectations. Greater recognition of consumers' experiences and their agency within the model, and consideration of other Safewards interventions, is also needed. This is required to increase safety, reduce harms associated with restrictive practice, and enhance Safewards effectiveness.
International journal of mental health nursingSuyoun Ahn, Eunmi Hwang
As community mental health services expand in scope and responsibility, mental health nurses are playing a central role in delivering integrated, recovery-oriented care. However, they face substantial challenges in adapting to community practice and sustaining professional development. Clinical supervision can mitigate these demands through its formative, normative, restorative functions. This study explored the supervision experiences of community mental health nurse specialists in South Korea to provide evidence for specifying the effective functions and operational systems of supervision using an exploratory qualitative design. Twelve community mental health nurse specialists participated in three focus group interviews conducted between June 2024 and July 2025. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes and 10 subthemes were generated: translating community mental health ideals into professional practice; serving as an anchor in unfamiliar terrain; supervision undermined by superficiality and disrespect; and competency development constrained by structural barriers. Supervision was perceived as a critical space for clarifying clinical direction, regulating emotional involvement and supporting professional adaptation. However, formalistic delivery and structural constraints limited its impact. These findings highlight the need for integrated and systematic supervision approaches aligned with the community mental health paradigm, supported by organisational and policy commitments to protected time, staffing, education and financial resources. Strengthening supervision under such conditions may enhance practitioner development and service user outcomes.
International journal of mental health nursingEsario Iv Daguman, Dane Owen, Jacqui Yoxall, Richard Lakeman, Marie Hutchinson
Interventions aimed at reducing restrictive practices are also designed to enhance the service experience in acute mental health units. However, people with experience of coercive engagement with these services are seldom involved as active contributors in evaluative research on interventions to reduce restrictive practices. With the meaningful involvement of lived experience practitioners, this research was aimed at examining care recipients' service experiences and perspectives on nurses' therapeutic responses during the implementation of a de-escalation intervention in three adult inpatient units within New South Wales, Australia, from March 2024 to April 2025. Nested within a larger study employing a mixed concurrent control design, this research evaluated the effectiveness and process of the Safe Steps for De-escalation through comparisons of unmatched measures of empowerment, dehumanisation, and staff actions on violence prevention across three time points, as well as through a reflective thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews. Safe Steps is a structured approach for therapeutic responding, targeting nurses' relationship-promotion behaviours to increase focus on minimising the use of restrictive practices. Eighty-six inpatients completed the unmatched measures, with nine participating in interviews following discharge. No significant changes were noted in quantitative measures over time. Five themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: (i) Clarity calms; confusion harms, (ii) Control cuts deep, (iii) Systems strain; people break, (iv) Connection is treatment in itself, and (v) Meaning-making outweighs medicine. These findings cast acute inpatient units in a light akin to a power circuit, elevating the need to make inpatient admissions more reflective of everyday life outside the units.
International journal of mental health nursingS Reweti, T R Kake
Māori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand have poorer outcomes and experiences when accessing adult mental health services (MHS), including higher rates of seclusion and compulsory treatment. These inequities for Māori represent a breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the constitutional foundation of Aotearoa New Zealand, and stem from over a 100 years of European colonisation involving massive confiscation of Māori land, population decline, and suppression of Māori identity and culture. The recent New Zealand mental health Inquiry, He Ara Oranga, emphasised the need to transform the cultural responsiveness of mental health services for Māori. Similar issues were highlighted by Dr. Irihapeti Ramsden who pioneered the concept of cultural safety for Māori in nursing practice, which when applied to Māori consumers is referred to as 'Kawa Whakaruruhau'. This qualitative study explored 10 Māori and non-Māori senior nursing leaders' perspectives on the status of Kawa Whakaruruhau and Cultural Safety for Māori consumers (tāngata whaiora) and their family (whānau) accessing adult MHS in Aotearoa-New Zealand. The participants came from four health regions and a national mental health nursing organisation. Key themes focussed on Kawa Whakaruruhau and Cultural Safety as either cultural competence or power relationships between nurses and Māori, and there were many opportunities for improving Kawa Whakaruruhau in services. The results suggested that from a nursing perspective, the status of Kawa Whakaruruhau and Cultural Safety in adult mental health services for tāngata whaiora Māori and their whānau is highly problematic. This report is adherent with the COREQ checklist.
International journal of mental health nursingYen-Hua Shih, Mei-Yu Yeh, Li-Yu Chuang
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions involving a dual contact pedagogical intervention on nursing students' attitudes toward mental illness, and to further explore their learning experiences and perspectives. A mixed methods approach using an explanatory sequential design was applied with a single group quasi-experimental design, and a qualitative deductive approach guided by Kolb's experiential learning theory. The dual-contact intervention involving both inpatients and individuals in recovery was integrated into the psychiatric nursing curriculum. Forty-four nursing students enrolled in a five-year junior college in southern Taiwan participated in the intervention group, including 13 who took part in three focus groups. Quantitative data from three self-report scales assessing attitudes, perceived stigma and social distance were analysed using repeated one-way analysis of variance, while qualitative data from focus group interviews conducted after students completed their psychiatric nursing practicum were analysed using content analysis. There were significant differences in attitudes and social distance, particularly after contact with the individuals in recovery. Qualitative data analysis identified that the Dual Learning Strategies with Meaningful Contacts category was associated with these changes, which encompassed three subcategories: (1) Reflective learning experiences, (2) Transforming experiential insights into clinical practice and (3) Debriefing of contacts across phases of psychiatric care. Both contact-based interventions improved attitudes. Notably, engaging with individuals in recovery significantly reduced perceived stigma and social distance. Interaction with inpatients reinforced theoretical knowledge integrating clinical contexts, while engaging with individuals in recovery cultivated empathy and caregiving competencies. Both contact-based interventions provided complementary learning benefits.
International journal of mental health nursingSophie Isobel
There are increasing guides and expectations for being trauma informed in research practices. This perspective paper builds upon this emerging field of literature to consider what it means to be trauma and violence informed in mental health nursing research and evaluation. Being trauma and violence informed requires all the same in-the-moment application of the principles of trauma informed care when engaging with participants or data, while also contextualising trauma in the context of wider social contexts. This includes recognising the role that structural violence plays in compounding and sustaining trauma for groups and individuals. To be trauma and violence informed in research requires attention to the power that research and evaluation hold and ongoing reflection on the implications of the design, measures, outcomes and findings of research and evaluation, while informing all decisions by awareness of trauma and the forms of violence that cause and sustain it.
International journal of mental health nursingRebecca Davis, Nicola Clibbens
With one in eight people living with a mental health condition as of 2019, it is reasonable to assume that this population would also include mental health professionals. Despite the global prevalence of lived experience of this nature, its integration into practice and professional roles has yet to be achieved on a wider scale, with its value underestimated and affixed with a significant level of stigma. This study aimed to explore the perceived and actualised value of lived experience among mental health professionals and its influence on practice. A qualitative approach utilising systematic review methodology identified and synthesised the findings of 10 relevant papers. Such an approach acknowledged the range and complexity, and thus the subjectivity, of identified experiences, creating the interpretive space necessary to promote a deeper understanding, from a phenomenological perspective, of how mental health professionals with lived experience utilise their unique knowledge and skills in practice and the value added. Thematic analysis generated two main themes, each with two sub-themes. These were the Intrapersonal and Interpersonal value of lived experience in terms of their influence on practice, the former with Attitudes, Values and Beliefs and Deeper Understanding as sub-themes; the latter with Connection and Approach to Practice as sub-themes. The results of this study have significant implications not only for policy and practice but also for research, calling for social change around mental health stigma. Ultimately, the results highlight the value of integrating lived experience within the healthcare workforce and clinical practice, and the unique perspective and insight it brings.
Revista brasileira de enfermagemMaria Angélica de Almeida Peres, José Lúcio Costa Ramos, Priscilla Ingrid Gomes Miranda, Lygia Paim, Cristina Maria Douat Loyola
OBJECTIVES: to describe the biography of Tereza de Jesus Sena, highlighting her contributions to psychiatric and mental health nursing education and practice. METHODS: this biographical study used historical analysis to triangulate sources and interpret the chronologically organized data in context. Data were collected from August to December 2023. RESULTS: three categories emerged: Personal data, education, and early professional career; Formal appointment and recognition as a Psychiatric Nursing instructor; and Sena's relationship with the development of psychiatric nursing in Brazil. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the Ceará-born nurse stood out for her work in the states of Bahia, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro. She devoted herself to her work and to disseminating knowledge through education as tools to transform the psychiatric and mental health field, becoming a mentor of subjectivity-attuned care and of modern teaching for her time.
Archives of psychiatric nursingAdeviye Aydin, Sevcan Toptas Kiliç, Songül Kamisli
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore psychiatric nurses' experiences related to professional boundaries in Türkiye. METHODS: This study employed a descriptive qualitative design. Data were collected through four online focus group interviews conducted between March and June 2024, involving a total of 23 psychiatric nurses. Each focus group comprised five to six participants, and the interviews lasted approximately 1.5 h. Data saturation was achieved after the third focus group interview, as no new themes emerged; however, a fourth focus group was conducted to confirm saturation. The data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. RESULTS: Content analysis of the focus group interviews with psychiatric nurses identified four main themes related to professional boundaries: (1) the meaning of boundaries, (2) requirements for establishing professional boundaries, (3) factors influencing the determination and establishment of professional boundaries, (4) requirements for the sustainability of professional boundaries. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that effective team collaboration and open communication regarding professional boundaries are fundamental to psychiatric nursing practice, particularly within the context of institutional policies and service regulations. Professional boundaries were perceived as essential not only for ensuring therapeutic relationships but also for supporting patients' adaptation and social functioning beyond the clinical setting. Developing nurses' competencies in establishing flexible, patient-centered boundaries while maintaining consistency in therapeutic interactions may strengthen the quality and effectiveness of psychiatric care.
Archives of psychiatric nursingAlfonso Sevillano-Jiménez
BACKGROUND: The gradual development of omic sciences and personalised care has led to the establishment of precision nursing as a response to the need to establish new models of care that allow for greater optimisation and individualisation of therapy, through the use of omic biomarkers, psychosocial factors and lifestyles. Precision models are particularly relevant in disorders of multifactorial origin and complex approach, especially neuropsychiatric disorders. OBJECTIVES: To highlight the determinants and recommendations in the implementation of precision mental health nursing. It also aims to clarify future lines of research and areas for improvement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A narrative review of the literature (period: February-May 2025, inclusive), using Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and UpToDate as main databases. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Spanish/English language, original and full-text publications, period: last 5 years (2021-2025), human study. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: databases without scientific evidence or derived reliability, being part of the grey literature, no inclusion criteria. RESULTS: A total of 22 articles were selected. The evidence establishes precision nursing as the backbone of achieving optimal health outcomes through holistic linkage and stratification of mental health risk scores. Clinical decision-making is aided by the implementation of computational algorithms and the use of m-Health. The gradual implementation of personalised care requires a paradigm shift from current care models, requiring more training, digital investment and reallocation of care roles according to clinical contexts and diagnostic categories. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of precision nursing shows promising results in prevention and therapeutic optimisation in mental health. Further institutional support and professional training in omic sciences is needed. The reallocation of roles in precision health care shapes nursing as a cornerstone of the model's effectiveness.
PloS oneAmal I Khalil, Alhanouf A Almuhalbidi, Reema T Almutairi, Shahad S Almutairi, Hatun H Alansari, Atheer S Almarri, Shaima K Alzahrani, Joud S Alzahrani
BACKGROUND: Polypharmacy is often crucial for managing complex and treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders, yet it carries risks such as adverse drug interactions, medication non-compliance, and suboptimal health outcomes. Interprofessional perspectives on polypharmacy significantly influence clinical decision-making and prescribing practices. AIM: This research evaluates healthcare providers' knowledge and attitudes regarding psychiatric polypharmacy, comparing the views of psychiatric nurses, psychiatrists, and pharmacists. It also explores how these factors impact prescribing behaviors and interprofessional collaboration. METHODS: A convergent mixed-methods approach was employed at the Erada Complex for Mental Health and Addiction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study involved 221 healthcare providers, including psychiatrists (n = 32), psychiatric nurses (n = 158), and pharmacists (n = 31). Quantitative data were collected using validated scales to assess knowledge and attitudes, while qualitative insights were gathered through open-ended responses and group discussions. RESULTS: Knowledge levels varied among the professionals, with psychiatrists possessing the most comprehensive understanding (84.2 ± 11.0), followed by pharmacists (81.5 ± 10.0) and psychiatric nurses (79.5 ± 9.8). Attitudes toward polypharmacy also differed, with psychiatrists showing the most favorable views (3.79 ± 0.49), whereas nurses and pharmacists were more cautious due to concerns about adverse effects and medication burden. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.653, p < 0.05) was observed between knowledge and attitude scores. Sociodemographic factors, such as professional experience and confidence in medication management, influenced both knowledge and attitudes regarding medication management. Qualitative findings highlighted interprofessional tensions, with psychiatric nurses advocating for more conservative approaches, psychiatrists emphasizing clinical necessity, and pharmacists focusing on optimizing medication safety. CONCLUSION: Healthcare providers demonstrated varying levels of awareness and attitudes toward psychiatric polypharmacy, shaped by their professional roles and responsibilities. While psychiatrists were more accepting of polypharmacy, psychiatric nurses expressed concerns about patient burden, and pharmacists prioritized safety considerations. Enhancing interprofessional collaboration and ongoing education on polypharmacy practices are essential for improving patient outcomes.
The development of soothing care to avoid coercion and the implementation of psychosocial rehabilitation care are integral to our mental health policies. The question arises as to what extent these approaches conceptually contribute to alleviating tensions within long-term inpatient units. Emotion regulation is also a key focus in managing interpersonal relationships. Description and feedback on the implementation of a combined program of psychoeducation and social skills training within Epsylan's discharge preparation units.