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Facilitating knowledge of mental health nurses to undertake physical health interventions : A pre-test/post-test evaluation
Hemingway, Stephen Clifton, Andrew Stephenson, John Edward, Karen-Leigh
Hemingway, Stephen
Clifton, Andrew
Stephenson, John
Edward, Karen-Leigh
Abstract
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.
Keywords
health literacy, iatrogenic side effects, mental health nursing, physical health, statistical analysis
Date
2014
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Nursing Management
Book
Volume
22
Issue
3
Page Range
383-393
Article Number
ACU Department
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as green open access
License
File Access
Controlled
Open
Open