Clinical
Our clinical nursing articles aim to inform and educate nurse practitioners and students. This is achieved through the publication of peer-reviewed, evidence-based, relevant and topical articles.
Clozapine-induced constipation: a service evaluation
All nurses need to be aware of the dangers associated with clozapine-induced constipation
An evaluation of nurse-led mental health training for benefits staff
Delivery of training by mental health nurses to staff in a benefits district in west Scotland
Peer-to-peer mentoring for and by at-risk young people
Delivery of training by mental health nurses to staff in a benefits district in west Scotland.
Validity of a two-question tool in detecting antenatal depression in Malawi
Establishing the validity of a two-question tool based on the Whooley questions
Mental health service needs and experiences of asylum-seeking children in the UK
A literature review of the needs and experiences of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children
Simulated learning environments involving coroner’s court attendance in mental health
SLEs provide students with an opportunity to experience complex practice elements
Restrictive interventions: a service evaluation
Background Restrictive interventions (RIs) are defined as the use of deliberate acts that restrict a person’s movement, liberty or freedom to act independently. RIs such as seclusion and physical intervention are practices commonly used to manage violence and aggression. Aims To investigate the frequency and rationale for use of RIs at an NHS inpatient service. Methods A service evaluation was carried out for six inpatient wards that offer adult and later-life services. Data were collected from patient incident and adverse events reports and from electronic patient records. Results There were 424 incidents of physical intervention and 184 incidents of seclusion reported. The use of physical intervention was more frequent between 10am and 12pm, when personal care was carried out. Physical and non-physical assaults were most commonly reported as the reasons for use of RIs. Conclusion Analysing the frequency and the rationale for the use of RIs has enabled changes to be made to practice and how staff are trained. It is hoped that other services will reflect on their use of RIs to improve practice.
Resettlement experiences of African migrants and how they affect mental health
African migrants' mental health and future aspirations after resettling in Australia
Development of a behavioural assessment tool for use in forensic mental health services
This article presents the Forensic Functional Assessment Measure (FFAM): a tool to assess the triggers and functions of behaviours that challenge in a medium-secure mental health setting. The measure was designed by a group of practitioners in the field who were implementing positive behaviour support (PBS). The aim was to replace other widely used tools that were designed for use with a learning disability population. The FFAM is a semi-structured interview tool and informant-based assessment. Preliminary testing of the tool was carried out by four staff members with seven service users. Findings indicate that the FFAM successfully identified triggers and functions of behaviours that challenge and that it could be used to develop PBS plans. This was a pilot study focusing on a small sample; additional research is required to determine the reliability and validity of the FFAM.
Positive behaviour support: exploring the experiences of nurses
Nurses should be encouraged to take a lead in the formulation of PBS plans and their delivery
Trauma-informed practice: a paradigm shift in the education of mental health nurses
Equipping students with the skills and knowledge to work in a trauma-informed framework
Mental health nursing and the pursuit of professional equivalence
Equivalence for mental health nursing is a problem, despite nurses performing valuable work