scholarly journals A survey of the level of knowledge and understanding of members of the inpatient team on the role of the physician associate on the general adult psychiatric wards

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S140-S140
Author(s):  
Declan Hyland ◽  
Mohammed Uddin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Junior Trainee ◽  
Mental Health Settings ◽  
Adult Inpatient ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Level Of Understanding ◽  
Assistant Practitioner

AimsPhysician Associates (PAs) are healthcare professionals with a general medical education background, having completed a two-year postgraduate degree. Whilst the number of PAs employed in healthcare trusts continues to increase, the number working in mental health settings remains small.Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust employed two PAs two years ago. In August 2019, a third PA was recruited to work at Clock View Hospital, a general adult inpatient unit.This survey aims to establish what level of understanding different members of the inpatient teams across the inpatient wards have of the tasks PAs are permitted to undertake and those they are not.MethodA survey was designed, listing 37 tasks, e.g. completing an admission clerking. For each task, the participant was asked whether a PA is allowed to complete it or not, with three options provided – “can carry out the task”, “cannot carry out the task” and “do not know.” A score of + 1 was awarded if the correct answer was provided, –1 for an incorrect answer and 0 if the respondent didn't know. The highest possible score for a completed survey was + 37 points; the lowest possible score was –37 points.A sample of survey respondents was identified from the three general adult inpatient wards at Clock View Hospital and the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), comprising: senior doctors, junior trainees, Ward Manager, Deputy Ward Manager, Band 5 nurse and Assistant Practitioner.ResultTwenty-four members of staff completed the survey – 3 senior doctors, 4 junior trainees, 4 Ward Managers, 4 Deputy Ward Managers, 5 Band 5 nurses and 4 Assistant Practitioners. The respondents were distributed equally across the three general adult wards and the PICU. The highest survey score was 36 out of 37 (a Consultant); the lowest was 18 (a junior trainee). The lowest mean score was variable across the different grades of staff, with Consultants scoring highest at 29 and Assistant Practitioners and Ward Managers both scoring lowest at 25. There was little variability in mean score (only 2 points) across the three wards and PICU.ConclusionThe results from this survey demonstrate that different members of the inpatient team have a good understanding of what tasks PAs are and are not permitted to. There is still a need to provide further education to inpatient staff to ensure they utilise the PA at Clock View Hospital appropriately and that the PA is able to develop his skill set.

scholarly journals An analysis of the views of different members of the inpatient team on the role of the physician associate on the general adult psychiatric wards

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S140-S141
Author(s):  
Declan Hyland ◽  
Mohammed Uddin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Strong Argument ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
X Band ◽  
Negative Comments ◽  
Mental Health Settings ◽  
Adult Inpatient ◽  
Inpatient Units ◽  
Assistant Practitioner

AimsPhysician Associates (PAs) are healthcare professionals who have a general medical education background, having completed a two-year postgraduate degree. Whilst the number of PAs employed in healthcare trusts continues to increase, the number working in mental health settings remains small.Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust employed two PAs two years ago. In August 2019, a third PA was recruited to work at Clock View Hospital, a general adult inpatient unit.This analysis aimed to establish the views of different members of the team across the three general adult wards and the Psychiatric Care Unit (PICU) at Clock View Hospital on the role of the PA.MethodA sample of members of staff was identified from across the three general adult inpatient wards at and the PICU, comprising: senior doctors (Consultants and Specialty Doctor), junior trainees (Core Trainee and Foundation Trainees), Ward Manager, Deputy Ward Manager, Band 5 nurse and Assistant Practitioner. Each member of staff was asked to answer the question “On a scale of 1 to 10 (with “1” being completely unhappy, “10” being completely happy), how happy are you to have a PA working on your ward?” Each staff member was then asked to provide comments on their views on the role of the PA.ResultTwenty-three members of staff participated – 3 x senior doctors, 4 x junior trainees, 4 Ward Managers, 4 Deputy Ward Managers, 4 x Band 5 nurses and 4 x Assistant Practitioners. The respondents were distributed equally across the three general adult wards and the PICU. All 23 members of staff provided a score of 10 out 10 to the question about how happy they were to have a PA working on the ward. Many of the staff members provided some very positive comments on their respective views about the role of the PA at Clock View Hospital. No negative comments were provided by any members of staff.ConclusionIt is clear from the large sample of members of staff of different grade at Clock View Hospital that were surveyed that the PA has been a warmly received and welcome addition to the inpatient team and that the PA is viewed as having become an important and valued member of the inpatient team. This provides a strong argument for both Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, and other mental health trusts across the U.K., to consider employing more PAs to work in their inpatient units.

What is the impact of staff wearing uniforms in psychiatric inpatient settings?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Collingwood ◽  
Laura McKenzie-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatient ◽  
Ideal Self ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Mental Health Settings ◽  
Inpatient Settings ◽  
The Impact

Background: Uniform has traditionally been worn in psychiatric inpatient and other mental health settings, but there has been a move to non-uniform in recent years. Some services have made the change back to uniform, raising questionsabout the potential impact on patients and staff.Aim: To review the impact of uniform within a psychiatric inpatient or mental health setting.Method: Databases were searched for articles exploring the impact of uniform use using specified search terms. Articles were assessed for suitability with inclusion and exclusion criteria, critically appraised, then analysed for themes using thematic analysis.Results: 17 papers were included in the review. Thematic analysis identified five main themes and 29 subthemes. Main themes were Attitudes and interactions, A freer environment, Are you both nurses?, The ‘ideal self’ and There are more important things. A critical appraisal of the articles suggested issues with validityand reliability, which are discussed.Discussion: Studies identified that wearing non-uniform facilitated positive changes in both patients and staff. This raises the potential negative impact of uniform on both patients and staff, and the role of power imbalance in these settings is discussed. Further themes around identification of staff out of uniform were considered.Implications for practice: The use of uniform in mental health and psychiatric inpatient settings should be considered carefully, due to the potential negative impact, whilst also recognising the importance of staff identification and supporting professional identity.

Incorporating Exercise Professionals in Mental Health Settings: An Australian Perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamish Fibbins ◽  
Oscar Lederman ◽  
Rachel Morell ◽  
Bonnie Furzer ◽  
Kemi Wright ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Premature Mortality ◽  
Health Organizations ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Mental Health Settings

ABSTRACT Low rates of physical activity, in addition to other poor physical health behaviors, contribute to lower quality of life and increased rates of premature mortality for people living with mental illness. Physical activity reduces this mortality gap while simultaneously improving mood, cognitive function, and symptomology for a variety of psychiatric disorders. While physical activity programs are feasible and acceptable in this population, significant barriers exist that limit long-term adherence. Accredited exercise physiologists (AEPs) are best-placed in Australia to lead physical activity interventions for people living with mental illness. Additionally, AEPs provide an important role in improving culture change within mental health settings by influencing clinicians' attitudes to physical activity interventions. Leading international mental health organizations should collaborate and promote the role of physical activity to increase the provision of such services to people living with mental illness.

Occupational Therapy and Care Coordination: The Challenges Faced by Occupational Therapists in Community Mental Health Settings

2008 ◽  
Vol 71 (11) ◽  
pp. 496-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Culverhouse ◽  
Paul F Bibby
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Community Mental Health ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Specific Work ◽  
Health Practice ◽  
Mental Health Settings ◽  
Community Mental Health Settings

There is continuing debate concerning the role of occupational therapists within community mental health practice. This opinion piece advocates the need for occupational therapists to undertake more profession-specific work. Its argument draws upon real life case studies as well as the service users' views expressed in the recent College of Occupational Therapists' 10-year strategy for occupational therapy mental health services.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: All in the Mind? An Occupational Therapy Perspective

2000 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 163-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy Moore
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Mental Health Settings

This study aimed to establish the attitudes of occupational therapists towards chronic fatigue syndrome. Previously, no study had investigated the attitudes of health professionals towards this condition, which may be a factor in maintaining the uncertainty surrounding chronic fatigue syndrome. Twenty occupational therapists practising in either physical or mental health settings were recruited to this study. In order to achieve a depth of knowledge not gained by previous studies, the data were collected through a combination of quantitative and qualitative methodology by using a structured questionnaire and a semi-structured interview; the findings were analysed statistically and thematically. At variance with the literature, the results revealed a neutral to positive attitude towards chronic fatigue syndrome, with no significant difference in responses from participants practising in physical or mental health settings. A unique and valuable role was clearly identified for the profession of occupational therapy within the wider multidisciplinary framework. However, as 16 (80%) of the participants had met individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome, the lack of knowledge and need for further education and training were highlighted. Continuing professional development is fundamental in order to provide appropriate, sensitive and holistic services in the future for all individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome.

scholarly journals The Moderating Role of Personal Resources Between Demands and Ill-Being of Romanian Healthcare Professionals in the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ica Secosan ◽  
Delia Virga ◽  
Zorin Petrisor Crainiceanu ◽  
Lavinia Melania Bratu ◽  
Tiberiu Bratu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Personal Resources ◽  
Health Complaints ◽  
Medical Field ◽  
Global Epidemic ◽  
Moderating Role

Background and Objectives: The illness caused by the new coronavirus (COVID-19) triggered considerable mental consequences for the medical staff. Our aim was to research whether frontline healthcare workers' positive psychological state—PsyCap—impacts the relationship between anxiety/depression and burnout/mental health complaints.Material and Methods: One hundred twenty-six medical professionals working on the frontline at the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Department in Romania took validated surveys between March and April 2020. All information was collected online after accessing a link that was received in an email message. The inclusion criteria concerned the categories of healthcare professionals who came into direct contact with patients during the COVID-19 global epidemic through the performed medical act, as well as time spent in the medical field of ICU an EM, namely at least 1 year in the department. We excluded from the research other categories of employees and auxiliary staff, as well as healthcare workers with <1-year experience in the medical field. The moderating role of personal resources (PsyCap) between demands (such as anxiety and depression) and ill-being (burnout and mental health complaints) of healthcare professionals were tested via hierarchical multiple regressions.Results: We tested the moderating role of PsyCap on the relation between anxiety and ill-being. The results indicated that high anxiety predicts lower emotional exhaustion and a low level of mental health complaints about Romanian healthcare professionals when PsyCap is high. The moderating role of PsyCap on the relation between depression and ill-being was tested in the second hypothesis. The results indicated that high depression predicts lower inefficacy and a low level of mental health complaints about Romanian healthcare professionals when PsyCap is increased.Conclusions: PsyCap is a crucial variable that may decrease the impact of anxiety and depression on psychological outcomes such as emotional exhaustion, inefficacy, and psychological problems among Romanian medical professionals working on the frontline during the COVID-19 global epidemic. Thus, psychological interventions that help medical staff gain personal resources are appropriate in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Role of telemedicine in healthcare during COVID-19 pandemic in developing countries

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Abdul Kadir
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Virus Spread ◽  
Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Abstract: COVID-19 is a public health emergency of international concern. Ensuring primary healthcare during this pandemic appeared to be a great challenge. Primary healthcare services are being disrupted due to lockdown, lack of protective gears and hospital facilities, risk of infection spread to non-COVID patients and health professionals. People with acute and chronic ailments including diabetes, pregnancy, obesity, chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, cancer, mental health conditions are in trouble. In this article, the challenges in primary healthcare in developing countries during COVID-19 pandemic have been analyzed and the role of telemedicine in addressing these challenges has been discussed. Telemedicine can play an important role in this pandemic by minimizing virus spread, utilizing the time of healthcare professionals effectively and in alleviating mental health issues.

When Providers Become Seekers – The Harsh Ironic Reality (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alhad Mulkalwar
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
The Past ◽  
Burn Out

UNSTRUCTURED It’s a well known fact that healthcare professionals are prone to mental health. Alarmingly high incidences of stress, anxiety, psychological burn out and depression amongst doctors have been published in the past, but the role of the institution, and peers in the alleviation of this issue has neither been addressed nor been talked about, an aspect which is highlighted in this article.

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