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Introduction: Somatic comorbidity is the main cause of reduced life expectancy in patients with substance use disorders (SUDs)., Aim: This study aims to investigate somatic health challenges in patients with SUDs using the USS. Patient self-management of somatic health and quality of life were also assessed., Method: In our study, a stratified random sample of 136 clients who received treatment at a specialist addiction facility was drawn to investigate their physical health and lifestyle behaviours using the Utrecht Somatic Screening 2.0 (USS 2.0). The sample included three subgroups, that is, patients receiving outpatient treatment through Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT), Heroin-Assisted Treatment (HAT) and Opioid Replacement Therapy (ORT). Pain, self-management and quality of life were also measured. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data., Results: The findings indicate that many patients experience a large number of somatic health problems, including pain and exhaustion. The most prevalent conditions in this study are cardiovascular disease (25%) and COPD (20%), underweight and poor oral health. Tobacco smoking is prevalent among 88% of patients. Fifty percent of the patients expressed a need for support in managing their physical health., Implications for Practice: Somatic health care and lifestyle promotion should be tailored to the specific characteristics of patients., Conclusion: Patients with SUDs suffer from poor physical health and show unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, which demand the promotion of tailored somatic health., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Mentalizing is the capacity to understand both one's own and other people's behaviour in terms of mental states, such as, for example, desires, feelings and beliefs. The mentalizing capacities of healthcare professionals help to establish effective therapeutic relationships and, in turn, lead to better patient outcomes. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The personal factors positively associated with the mentalizing capacities of healthcare professionals are being female, greater work experience and having a more secure attachment style. Psychosocial factors are having personal experience with psychotherapy, burnout, and in the case of female students, being able to identify with the female psychotherapist role model during training. There is limited evidence that training programmes can improve mentalizing capacities. Although the mentalization field is gaining importance and research is expanding, the implications for mental health nursing have not been previously reviewed. Mental health nurses are underrepresented in research on the mentalizing capacities of healthcare professionals. This is significant given that mental health nurses work closest to patients and thus are more often confronted with patients' behaviour compared to other health care professionals, and constitute a large part of the workforce in mental healthcare for patients with mental illness. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Given the importance of mentalizing capacity of both the patient and the nurse for a constructive working relationship, it is important that mental health nurses are trained in the basic principles of mentalization. Mental health nurses should be able to recognize situations where patients' lack of ability to mentalize creates difficulties in the interaction. They should also be able to recognize their own difficulties with mentalizing and be sensitive to the communicative implications this may have., Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Mentalizing capacities of clinicians help to build effective therapeutic relationships and lead to better patient outcomes. Few studies have focused on factors associated with clinicians' mentalizing capacities and the intervention strategies to improve them., Aim: Present a systematic review of empirical studies on factors associated with healthcare professionals' mentalizing capacities and the effectiveness of intervention programmes designed to improve these capacities., Method: Following PRISMA-guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and CINAHL., Results: Out of a systematic search with 1537 hits, 22 studies were included. Personal factors positively associated with mentalizing capacities of healthcare professionals are being female, greater work experience and having a more secure attachment style. Psychosocial factors are having personal experience with psychotherapy, burnout, and in the case of female students, being able to identify with the female psychotherapist role model during training. Evidence that training programmes improve mentalizing capacities is limited., Discussion: Mental health nurses are underrepresented in research on mentalizing capacities of healthcare professionals and training programs to improve these capacities are practically absent., Implications for Practice: For mental health nurses, training in basic mentalizing theory and skills will improve their capacities in building effective working relationships with patients., (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: The clinical effect of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been confirmed for a majority of patients with several psychiatric disorders. ECT is mostly used in patients with severe depression. Choosing, persevering with and completing ECT depends on the patients' motivation for undergoing this therapy. However, the factors influencing patients' motivation for ECT have not yet been studied. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE: Four important factors that influence the motivation of patients diagnosed with major depression to have ECT were identified: (1) psychological pain and distress; (2) perceived need for treatment; (3) perception of ECT as an effective treatment; (4) influence of the environment. The first factor, psychological pain and distress, was perceived as the primary motivator for starting and continuing ECT. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Professionals should be aware of the factors that influence patients to have electroconvulsive therapy and their own role in the decision-making process and during treatment. As patients are susceptible to emotional support and as the motivation of patients for starting and continuing ECT is positively influenced by the advice and support of mental health professionals, these professionals have a key role in motivating patients for ECT. When the patient has decided to start ECT, mental health professionals should explore the factors that influence their motivation and regularly assess these factors so that they can guide the patient in their process. The professional should have an overview of these factors and investigate how they can be positively influenced to help patients keep their motivation during the treatment process. This will contribute to person-centred care and could lead to better treatment outcomes. ABSTRACT: Introduction The factors influencing patients' motivation for undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) have not yet been subjected to a thorough study. Knowledge of these factors could improve the quality of care for patients with depression recommended to have ECT. Aim To identify the factors that influence the motivation of patients diagnosed with depression to have ECT. Method This qualitative study followed a grounded theory approach in which semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 patients from four different psychiatric hospitals to study their perspectives on factors influencing their motivation to have ECT. Results The explanatory framework of factors influencing motivation for ECT comprises four main categories, starting with the most important category, psychological pain and distress, and continuing with the following categories: perceived need for treatment; perception of ECT as an effective treatment; environmental influences. Discussion In this study, we found that the psychological pain and distress of depression, and their consequences in daily life, had been the primary experiences that motivated patients to start and continue ECT. Implications for Practice This is the first study that has examined motivational factors for patients with severe depression to participate in ECT. Professionals appear to have a key role in motivating patients for ECT. They should explore factors that influence motivation for ECT, regularly assess their motivation and intervene on influential factors., (© 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Patients with Korsakoff's syndrome suffer from a broad range of comorbid somatic and/or psychiatric conditions. The various health problems in patients with Korsakoff's syndrome limit their ability to perform daily activities and also negatively affect their social functioning. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Patients with Korsakoff's syndrome have complex somatic and psychiatric comorbid conditions co-occurring with behavioural and functional problems. They are compounded by patients' poor self-awareness regarding their health status and functioning. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: This review demonstrates that patients with Korsakoff's syndrome should receive integrated care. Integrated care for patients with Korsakoff's syndrome should be based on accurate multidimensional and multidisciplinary diagnostics in which nurses and nurse assistants have a prominent role due to their central position in the care process patients with Korsakoff's syndrome. ABSTRACT: Introduction The literature shows that Korsakoff's syndrome is associated with a wide range of severe comorbid somatic and psychiatric health problems that lead to care needs in several domains of functioning. Aim To provide a comprehensive overview of Korsakoff patients' health conditions and related care needs. Method Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library and CINAHL up to January 2019. After applying our inclusion criteria, two reviewers independently selected the studies, extracted the data and assessed methodological quality. Results Twelve articles were included. The commonest somatic comorbid conditions were liver disease, cardiovascular disease, COPD and diabetes mellitus. The commonest psychiatric comorbid conditions were mood disorder, personality disorder and psychotic disorder. Anxiety, aggressive/agitated behaviour, depressive symptoms and care needs in social functioning and (instrumental) activities of daily living were also very commonly reported. Discussion In patients with Korsakoff's syndrome, somatic and psychiatric comorbid conditions co-occur with behavioural and functional problems. They are compounded by patients' poor self-awareness regarding their health status and functioning. Adequate responses to their care needs require high-quality integrated care. Implications for practice Patients with Korsakoff's syndrome should receive integrated care based on accurate multidimensional and multidisciplinary diagnostics in which nurses have a prominent role., (© 2019 The Authors. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

What Is Known on the Subject: If women suffer from postpartum psychosis, treatment in a specialist facility like a psychiatric mother-baby unit is recommended and should focus on the maternal health, mother-baby outcomes and the care for the next of kin. The role of mental health nurses on a mother-baby unit is essential but challenging, given the complex problems and care needs of the patient, the baby and family members. To date, very little evidence about effective nursing interventions for patients with postpartum psychosis is available., What This Paper Adds to Existing Knowledge: This paper systematically describes nursing interventions and their rationale for patients with postpartum psychosis admitted to a specialized mother-baby unit. Given the limited scientific evidence for effective nursing interventions for patients with postpartum psychosis, knowledge was obtained from a best-practice setting (i.e., a specialized mother-baby unit), thus providing a basis for the systematic development of nursing interventions to be tested on effectiveness in future studies., Implications for Mental Health Nursing: Mental health nurses play an essential role in the multidisciplinary treatment team in providing information on the patient's personal functioning and her ability to take care for the baby, in order to determine the appropriate amount of guidance and protection, in order to prevent harm and promote recovery. To provide integrated and personalized nursing care, mental health nurses should tailor their interventions to the needs of the patient, the baby and the next of kin, adapted to the successive stages of treatment. Abstract Introduction Postpartum psychosis is one of the severest psychiatric disorders to occur in the postpartum period. If it requires a woman's admission, a psychiatric mother-baby unit is recommended, where care will focus on the mother's health, the mother-baby dyad and their next of kin. To date, few studies have examined nursing interventions for patients with postpartum psychosis. Aim Identifying nursing interventions used at a psychiatric mother-baby unit, when a patient is hospitalized with postpartum psychosis. Method A qualitative design using thematic analysis. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews (N = 13) with expert nurses working at such a unit. Results The analysis identified three themes: (a) treatment of the mental disorder, which involves interventions to improve the mother's mental and physical well-being; (b) care for the mother-baby dyad, which involves interventions intended to promote safe interactions between mother and baby; and (c) care for the partner, which involves interventions to improve the partner's well-being. Discussion Overall, within each of these themes, nurses described the urgency to tailor interventions to the needs of the patient, baby and partner. Implications to practice Our comprehensive description of interventions can be used for the improvement of nursing care for patients hospitalized with postpartum psychosis., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Accessible Summary: People who self-harm experience many problems and needs related to management of emotional and practical stress. A positive attitude among nurses is especially important given the close contact they have with people who self-harm. This article is based on a review of the literature. It includes articles that concern both general and mental health nurses who work in various healthcare settings (e.g. acute inpatients wards, community mental health, emergency departments and medical admission units). The literature shows that negative attitudes towards self-harm are common among nurses. It remains unclear how nurses' age, work experience and gender influence their attitudes. The setting in which nurses work appears to influence their attitude, as does their level of qualification. For example, mental health nurses appear to have more positive attitudes than general nurses. Nurses' attitudes can be improved with the help of education comprising reflective and interactive elements. Supervision and support from colleagues appear to be especially important for mental health nurses. Self-harm is a growing health problem. Nurses in a variety of healthcare settings play a central role in the care of people who self-harm. Their professional attitudes towards these people are essential for high-quality care. This review aims to develop insight into nurses' attitudes towards self-harm as they exist in contemporary nursing practice. A literature search was conducted in four databases, and a total of 15 relevant articles were found. This review indicates that negative attitudes towards self-harm are common among nurses. The influence of nurses' age, gender and work experience remains unclear. Healthcare setting and qualification level appear to be influencing factors. Education can have a positive influence on nurses' attitudes towards self-harm, especially when it includes reflective and interactive components. It is demonstrated in this review that a major change is needed regarding nurses' attitudes. To realize this change, nurses need to be trained and educated adequately concerning self-harm. They need time and resources to build a therapeutic relationship with people who harm themselves so they can offer high-quality care for this vulnerable group., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The aim of this study is to obtain insight, from a patient's perspective, into the results and essential components of treatment in specialist settings for so-called 'difficult' patients in mental health care. In cases where usual hospital treatment is not successful, a temporary transfer to another, specialist hospital may provide a solution. We investigated which aspects of specialist treatment available to 'difficult' patients are perceived as essential by the patients and what are the results of this treatment in their perception. A qualitative research design based on the Grounded Theory method was used. To generate data, 14 semi-structured interviews were held with 12 patients who were admitted to a specialist hospital in the Netherlands. Almost all respondents rated the results of the specialist treatment as positive. The therapeutic climate was perceived as extremely strict, with a strong focus on structure, cooperation and safety. This approach had a stabilizing effect on the patients, even at times when they were not motivated. Most patients developed a motivation for change, marked by a growing and more explicit determination of their future goals. We concluded that a highly structured treatment environment aimed at patient stabilization is helpful to most 'difficult' patients., (© 2011 Blackwell Publishing.)

Research shows that most of the variance in depression severity levels in late life can be explained by the unmet psychological needs of patients, more in particular the care needs of patients related with psychological distress. This case report describes the treatment of an 84-year-old patient suffering from depression. Her complaints faded upon the use of nursing interventions that were defined on the basis of a systematic assessment of her care needs with the Camberwell Assessment of Needs for the Elderly. The methodical attention to her needs for care and the interventions carried out led to the patient feeling acknowledged and to a diminished need for care and a better quality of life. Although there is no scientific evidence to date, a systematic assessment of care needs may well be a meaningful addition to the nursing diagnostic process. Moreover, alleviating distress in patients by fulfilling unmet care needs through tailored interventions can be seen as an essential element of an effective multidisciplinary depression treatment process., (© 2011 Blackwell Publishing.)

The concept of a working alliance is rooted in psychotherapy and has been studied extensively in that field. Much less research has been conducted into working alliances between chronic psychiatric patients and their case managers. The aim of this review was to identify what is known about the working alliance between chronic psychiatric patients and their case managers. An extensive survey of the literature produced 14 articles for this review. The results of studies conducted show that a good working alliance has positive effects on the functioning of patients, and that the quality of the alliance depends on both patient characteristics and the behaviour of the case managers. The results also indicate that the working alliance is largely determined in the first 3 months of the contact. Further research into the development of working alliances is necessary., (© 2011 Blackwell Publishing.)