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Background: Yearly, almost six percent, which is more than 1,000.000 people, in the Netherlands receive mental health treatment, which usually improves their quality of life. Concurrently, mental healthcare professionals recognize clinically refractory cases in which improvement fails to occur, with severe ongoing burdens for patients. The Dutch Centre for Consultation and Expertise (CCE) is available to support such refractory cases. The Dutch government's (financial) facilitation of consultation through the CCE is unique in the world. CCE consultations provide therefore unique insight into and an overview of refractory cases in mental health services. The objective of this study was to gain insight into the commonalities underlying the reasons for CCE consultations and the solutions proposed that play roles in (the reduction of) refractory cases for which consultation has been requested., Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with quantitative and qualitative data from 472 CCE consultations in the Netherlands. Using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis, four exemplary situations were distilled from the qualitative data., Results: Most (83%) cases in the sample could be explained with four exemplary situations involving self-harm (24.2%), aggression (21.8%), self-neglect (24.4%), and socially unacceptable behavior (12.5%), respectively. Each situation could be characterized by a specific interaction pattern that unintentionally maintained or aggravated the situation. At the time of closure of the consultation applicants' questions had been answered and their situations had improved in 60.4% of cases., Conclusions: This study offers an overview of approaches that provided new perspectives for patients and professionals in many refractory cases in the Dutch mental health services., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Clinicians find it challenging to engage with patients who engage in self-harm. Improving the self-efficacy of professionals who treat self-harm patients may be an important step toward accomplishing better treatment of self-harm. However, there is no instrument available that assesses the self-efficacy of clinicians dealing with self-harm. The aim of this study is to describe the development and validation of the Self-Efficacy in Dealing with Self-Harm Questionnaire (SEDSHQ). This study tests the questionnaire's feasibility, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, content validity, construct validity (factor analysis and convergent validity) and sensitivity to change. The Self-Efficacy in Dealing with Self-Harm Questionnaire is a 27-item instrument which has a 3-factor structure, as found in confirmatory factor analysis. Testing revealed high content validity, significant correlation with a subscale of the Attitude Towards Deliberate Self-Harm Questionnaire (ADSHQ), satisfactory test-retest correlation and a Cronbach's alpha of 0.95. Additionally, the questionnaire was able to measure significant changes after an intervention took place, indicating sensitivity to change. We conclude that the present study indicates that the Self-Efficacy in Dealing with Self-Harm Questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the level of self-efficacy in response to self-harm.

People with a severe mental illness often have less social support than other people, yet these people need social support to face the challenges in their lives. Increasing social support could benefit the person's recovery, but it is not clear whether interventions that aim to improve social support in people with a severe mental illness are effective. A systematic literature search and review in MEDLINE (PubMed), PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane, JSTOR, IBSS, and Embase was performed. Studies were included if they had a control group and they were aimed at improving social support in people with a severe mental illness who were receiving outpatient treatment. Summary data were extracted from the research papers and compared in a meta-analysis by converting outcomes to effect sizes (Hedges's g). Eight studies (total n  = 1538) that evaluated ten different interventions met the inclusion criteria. All but one of these studies was of sufficient quality to be included in the review. The studies that were included in the meta-analysis had a combined effect size of 0.17 (confidence interval: 0.02 to 0.32), indicating a small or no effect for the interventions that were evaluated. A subgroup analysis of more personalized studies showed a combined effect size of 0.35 (CI = 0.27 to 0.44), indicating a noteworthy effect for these more personalized studies. This evaluation of interventions aimed at improving social support in people with a severe mental illness suggests that these interventions in general have little or no clinical benefit. However, in a subgroup analysis the more personalized interventions have a larger effect on improving social support and merit further research., Competing Interests: Competing InterestsThe authors did not receive support from any organization beyond their employers for the submitted work., (© The Author(s) 2022.)

Background: Measuring progress in treatment is essential for systematic evaluation by service users and their care providers. In low-intensity community mental healthcare, a questionnaire to measure progress in treatment should be aimed at personal recovery and should require little effort to complete., Methods: The Individual Recovery Outcome Counter (I.ROC) was translated from English into Dutch, and psychometric evaluations were performed. Data were collected on personal recovery (Recovery Assessment Scale), quality of life (Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life), and symptoms of mental illness and social functioning (Outcome Questionnaire, OQ-45) for assessing the validity of the I.ROC. Test-retest reliability was evaluated by calculating the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient and internal consistency was evaluated by calculating Cronbach's alpha. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to determine construct validity. To assess convergent validity, the I.ROC was compared to relevant questionnaires by calculating Pearson correlation coefficients. To evaluate discriminant validity, I.ROC scores of certain subgroups were compared using either a t-test or analysis of variance., Results: There were 764 participants in this study who mostly completed more than one I.ROC (total n = 2,863). The I.ROC aimed to measure the concept of personal recovery as a whole, which was confirmed by a factor analysis. The test-retest reliability was satisfactory (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient is 0.856), as were the internal consistency (Cronbachs Alpha is 0.921) and the convergent validity. Sensitivity to change was small, but comparable to that of the OQ-45., Conclusions: The Dutch version of the I.ROC appears to have satisfactory psychometric properties to warrant its use in daily practice. Discriminant validity and sensitivity to change need further research., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: Long-term community mental health treatment for non-psychotic disorder patients with severe mental illness (SMI) who are perceived as difficult by clinicians, is poorly developed and lacks a structured, goal-centred approach. This study compares (cost-)effectiveness of Interpersonal Community Psychiatric Treatment (ICPT) with Care As Usual (CAU) on quality of life and clinician perceived difficulty in the care for non-psychotic disorder SMI-patients. A multi-centre cluster-randomized clinical tria was conducted in which Community Mental Health Nurses (Clinicians) in three large community mental health services in the Netherlands were randomly allocated to providing either ICPT or CAU to included patients. A total of 56 clinicians were randomized, who treated a total of 93 patients (59 in ICPT-group and 34 in CAU-group)., Methods: Primary outcome measure is patient-perceived quality of life as measured by the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA). Secondary outcome measures include clinician-perceived difficulty, general mental health, treatment outcomes, illness management and recovery, therapeutic relationship, care needs and social network. Patients were assessed at baseline, during treatment (6 months), after treatment (12 months) and at 6 months follow-up (18 months). Linear mixed-effects models for repeated measurements were used to compare mean changes in primary and secondary outcomes between intervention and control group of patients over time on an intention to treat basis. Potential efficiency was investigated from a societal perspective. Economic evaluation was based on general principles of a cost-effectiveness analysis. Outcome measures for health economic evaluation, were costs, and Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs)., Results: Half of the intended number of patients were recruited. There was no statistically significant treatment effect found in the MANSA (0.17, 95%-CI [- 0.058,0.431], p = 0.191). Treatment effects showed significant improvement in the Different Doctor-Patient Relationship Questionnaire-scores and a significant increase in the Illness Management and Recovery-scale Client-version scores). No effects of ICPT on societal and medical costs nor QALYs were found., Conclusions: This is the first RCT to investigate the (cost)-effectiveness of ICPT. Compared with CAU, ICPT did not improve quality of life, but significantly reduced clinician-perceived difficulty, and increased subjective illness management and recovery. No effects on costs or QALY's were found., Trial Registration: NTR 3988 , registered 13 May 2013.

Background: Yearly, over 1.000.000 people receive mental health care treatment in the Netherlands. Treatment usually results in improvement in quality of life. Concurrently, each professional recognizes clinically refractory cases in which improvement fails to occur with severe ongoing burden for the client. In the Netherlands, for these clinically refractory cases the Centre of Consultation and Expertise (CCE) is available. The CCE is an independent nation-wide organisation offering free consultations to care providers. Therefore, CCE-consultations provide a unique insight in and overview of refractory cases., Aim: Providing overview of and insight into backgrounds and themes that play a role in (the reduction of) refractory cases., Method: Descriptive study of quantitative and qualitative data from 472 consultations in mental health care., Results: 83% of cases could be explained with 4 exemplary vignettes of refractoriness: self-harm, aggression, self-neglect and socially unacceptable behaviour., Conclusion: Refractory cases result from an interaction pattern that unintentionally maintains or aggravates the situation. This study offers an overview of approaches that proved to be helpful in providing new perspective for clients and professionals in many therapy refractory cases in Dutch mental health care.

An instrument is needed for quantitatively evaluating changes in social support in people with mental illness, but no gold standard is available. The Social Network Map is a structured interview for assessing social support that is used in individual care settings, yet provides overwhelming output (16-128 data points per assessment). A method comprising two factors (quality and quantity of the social network) was developed. The psychometric properties were judged to be sufficient. This study shows that data from the Social Network Map can be analysed at the group level, yet further research on the psychometric properties is needed.

In the Netherlands, long-term community psychiatric treatment for patients with a severe mental illness (SMI) is poorly developed and lacks a structured, goal-centered approach. Often this form of treatment is provided by community mental health nurses (CMHN's).Especially in the group of nonpsychotic patients with SMI, it often leads to care-as-usual with limited proven interventions and an unstructured treatment. Interpersonal Community Psychiatric Treatment (ICPT) was developed to provide this group of patients a focus, a theoretical view, and a methodological structure. A pilot study has been conducted on ICPT. As a result, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) was recently conducted in which this study is part. The pilot study showed improvement on a number of treatment outcomes. However, the working alliance (WA) experienced by the patients, although not significant, was considered to be decreased. The aim of study was to gain insight into how the ICPT-elements shape the WA and the possible self-determination of patients in general.The main part of this mixed-methods study was a qualitative study with a Grounded Theory approach. For the selection of the participants, quantitative data from the current RCT has been used. Semistructured interviews have been conducted with 13 participants, divided over three mental health institutions throughout the Netherlands. Interviews and analysis were alternated, so that the interview topics were developed by constant comparison.Eleven participants were female and 11 participants received social benefit. Six of the participants were above 50 years of age. Four participants suffered either from a depressive or anxiety disorder. Seven participants had a borderline personality disorder. The results are linked to Bordin's theory of the therapeutic alliance, which is agreement on therapeutic tasks, agreement on therapeutic goals, and the quality of the personal bond. The WA could be analyzed from three different perspectives: mutually agreed on goals, tasks, and experienced interpersonal relationship. ICPT had limited influence on the mutually agreed on goals and interpersonal relationship but mainly on the mutually agreed on tasks. In daily practice, ICPT may have a positive influence on the perceived WA.The main factors that affected the perceived WA during ICPT were the tasks that had been mutually agreed on, the use of an agenda, the structure of the sessions, the alliance between the CMHN and the patient, and the patient's own self-determination. There was a limited influence on the mutually agreed on goals and the quality of the personal relationship between the CMHN and the patient. The present research revealed valuable information about the significance of the WA in ICPT and the opinions of the respondents about ICPT and information about what might be helpful or unhelpful in their relationship with their CMHN.

Background: The main objectives of the mobile Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) in the Netherlands are to assess the presence of a mental disorder, to estimate risk to self or others, and to initiate continuity of care, including psychiatric hospital admission. The aim of this study was to assess the associations between the level of suicidality and risk of voluntary or involuntary admission in patients with and without a personality disorder who were presented to mobile PES., Methods: Observational data were obtained in three areas of the Netherlands from 2007 to 2016. In total, we included 71,707 contacts of patients aged 18 to 65 years. The outcome variable was voluntary or involuntary psychiatric admission. Suicide risk and personality disorder were assessed by PES-clinicians. Multivariable regression analysis was used to explore associations between suicide risk, personality disorder, and voluntary or involuntary admission., Results: Independently of the level of suicide risk, suicidal patients diagnosed with personality disorder were less likely to be admitted voluntarily than those without such a diagnosis (admission rate .37 versus .46 respectively). However, when the level of suicide risk was moderate or high, those with a personality disorder who were admitted involuntarily had the same probability of involuntary admission as those without such a disorder., Conclusions: While the probability of voluntary admission was lower in those diagnosed with a personality disorder, independent of the level of suicidality, the probability of involuntary admission was only lower in those whose risk of suicide was low. Future longitudinal studies should investigate the associations between (involuntary) admission and course of suicidality in personality disorder.

Background: Research into termination of long-term psychosocial treatment of mental disorders is scarce. Yearly 25% of people in Dutch mental health services receive long-term treatment. They account for many people, contacts, and costs. Although relevant in different health care systems, (dis)continuation is particularly problematic under universal health care coverage when secondary services lack a fixed (financially determined) endpoint. Substantial, unaccounted, differences in treatment duration exist between services. Understanding of underlying decisional processes may result in improved decision making, efficient allocation of scarce resources, and more personalized treatment., Methods: A qualitative study design, according to Grounded Theory principles, was used to understand the decision making process. In four teams in three large Dutch mental health services, 29 multidisciplinary case conferences were observed, and 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted., Results: We describe two constituent elements of decision making: the process through which decision making is prepared and executed, and the substantial factors guiding its outcomes. The first consists of: (1) steps towards a team discussion on treatment termination, (2) team-related factors that influence decisions, and (3) the actual team decision making process. The second consists of factors related to patients, professionals, organization, and wider environment. Our main finding was that discussions of treatment (dis)continuation are highly unstructured. Professionals find it difficult to discuss with patients and teams, team discussion are ad-hoc, and clear decisions are scarce. We offer four explanations: first, long-term treatment lacks golden rules on outcome and process to base decisions on. Second, in the absence of such rules professionals rely on experience but underappreciate their own biases. Third, consequently, professionals aim for decisional consensus, which however is scarce among professionals. Fourth, treatment environments are hardly in favour of changing default (continuation) settings., Conclusion: Clear decision making, and terminating treatment when appropriate, is systematically hampered within secondary mental health services. Since continuation is the 'easy' default option, discontinuation requires skillful and determined navigation of interpersonal negotiations. Given services' scarce means, people's large demands for help, and patients' unused potential autonomy, it is desirable to invest in decision making skills and procedures - both human and economic benefits may be substantial.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Care planning and coordination are currently insufficiently based on scientific insights due to a lack of knowledge on this topic. Most patients with severe mental illness receive long-term treatment from specialized mental health services. This long-term, highly intensive treatment is not always the best option for two reasons. Firstly, because as long as a patient receives intensive treatment aimed at safety, it is hard for that patient to take full responsibility for their own life. Secondly, because care is not available unlimitedly, some patients are waiting to receive specialist mental healthcare while others who do not need it anymore still receive it. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Most stable patients with severe mental illness can be treated outside of specialized mental health services. Some patients are too dependent on a specific mental healthcare professional to be referred to primary healthcare. In such instances, a referral will most likely lead to destabilization and the referral will therefore be unsuccessful. Patients preferred primary healthcare to specialized mental health services, mainly because of the absence of stigma associated with the latter. There should be more attention for personal recovery (especially the social support system) of patients with severe mental illness who are referred to primary healthcare services. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Most stable patients with severe mental illness can be treated in primary healthcare. Professionals in primary healthcare should keep personal recovery in mind when treating patients, focusing on problem solving skills and also making use of social support systems. ABSTRACT: Aim/question Care planning and coordination are currently insufficiently based on scientific insights due to a lack of knowledge on this topic. In the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, most patients with severe mental illness receive long-term specialized mental healthcare, even when they are stable. This study aims to explore the outcome of these stable patients when they are referred to primary healthcare. Methods Patients (N = 32) receiving specialized mental healthcare that were referred to primary healthcare were interviewed in focus groups, as were the involved professionals (N = 6). Results 84% of the participants still received primary healthcare after 12 months. Despite the successful referral, the patient's personal recovery did not always profit. The participants of the focus groups agreed that some patients were too dependent on a specific mental healthcare professional to be referred to primary healthcare. Discussion Most stable patients with severe mental illness can be referred to primary healthcare. Personal recovery and dependency on a specific healthcare provider should be considered when referring a patient to primary healthcare. Implications for practice Professionals in community mental healthcare teams should consider a referral to primary mental healthcare in stable patients. Professionals in primary healthcare should keep the patient's personal recovery in mind., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Anxiety and depressive disorders are common mental disorders. A substantial part of patients does not achieve symptomatic remission after treatment in specialized services. Current care as usual (CAU) for these patients consists of long-term supportive contacts. Termination of CAU is often not considered to be an option due to persistent symptoms, a low level of functioning, and the absence of further treatment options. A new intervention, ZemCAD, offers a program focused on rehabilitation and self-management, followed by referral back to primary care., Methods: This multicenter randomized controlled trial was carried out in twelve specialized outpatient mental health care services in the Netherlands. Consenting and eligible patients were invited for the MINI interview and the baseline questionnaire. Assessments were done at 6 (T1), 12 (T2) and 18 (T3) months post baseline. We used linear mixed model analysis (LMM) to ascertain the effectiveness of the ZemCAD group relative to the CAU group on quality of life, symptom severity and empowerment., Results: In total 141 patients were included. The results at 18-month follow-up regarding to quality of life and symptom severity, showed no significant differences between the ZemCAD group and the CAU group, except on the 'social relationships'-domain (d = 0.37). With regard to empowerment a significant difference between both groups was observed in the total empowerment score and one empowerment dimension (d = 0.45 and d = 0.39, respectively). After the ZemCAD intervention, more patients went from specialized outpatient mental health services back to a less specialized health care setting with less intensive treatment, such as primary care., Conclusion: The findings in this study suggest that patients with chronic and treatment-resistant anxiety and depression using the ZemCAD intervention improve on empowerment but not on symptom severity or quality of life. Since little is known about the effects of rehabilitation and self-management in patients with chronic and treatment resistant anxiety and depressive disorders, this is a first attempt to provide a proof-of-concept study in this under-researched but important field., Trial Registration: Netherlands Trial Register: NTR3335 , registered 7 March 2012.

International comparative studies show that Dutch seclusion rates are relatively high. Therefore, several programs to change this practice were developed and implemented. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a seclusion reduction program over a long time frame, from 2004 until 2013. Three phases could be identified; the phase of development and implementation of the program (2004-2007), the project phase (2008-2010) and the consolidation phase (2011-2013). Five inpatient wards of a mental health institute were monitored. Each ward had one or more seclusion rooms. Primary outcome were the number and the duration of seclusion incidents. Involuntary medication was monitored as well to rule out substitution of one coercive measure by another. Case mix correction for patient characteristics was done by a multi-level logistic regression analysis with patient characteristics as predictors and hours seclusion per admission hours as outcome. Seclusion use reduced significantly during the project phase, both in number (-73%) and duration (-80%) and was not substituted by the use of enforced medication. Patient compilation as analyzed by the multi- level regression seemed not to confound the findings. Findings show a slight increase in number and seclusion days over the last year of monitoring. Whether this should be interpreted as a continuous or temporary trend remains unclear and is subject for further investigation.

Referring patients from specialist mental-health services (provided by multiple healthcare service providers and aimed at relieving symptoms of mental illness) to less intensive care (provided by a nurse or psychologist in cooperation with a general practitioner and aimed at improving quality of life) is feasible from the perspective of patients, service providers, and mental-health services. However, it is unclear which patients are most suitable for referral to less intensive care. In this study, we used concept mapping to identify factors that might determine whether a referral from specialist mental services to less intensive care might be successful. Participants (N = 34) were recruited from different parts of the Netherlands and included general practitioners, peer workers, community mental-health nurses, and social workers from several services who were based in different neighborhoods. The participants generated 54 statements (31 after clean-up), which were sorted into five clusters and rated on their expected ability to predict successful referral. Ordered from highest to lowest on expected predictive value, the clusters of factors were: Patient characteristics, patients' informal support system, patients' social situation, organization of services, and service provider related factors. The ordering was the same for all of the service providers, except that general practitioners expected the organization of services to be the most predictive. The ordering of the clusters is mostly consistent with existing knowledge about recovery during mental healthcare. In order to further improve the number of successful referrals from specialist mental-health services to less intensive care, a prospective prediction study is needed., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Background: Both childhood trauma and negative memory bias are associated with the onset and severity level of several psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders. Studies on these risk factors, however, generally use homogeneous noncomorbid samples. Hence, studies in naturalistic psychiatric samples are lacking. Moreover, we know little about the quantitative relationship between the frequency of traumatic childhood events, strength of memory bias and number of comorbid psychiatric disorders; the latter being an index of severity. The current study examined the association of childhood trauma and negative memory bias with psychopathology in a large naturalistic psychiatric patient sample., Methods: Frequency of traumatic childhood events (emotional neglect, psychological-, physical- and sexual abuse) was assessed using a questionnaire in a sample of 252 adult psychiatric patients with no psychotic or bipolar-I disorder and no cognitive disorder as main diagnosis. Patients were diagnosed for DSM-IV Axis-I and Axis-II disorders using a structured clinical interview. This allowed for the assessment of comorbidity between disorders. Negative memory bias for verbal stimuli was measured using a computer task., Results: Linear regression models revealed that the frequency of childhood trauma as well as negative memory bias was positively associated with psychiatric comorbidity, separately and above and beyond each other (all p  <   .01)., Conclusions: The results indicate that childhood trauma and negative memory bias may be of importance for a broader spectrum of psychiatric diagnoses, besides the frequently studied affective disorders. Importantly, frequently experiencing traumatic events during childhood increases the risk of comorbid psychiatric disorders.

Research in the last decades shows that common mental disorders may be long-term and severely disabling, resulting in severe mental illness (SMI). The percentage of Dutch SMI-patients with common mental disorders receiving mental health services is estimated at 65-70%. However, it is unclear which patients in fact become SMI-patients. We need to know more about the possible course of common mental disorders, understand the origins of chronicity in more detail, and have more insight in related care processes and care use of patients with common mental disorders. The MATCH cohort study is a four-year multicentre naturalistic cohort study, with yearly assessments in primary, secondary, and tertiary services in three large Dutch mental health services. Socio-demographics, mental disorders, course and severity of psychopathology, physiological health indicators, neurocognitive functioning, past and present life events, health care use and contact with mental health services, social functioning and quality of life, and recovery and well-being are assessed. Baseline findings of 283 participating individuals and their key clinicians are described. The sample appears to appropriately represent the distribution of individuals across diagnostic categories in services, and level of care (outpatient, day treatment, inpatient) in the Netherlands and other developed nations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., (Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Background: Many patients with anxiety or depressive disorders achieve no remission of their symptoms after evidence-based treatment algorithms. They develop a chronic course of the disorder. Current care for these patients usually consists of long-term supportive contacts with a community psychiatric nurse and pharmacological management by a psychiatrist. Data on the effectiveness of these treatments is lacking. A psychosocial rehabilitation approach, where self-management is an increasingly important part, could be more suitable. It focuses on the restoration of functioning and enhancement of patients' autonomy and responsibility. Treatment with this focus, followed by referral to primary care, may be more (cost-)effective., Methods: A multicenter randomized controlled trial is designed for twelve participating specialized outpatient mental health services in the Netherlands. Patients with chronic and treatment resistant anxiety or depressive disorders, currently receiving supportive care in specialized outpatient mental health care, are asked to participate. After inclusion, patients receive the baseline questionnaire and are randomized to the intervention group or the usual care control group. The intervention focuses on rehabilitation and self-management and is provided by a trained community psychiatric nurse, followed by referral to primary care. Measurements take place at 6, 12, and 18 months after baseline. This study evaluates both the effectiveness (on quality of life, symptom severity, and empowerment), and cost-effectiveness of the intervention compared to usual care. In addition, a questionnaire is designed to get insight in which self-management strategies patients use to manage their disorder, and in the experiences of patients with the change of care setting., Discussion: In this study we evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a self-management intervention for patients with chronic and treatment resistant anxiety or depressive disorders in specialized outpatient mental health care. The results of this study may provide a first 'proof-of-concept' in this under-researched but important field, and might be relevant for a large group of patients in the context of a transition of the Dutch health care system., Trial Registration: Netherlands Trial Register: NTR3335 , registered 7 March 2012.

Purpose: To determine the effects of multidisciplinary, nurse-led psychiatric consultation on behavioral problems of nursing home residents. Residents often suffer from psychiatric symptoms, while staff psychiatric expertise varies., Design and Methods: A pre-post study was conducted in seven homes using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Nursing Home version (NPI-NH)., Findings: In 71 consultations during 18 months, 56-75% of residents suffered from agitation/aggression, depression, anxiety, and disinhibition. Post-intervention (n = 54), frequency, and severity of psychiatric symptoms were significantly and clinically meaningfully reduced. Also, staff suffered from less work stress., Practice Implications: Nurse-led psychiatric consultation is valuable to both nursing home residents and staff., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The attitude of nurses and treatment staff is crucial in the treatment of patients who self-harm. However, many patients experience that attitude as negative. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the Attitude Towards Deliberate Self-Harm Questionnaire. A total of 261 questionnaires were used to measure validity and reliability. Sensitivity to change was measured using a post-test measurement (n = 171) and a subgroup of 78 participants were given the questionnaire twice for test-retest measurement. Factor analysis revealed four factors explaining 33% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha values ranged 0.585-0.809, with 0.637 for the total scale. Intraclass correlation coefficient was assessed in order to estimate test-retest reliability, revealing the questionnaire was stable over time; the exception was factor 3, which had a value of 0.63. Sensitivity to change was found for the total score, factor one and two, and for three of the five items of factor three. We conclude that the Dutch version of the Attitude Towards Deliberate Self-Harm Questionnaire possesses adequate psychometric properties and is potentially an acceptable instrument for measuring the attitude of nurses and health-care staff towards patients who self-harm in Dutch-speaking countries., (© 2015 Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc.)

Purpose: To test if a collaborative care program (CCP) with nurses in a coordinating position is beneficial for patients with severe personality disorders., Design and Methods: A pilot study with a comparative multiple case study design using mixed methods investigating active ingredients and preliminary results., Findings: Most patients, their informal caregivers, and nurses value (parts of) the CCP positively; preliminary results show a significant decrease in severity of borderline symptoms., Practice Implications: With the CCP, we may expand the supply of available treatments for patients with (severe) personality disorders, but a larger randomized controlled trial is warranted to confirm our preliminary results., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Purpose: To examine the factors that influence the effective execution of a collaborative care program (CCP) for patients with severe personality disorders., Design and Methods: A multiple case study using qualitative research methods., Findings: Three factors were identified as influencing the execution process: (a) the context in which the CCP was executed, (b) the patient population, and (c) the individual application of the CCP by nurses., Practice Implications: The prominent position of mental health nurses in complex intervention programs such as CCPs poses new challenges for them in making these programs work. A CCP could be a useful intervention for patients with severe personality disorders because it offers the necessary structure in treatment., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: This study aims for health gain and cost reduction in the care for people with long-term non-psychotic psychiatric disorders. Present care for this population has a limited evidence base, is often open ended, little effective, and expensive. Recent epidemiological data shows that 43.5% of the Dutch are affected by mental illness during their life. About 80% of all patients receiving mental health services (MHS) have one or more non-psychotic disorders. Particularly for this group, long-term treatment and care is poorly developed. Care As Usual (CAU) currently is a form of low-structured treatment/care. Interpersonal Community Psychiatric Treatment (ICPT) is a structured treatment for people with long-term, non-psychotic disorders, developed together with patients, professionals, and experts. ICPT uses a number of evidence-based techniques and was positively evaluated in a controlled pilot study., Methods/design: Multi-centre cluster-randomized clinical trial: 36 professionals will be randomly allocated to either ICPT or CAU for an intervention period of 12 months, and a follow-up of 6 months. 180 Patients between 18-65 years of age will be included, who have been diagnosed with a non-psychotic psychiatric disorder (depressive, anxiety, personality or substance abuse disorder), have long-term (>2 years) or high care use (>1 outpatient contact per week or >2 crisis contacts per year or >1 inpatient admission per year), and who receive treatment in a specialized mental health care setting. The primary outcome variable is quality of life; secondary outcomes are costs, recovery, general mental health, therapeutic alliance, professional-perceived difficulty of patient, care needs and social contacts., Discussion: No RCT, nor cost-effectiveness study, has been conducted on ICPT so far. The empirical base for current CAU is weak, if not absent. This study will fill this void, and generate data needed to improve daily mental health care., Trial Registration: Netherlands Trial Register (NTR): 3988 . Registered 13th of May 2013.

Background: Risk of suicide is notoriously difficult to assess, and no gold standard is available, in terms of an instrument of first choice. Many different instruments are in use, among which are some that are not properly psychometrically investigated., Aim: The aim of this study is to establish the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the Nurses' Global Assessment of Suicide Risk scale (NGASR), and the feasibility of its use in assessing suicide risk. Therefore, our research questions are as follows: what is the reliability, validity, interpretability and feasibility of the NGASR?, Methods: A psychometric study of acceptability, reliability and predictive validity among 252 patients making use of a concurrent instrument, the Suicide Intention Scale (SIS), concurrent assessment by a physician and 6-month follow-up., Results: Factor analysis identified five factors. Cronbach's alpha was .45. Intraclass correlation was .92 (95% confidence interval (CI) = .85-.95). Association between total NGASR and SIS was substantial and significant (B = 0.66, standard error of mean (SE) = 0.19, ß = .66, p = .003). NGASR total score had a significant and moderately strong association with judgement by a physician on 'suicidal thoughts' (odds ratio (OR) = 1.24, p = < .001) or 'suicidal thoughts or plans' (OR = 1.35, p = .001). No significant association of NGASR scores and 6-month follow-up of suicidality was found., Conclusions: Internal consistency of the NGASR and most of the subscales identified was low. Other indicators of reliability of the NGASR were sufficient, although predictive validity was poor. The NGASR did not outperform other instruments but is easy to use, and may contribute to identification of risk factors, as well as to a more integral assessment of suicide risk., (© The Author(s) 2014.)

In a vignette study, mental health nurses were asked to score vignettes on necessity and appropriateness using a Likert scale. Sixty-nine clinical nurses from four mental health institutes scored 64 vignettes on necessity (there is no alternative) and appropriateness (seclusion supports patients' treatment) of seclusion simultaneously. Data analysis focused on the differences between both scores, and included general linear model analysis, t-test statistics and Kendall's tau. The t-test resulted in a significantly higher score on necessity than on appropriateness. Differences between both scores could be explained for 32% by a combination of nurse characteristics and vignette variables. Necessity and appropriateness were found to be strongly associated with each other, showing that underpinning patterns were largely the same. This research enhances the understanding of underlying factors that influence the decision of nurses to use seclusion. This is essential for the development of interventions aimed at the reduction of seclusion use in mental health practice., (© 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Purpose: Some patients in psychiatric treatment are considered extremely difficult to treat because of the disruptive nature of their relationships with treatment staff. In this paper, we describe and evaluate a specialist inpatient treatment program for these patients., Design and Methods: Data were collected from medical records and daily reports of patients (n = 108). Pretest–posttest measurements were used to evaluate the treatment., Findings: The main treatment method consists of the provision of safety, structure, and cooperation. Treatment results show statistically significant changes from admittance to discharge., Practice Implications: The collaborative and consistent manner in which nurses approach the patients is crucial for quality of care., (© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Differing perspectives of self-harm may result in a struggle between patients and treatment staff. As a consequence, both sides have difficulty communicating effectively about the underlying problems and feelings surrounding self-harm. Between 2009 and 2011, a programme was developed and implemented to train mental health care staff (nurses, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and occupational therapists) in how to communicate effectively with and care for patients who self-harm. An art exhibition focusing on self-harm supported the programme. Lay experts in self-harm, i.e. people who currently harm themselves, or who have harmed themselves in the past and have the skills to disseminate their knowledge and experience, played an important role throughout the programme., Methods: Paired sample t-tests were conducted to measure the effects of the training programme using the Attitude Towards Deliberate Self-Harm Questionnaire, the Self-Perceived Efficacy in Dealing with Self-Harm Questionnaire, and the Patient Contact Questionnaire. Effect sizes were calculated using r. Participants evaluated the training programme with the help of a survey. The questionnaires used in the survey were analysed descriptively., Results: Of the 281 persons who followed the training programme, 178 completed the questionnaires. The results show a significant increase in the total scores of the three questionnaires, with large to moderate effect sizes. Respondents were positive about the training, especially about the role of the lay expert., Conclusion: A specialised training programme in how to care for patients who self-harm can result in a more positive attitude towards self-harm patients, an improved self-efficacy in caring for patients who self-harm, and a greater closeness with the patients. The deployment of lay experts is essential here.

Background: The presence of a comorbid borderline personality disorder (BPD) may be associated with an increase of suicidal behaviors in patients with depressive and anxiety disorders. The aim of this study is to examine the role of borderline personality traits on recurrent suicide attempts., Methods: The Netherlands Study on Depression and Anxiety included 1838 respondents with lifetime depressive and/or anxiety disorders, of whom 309 reported at least one previous suicide attempt. A univariable negative binomial regression analysis was performed to examine the association between comorbid borderline personality traits and suicide attempts. Univariable and multivariable negative binomial regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for the number of recurrent suicide attempts in four clusters (type and severity of axis-I disorders, BPD traits, determinants of suicide attempts and socio-demographics)., Results: In the total sample the suicide attempt rate ratio increased with 33% for every unit increase in BPD traits. A lifetime diagnosis of dysthymia and comorbid BPD traits, especially the symptoms anger and fights, were independently and significantly associated with recurrent suicide attempts in the final model (n=309)., Limitations: The screening of personality disorders was added to the NESDA assessments at the 4-year follow-up for the first time. Therefore we were not able to examine the influence of comorbid BPD traits on suicide attempts over time., Conclusions: Persons with a lifetime diagnosis of dysthymia combined with borderline personality traits especially difficulties in coping with anger seemed to be at high risk for recurrent suicide attempts. For clinical practice, it is recommended to screen for comorbid borderline personality traits and to strengthen the patient's coping skills with regard to anger., (© 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Information is scarce concerning the perceived needs and the amount of health-care utilization of persons with suicidal ideation (SI) compared to those without SI., Aims: To describe the needs and health care use of persons with and without SI and to investigate whether these differences are associated with the severity of the axis-I symptomatology., Method: Data were obtained from 1,699 respondents with a depressive and/or anxiety disorder who participated in the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety. Persons with and without SI were distinguished. Outcome variables were perceived needs and health-care utilization. We used multivariate regression in two models: (1) adjusted only for sociodemographic variables and (2) adjusted additionally for severity of axis-I symptomatology., Results: Persons with SI had higher odds for both unmet and met needs in almost all domains and made more intensive use of mental-health care. Differences in needs and health-care utilization of persons with and without SI were strongly associated with severity of axis I symptomatology., Conclusions: Our results validate previous findings about perceived needs and health-care use of persons with SI. The results also suggest that suicidal persons are more seriously ill, and that they need more professional care, dedication, and specialized expertise than anxious and depressed persons without SI, especially in the domains of information and referral.

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.)

Background: In psychiatric care professionals perceive some patients as 'difficult', especially patients with long-term non-psychotic disorders. For these patients few evidence-based treatments exist. An intervention program, Interpersonal Community Psychiatric Treatment (ICPT), was developed by the authors. It was evaluated with the aim to increase effective behaviours by both patients and community psychiatric nurses (CPNs)., Objective: To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of an intervention program for use by CPNs in the care of 'difficult' patients with non-psychotic chronic disorders, in a controlled pilot study., Design: A mixed-methods quasi-experimental study using process and outcome measures across several dimensions. Measurements took place at 0, 3, and 6 months., Settings: Three community mental health centres in the centre of The Netherlands., Participants: 14 CPNs and 36 long-term non-psychotic patients who were perceived as 'difficult' were selected. Patients were offered either ICPT (20) or care as usual (16). All patients and CPNs could be followed up at all measurements., Methods: Quantitative data included type and severity of psychiatric disorder, psychosocial functioning, needs for care, quality of life and social participation. Also, service use, satisfaction with care, and quality of the therapeutic alliance were measured. Qualitative interviews were conducted with all CPNs and patients in the experimental group., Results: ICPT was found feasible by both CPNs and patients. Both the experimental and control condition showed improvement on a number of outcomes. ICPT, however, resulted in significantly better results in some areas. Patients' social network size increased and their care utilization decreased. Also, the quality of the working alliance increased and perceived patient difficulty decreased, both as scored by professionals., Conclusions: ICPT is one of very few intervention programs aimed at 'difficult' non-psychotic chronic patients. In this pilot study was found that it can be successfully carried out by CPNs, is generally experienced as acceptable and useful by patients and CPNs alike, and results in some significantly better effects on both process and outcome measures. In the main study, some alterations will be made to the instruction manual and training program. Also, the diagnostic interview may be briefer, and the characteristics and treatment integrity of CPNs will be included in measurements. Further controlled and randomized research is needed to test the effectiveness of the program in a larger group of patients., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Psychiatric symptoms occur frequently in nursing-home residents. The psychiatric expertise and support available to residents vary from one nursing home to another. International studies show that psychiatric consultations can be effective, but in the Netherlands very little research has been done on this topic., Aim: To list the types of psychiatric problems and symptoms for which consultations are requested and to determine whether a psychiatric consultation can have positive results for nursing-home residents and staff., Method: The psychiatric consultations requested were tabulated and were analysed., Results: Details of 71 psychiatric consultations were recorded. The percentage of women (average age 74 years) was slightly higher than the percentage of men. More than 75% of the patients suffered from agitation/aggression or irritability, 65% suffered from depression, 63% from anxiety and 56% from dysinhibition. A post-intervention assessment was performed in 54 patients (76%). In this group psychiatric symptoms were found to be greatly reduced, with regard to both frequency and severity. In addition, nursing staff seemed to suffer less of the stress and strain in their work., Conclusion: The patients for whom a consultation was requested seemed to suffer from serious psychiatric symptoms and were often aggressive. It was possible to achieve substantial progress as a result of a simple intervention. A possible explanation for this effect is probably the nature of the psychiatric consultation used; it was structured, multi-disciplinary and time-consuming. However, since no control group was involved, it is impossible to say with certainty that the reduction in symptoms can be attributed solely to the consultation.

Purpose: To determine which patient, professional, treatment and/or social variables make community psychiatric nurses (CPNs) label non-psychotic chronic patients as 'difficult'., Methods: A questionnaire was designed and administered to 1,946 CPNs in the Netherlands. Logistic regression was used to design models that most accurately described the variables that contributed to perceived difficulty., Results: Six variables were retained in the final logistic model. Perception-related variables (feeling powerless, feeling that the patient is able but unwilling to change, and pessimism about the patient's change potential) dominated treatment-related variables (number of contacts per week and admission to a locked ward in the last year) and social variables (number of psychosocial problems)., Conclusion: This research shows that perceived difficulty is related to complex treatment situations, not so much to individual patient characteristics. If the constructed model has good predictive qualities, which remains to be tested in longitudinal research, it may be possible to accurately predict perceived patient difficulty. When used as a screening tool, such a model could improve treatment outcomes.

Background: Structured psychotherapy is recommended as the preferred treatment of personality disorders. A substantial group of patients, however, has no access to these therapies or does not benefit. For those patients who have no (longer) access to psychotherapy a Collaborative Care Program (CCP) is developed. Collaborative Care originated in somatic health care to increase shared decision making and to enhance self management skills of chronic patients. Nurses have a prominent position in CCP's as they are responsible for optimal continuity and coordination of care. The aim of the CCP is to improve quality of life and self management skills, and reduce destructive behaviour and other manifestations of the personality disorder., Methods/design: Quantitative and qualitative data are combined in a comparative multiple case study. This makes it possible to test the feasibility of the CCP, and also provides insight into the preliminary outcomes of CCP. Two treatment conditions will be compared, one in which the CCP is provided, the other in which Care as Usual is offered. In both conditions 16 patients will be included. The perspectives of patients, their informal carers and nurses are integrated in this study. Data (questionnaires, documents, and interviews) will be collected among these three groups of participants. The process of treatment and care within both research conditions is described with qualitative research methods. Additional quantitative data provide insight in the preliminary results of the CCP compared to CAU. With a stepped analysis plan the 'black box' of the application of the program will be revealed in order to understand which characteristics and influencing factors are indicative for positive or negative outcomes., Discussion: The present study is, as to the best of our knowledge, the first to examine Collaborative Care for patients with severe personality disorders receiving outpatient mental health care. With the chosen design we want to examine how and which elements of the CC Program could contribute to a better quality of life for the patients., Trial Registration: Netherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR2763.

Across all health care settings, certain patients are perceived as 'difficult' by clinicians. This paper's aim is to understand how certain patients come to be perceived and labelled as 'difficult' patients in community mental health care, through mixed-methods research in The Netherlands between June 2006 and October 2009. A literature review, a Delphi-study among experts, a survey study among professionals, a Grounded Theory interview study among 'difficult' patients, and three case studies of 'difficult' patients were undertaken. Analysis of the results of these qualitative and quantitative studies took place within the concept of the sick role, and resulted in the construction of a tentative explanatory model. The 'difficult' patient-label is associated with professional pessimism, passive treatment and possible discharge or referral out of care. The label is given by professionals when certain patient characteristics are present and a specific causal attribution (psychological, social or moral versus neurobiological) about the patient's behaviours is made. The status of 'difficult' patient is easily reinforced by subsequent patient and professional behaviour, turning initial unusual help-seeking behaviour into 'difficult' or ineffective chronic illness behaviour, and ineffective professional behaviour. These findings illustrate that the course of mental illness, or at least the course of patients' contact with mental health professionals and services, is determined by patient and professional and reinforced by the social and mental health care system. This model adds to the broader sick role concept a micro-perspective in which attribution and learning principles are incorporated. On a practical level, it implies that professionals need to look into their own role in the perpetuation of difficult behaviours as described here., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This case report offers a different perspective on a patient with a long-term non-psychotic psychiatric disorder that was difficult to specify. The patient, a man in his 50s, was unable to profit from outpatient treatment and became increasingly dependent on mental healthcare - which could not be understood based on his history and psychiatric symptoms alone. By separating symptoms from illness behaviour, the negative course of this patient's treatment is analysed. Focusing on ineffective chronic illness behaviour by the patient, and mutual ineffective treatment behaviour by the clinicians, it becomes clear that basic requirements of effective treatment were unmet. By making a proper diagnosis, clarifying expectations and offering a suitable therapy, ineffective illness behaviour was diminished and this 'difficult' case became much easier for both patient and clinicians. The illness behaviour framework offers a useful, systematic tool to analyse difficulties between patients and clinicians beyond psychiatric symptoms or explanations.

Background: Little is known about the perspectives of psychiatric patients who are perceived as 'difficult' by clinicians. The aim of this paper is to improve understanding of the connections between patients and professionals from patients' point of view., Methods: A Grounded Theory study using interviews with 21 patients from 12 outpatient departments of three mental health care facilities., Results: Patients reported on their own difficult behaviours and their difficulties with clinicians and services. Explanations varied but could be summarized as a perceived lack of recognition. Recognition referred to being seen as a patient and a person - not just as completely 'ill' or as completely 'healthy'. Also, we found that patients and professionals have very different expectations of one another, which may culminate in a difficult or ambivalent connection. In order to explicate patient's expectations, the patient-clinician contact was described by a stage model that differentiates between three stages of contact development, and three stages of substantial treatment. According to patients, in each stage there is a therapeutic window of optimal clinician behaviour and two wider spaces below and above that may be qualified as 'toxic' behaviour. Possible changes in clinicians' responses to 'difficult' patients were described using this model., Conclusions: The incongruence of patients' and professionals' expectations may result in power struggles that may make professionals perceive patients as 'difficult'. Explication of mutual expectations may be useful in such cases. The presented model gives some directions to clinicians how to do this.

Background: Health clinicians perceive certain patients as 'difficult' across all settings, including mental health care. In this area, patients with non-psychotic disorders that become long-term care users may be perceived as obstructing their own recovery or seeking secondary gain. This negative perception of patients results in ineffective responses and low-quality care by health clinicians. Using the concept of illness behaviour, this paper describes the development, implementation, and planned evaluation of a structured intervention aimed at prevention and management of ineffective behaviours by long-term non-psychotic patients and their treating clinicians., Methods: The principles of Intervention Mapping were applied to guide the development, implementation, and planned evaluation of the intervention. Qualitative (individual and group interviews), quantitative (survey), and mixed methods (Delphi-procedure) research was used to gain a broad perspective of the problem. Empirical findings, theoretical models, and existing evidence were combined to construct a program tailored to the needs of the target groups., Results: A structured program to increase effective illness behaviour in long-term non-psychotic patients and effective professional behaviour in their treating clinicians was developed, consisting of three subsequent stages and four substantial components, that is described in detail. Implementation took place and evaluation of the intervention is being carried out., Conclusions: Intervention Mapping proved to be a suitable method to develop a structured intervention for a multi-faceted problem in mental health care.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the preliminary effects of preventive psychiatric admission of patients with severe borderline personality disorder (BPD) on the rate of agreement over treatment, patient service use, and patient views on the intervention., Design and Methods: A retrospective pre-post test design with quantitative measures and qualitative interviews was used., Findings: Agreement over treatment increased substantially and significantly, and services use decreased substantially, yet not significantly. Patients were highly content with the intervention., Practice Implications: Preliminary results indicate that preventive admissions may be easy to use and cost effective with severe BPD patients in mainstream psychiatric services, but more research into the intervention is needed.

The objective of this research was to assess the problems that professionals perceive in the community mental health care for patients with severe borderline personality disorder that do not fit into specialized therapy. A group of national experts (n = 8) participated in a four-phase Delphi-procedure to identify and prioritize the problems. A total of 36 problems reflecting five categories was found: patient-related, professional-related, interaction-related, social system-related, and mental health care-related. Problems with attachment and dependency and social issues were important patient problems while a lack of skills was an important professional problem. Support from the patient's social system and the mental health system were identified as limited, which resulted in both the patient and the professional feeling isolated. Patient, professional, and organisational characteristics of community care differ substantially from those of specialized care. The field is thus in need of a more tailored approach that takes these differences into account.

The aim of this paper is to describe and analyse the Dutch community psychiatric nursing profession. In spite of their large numbers, estimated at 2900, Dutch community psychiatric nurses (CPNs) have contributed little to the international literature. The history of the profession reveals a relatively isolated development, resulting in few connections with nursing and mental healthcare research. Because of various developments in these fields, CPNs appear under threat. A survey design was used to administer a 43-item electronic questionnaire, which yielded a response rate of 40%. The Dutch CPN has a mean age of 48 years, works about 32 h per week and has over 20 years of nursing experience. The Dutch CPN has a caseload of 48 patients, often participates in clinical intervision and hardly works according to evidence-based methods. Dutch community psychiatric nursing is, paradoxically, both thriving and threatened. CPNs seek to maintain a model that pays attention to both social needs and explanations, and to psychiatric diagnoses. This broad orientation may be considered essential to nursing. However, it is also a huge drawback as CPNs have not succeeded to clearly articulate what their profession adds to the care and treatment of psychiatric patients.

Aims: 'difficult patients' may evoke strong feelings in health professionals. The ambivalent attitude of, especially, non-psychotic chronic patients towards psychiatric care may be frustrating and burdensome to professionals. Many of these patients are cared for in non-specialized services, where professionals are often more used to working with psychotic patients. Specific problems with 'difficult' non-psychotic patients may occur, and hamper the quality of care offered. The aim of this research is to determine precisely what problems psychiatric professionals perceive in contact with non-psychotic chronic patients in order to identify starting points for alternative or improved care in non-specialized services., Methods: a modified five-phase Delphi study with three groups of eight participants from was used to identify and prioritize experts' judgments., Results: 46 problems were identified of which some were relevant to one or two subgroups and some were relevant to the entire group., Conclusions: a program that combines a coherent view at services level, with support and increased communication at the interprofessional level (e.g. through regular supervision, sharing of case-loads) may be highly beneficial to non-specialized services.

PURPOSE. The purpose of this study was to describe experiences of caregivers with the Interaction Skills Training Programme, and to evaluate the training effects observed by caregivers. DESIGN AND METHODS. A qualitative research design was applied. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 17 caregivers who had followed the training program. FINDINGS. The research findings clearly confirm the value of the program. Positive effects of the training were reported in terms of: (a) awareness and insightfulness; (b) the attitude of caregivers; (c) the quality of the therapeutic alliance; and (d) job perception. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Training interactive skills may contribute to a better quality of care for chronic psychiatric patients. Based on the qualitative study, implementation of the skills training program can be recommended.

Objective: The study identified problems that professionals perceive in community care of patients with nonpsychotic chronic mental illness., Methods: Eight national experts from the Netherlands participated in a four-phase modified Delphi procedure to identify and rate the urgency of problems in patient care and the extent to which problems were amenable to change., Results: A total of 39 problems were identified in five categories: patients, professionals, their interactions, the family and social system, and the mental health system. Participants noted the many social problems of these patients and their unusual help-seeking behavior. They often perceived these patients as able but unwilling to get better. They also noted that their diagnoses tend to be unclear and shifting and that more precise classifications would help in development of treatments., Conclusions: Elucidating the distinction between the psychiatric symptoms of these patients and their unusual help-seeking behavior may improve diagnosis and patient care.

Aim: This paper is a report of a study to explore problems encountered by mental health professionals in the long-term care of patients with chronic depression., Background: Patients who do not profit from psychopharmacological or psychotherapeutic treatment often need long-term care. Although they experience severe symptoms and loss of functioning, little is known about these people and the care they receive., Method: Experts in chronic depression (n = 8) participated in a four-phase Delphi study in 2006-2007. Problems were elicited through a focus group interview (first round) which was analysed using thematic analysis. The resulting problem list was validated (second round) and scored twice on a 7-point Likert scale (third and fourth rounds) by the participants. Urgency and changeability scores of 35 problems were obtained and a hierarchy of problems was set. In addition, qualitative data from the focus group interview were used to frame the results in the context of long-term care for patients with chronic depression., Results: Problems were subdivided into five areas. Relapses by the patient, a pessimistic attitude by the professional and demoralization in both were major problems. Also noted were the negative societal connotations of chronic depression and the lack of a coherent view on treatment within mental health care., Conclusion: Chronicity of depression may be denied by both patients and professionals, resulting in an overly strong focus on cure and a limited quality of care. The results may be used as a starting point for construction of a best-practice programme to improve long-term care.

Background: Chronic suicidality in patients with borderline personality disorder differs substantially from acute suicidality and therefore requires a different approach. On the basis of a case study and a review of the literature, we argue that treatment should definitely involve the taking of short-term risks for the purpose of achieving long-term success. A thorough assessment of the pros and cons is however a prerequisite for this strategy and some precautions need to be taken.