Conectar
To evaluate the effectiveness of a mental health screening form for early identification and care escalation of mental health issues in general settings. A secondary aim was to explore general nurses' use of the form and their confidence to discuss mental health issues with patients.
A cross-sectional design comprising a review of clinical records to determine use of the form, instances of missed care and escalation to the mental health team. The survey focused on nurses' confidence in general settings to engage in discussions with patients about mental health. Data were collected from April to December 2022. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Statement guided this study.
Of 400 patient records, 397 were analysed; 293 (73.8%) of those had mental health screening by nurses. Age was a significant factor, with younger patients more likely to be screened although concerns were typically recognized in older patients. Of the 20 patients identified with mental health concerns, 9 (45%) were referred for further evaluation by the Clinical Liaison Team. While nurses were proactive in assessing physical risks, assessing risk factors that required deeper conversations with patients, including psychiatric history, was lacking. The survey highlighted fewer than half of the respondents (46%, n = 10) felt competent to engage in discussions about mental health; however, most (59%, n = 13) knew when to seek a mental health referral.
General nurses have a role in the early identification and referral of patients with mental health challenges. However, training is imperative to facilitate deeper patient interactions concerning mental health. Integrating mental health checks within general settings is crucial for early detection and intervention, aligning with global quality care standards.
STROBE guidelines.
We received feedback that shaped the research protocol from a consumer representative.
To explore family caregivers' experiences of contributing to self-care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
A qualitative description study.
Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to face, by telephone or video calls in a purposive sample of 17 family caregivers of patients with COPD recruited in Italy, and analysed through content analysis. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ) checklist was used for study reporting.
Ten subcategories were derived from 106 codes grouped into three main categories: family caregiver contributions to maintaining disease stable and ensuring a normal life for patients; family caregiver contributions to disease monitoring; and family caregiver contributions to coping with disease exacerbations. Family caregivers provided practical and emotional support, and their contribution was essential to improve treatment adherence, to enable the patient to continue living a normal life, and to have access to the healthcare services. Family caregivers were constantly vigilant and monitored patients daily to detect worsening conditions, and they managed exacerbations especially when patients were unable to do it due to their critical conditions.
This study broadens knowledge of family caregivers' contributions to patients' self-care in COPD, describing the different ways family members provide daily care to patients and the many responsibilities they take on.
Family caregivers perform a variety of behaviours when supporting patients with COPD in self-care, especially when patients are more dependent and the disease more severe. Nurses should acknowledge the various contributions provided by family caregivers and develop educational interventions aiming to support them in patient care and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers shared the draft study report with participants for validation and feedback. This helped to strengthen the study design and results.
FreshRSS 