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There is evidence that creative writing forms an important part of the recovery experience of people affected by severe mental illness. In this paper, we consider theoretical models that explain how creative writing might contribute to recovery, and we discuss the potential for creative writing in psychosocial rehabilitation. We argue that the rehabilitation benefits of creative writing might be optimized through focus on process and technique in writing, rather than content, and that consequently, the involvement of professional writers might be important. We describe a pilot workshop that deployed these principles and was well-received by participants. Finally, we make recommendations regarding the role of creative writing in psychosocial rehabilitation for people recovering from severe mental illness and suggest that the development of an evidence base regarding the effectiveness of creative writing is a priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual issues are common for consumers of mental health services and have many adverse consequences for quality of life as well as impacting negatively on the mental illness itself. Nurses in mental health settings are well placed to assess for the presence of and provide interventions for sexual concerns. To date, little research has been undertaken to explore nurses' attitudes and whether sexual issues would be accepted as part of their care. This paper presents findings from the third stage of a qualitative, exploratory research study with mental health nurses working in an Australian mental health service. The findings from the first two stages suggested that the participants had tended to avoid discussion of sexual issues, but a brief education intervention had produced a greater willingness to address sexual issues as part of care. The aim of the third stage was to determine the degree to which changes in practice had continued over time. Two main themes that emerged from this data were: (i) holism, from rhetoric to reality; and (ii) part of what I do. Addressing sexual issues became part of practice, a change sustained 2 years following the intervention, because participants recognized its importance for holistic nursing care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT People diagnosed with a mental illness experience poorer physical health than the general population. Nurses have been identified for their potential role in addressing physical health needs of consumers of mental health services. This paper reports on preliminary findings of a qualitative study on health-care services for physical and mental health in a regional area in Australia. A key purpose of the study was to explore the perceptions of nurses working in mental health settings of their physical care with consumers. A qualitative, exploratory approach was undertaken. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with 38 nurses from one mental health service. Nurse participants described a common co-occurrence of physical problems and mental illness and expressed the importance of health-care services to treatment and prevention. Participants expressed divergent views on nurses' capacity to contribute to better health-care processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health consumers are sexual beings; however, their sexual desire, capacity, and ability to maintain previous sexual patterns can be altered by their illness or by the effects and side-effects of medications. The sexuality of consumers has been poorly addressed, and the limited evidence suggests that mental health nurses remain ambivalent to including sexuality in their care. This paper presents the findings of a research project investigating the practices of mental health nurses in assessing and supporting the sexuality of consumers. A qualitative, exploratory approach underpinned individual interviews with 14 mental health nurses from inpatient and community settings. The participants acknowledged the importance of sexuality; however, most were reluctant to enquire about consumer concerns and tended to either ignore the issue or refer it to another clinician. Four themes were identified: talking about or avoiding sexuality concerns with consumers; sexuality is not an important priority; refer to others, as talking about sexuality is not 'my' job; and sexuality is poorly addressed by others. It is important that barriers to the assessment and discussion of sexuality are identified, and measures are taken to overcome them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family carers of people with mental illness provide an immense contribution to society in caring for mental health consumers. However, carers can experience substantial burdens and poor health outcomes themselves. Recognition of their needs for education and support has led to the development of a range of family education programmes. Throughout Australia, the Mental Illness Fellowship Australia offers the Well Ways programme, a group-based, family-to-family, education programme that provides information and aims to increase carers' capacity to care effectively for themselves, their families, and the mental health consumers. This paper describes a qualitative evaluation of an emotional support service piloted in a Well Ways programme in rural Queensland, Australia. The pilot service comprised individual emotional support offered to family carers attending the weekly Well Ways group education programme. Six of eight family carers who received the emotional support engaged in semistructured interviews exploring their experience of receiving the support. Three themes emerged from their experience: dealing with difficult times, connecting through shared experience, and exploring different options. Family carers found the emotional support beneficial, and reported that it enhanced their capacity to manage their own well-being, as well as their caregiving roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health conditions are likely to affect almost half of the population at some stage in their lives. Despite the magnitude and potentially serious consequences of mental illness and disorders, access to services is a significant problem. In 2007, the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP) was implemented to improve access to mental health care in Australia. Mental health nurses are engaged under the MHNIP to work with general practitioners, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals to treat clients experiencing a mental health condition. This paper presents findings from a qualitative exploration of nurses working under the MHNIP in Australia. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 nurses currently working under the MHNIP to gain an understanding of their roles and their perceptions of the effectiveness of this new programme. Data were analysed using NVivo. Four major themes emerged: developing the role, a holistic approach, working collaboratively, and benefits to clients. The findings suggest that mental health nurses have the potential to make a significant contribution to enhancing access to, and the quality of, mental health care through flexible and innovative approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]