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Accessible Summary: What is known on the subject?: Recovery‐oriented services have been shown to promote recovery in people with mental illness; their implementation is important for current psychiatric practice and is being considered by many professional institutions.The Japanese government released the policy 'A Vision for Reform of Mental Health and Medical Welfare' (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 2004; https://www.mhlw.go.jp/topics/2004/09/dl/tp0902‐1a.pdf), aiming to update public consciousness, reorganize the mental healthcare welfare system and strengthen the foundation of mental healthcare to promote a basic policy focusing on the transition 'from hospital to community life'. What the paper adds to existing knowledge?: This is the first study to clarify recovery‐oriented attitudes among psychiatric nursing directors and related factors in Japan. It shows an association between recovery‐oriented attitudes and hospital size. What are the implications for practice?: A relationship exists between the recovery knowledge and recovery‐oriented attitudes of psychiatric nursing directors. It may thus be valuable for directors to see and hear about the experiences of patients living in the community during their recovery process. As hospital size and organizational climate may hinder the successful implementation of recovery‐oriented practices, these factors must be considered when introducing such practices.Further research is needed on the relationship between psychiatric nursing directors' recovery‐oriented attitudes and practices. Moreover, to develop intervention studies that uncover success factors for enhancing recovery‐oriented attitudes, organizational factors that enable recovery‐oriented practices must be further investigated. Introduction: Recovery‐oriented practices in mental health services have become a global priority. Despite their proven effectiveness, Japanese hospitals have not widely implemented such practices. Aim: This study clarified psychiatric nursing directors' recovery‐oriented attitudes and factors regarding promoting recovery‐oriented practices to identify methods for developing these practices in Japan. Method: This cross‐sectional study used a questionnaire survey with 250 nursing directors from 1287 Japanese psychiatric hospitals. Multivariable regression analysis assessed how socio‐demographic variables and Recovery Knowledge Inventory (RKI) scores affected Recovery Attitudes Questionnaire (RAQ‐7) scores. Results: The analysis revealed that more clinical and managerial experience was associated with more negative recovery‐oriented attitudes. High RKI scores, knowledge of strength, hospital size and outpatient work experience were associated with more positive recovery‐oriented attitudes. Discussion: Implementing recovery practices requires consideration of knowledge and experience in recovery and hospital size alongside recovery training based on a hospital's organizational structure. Although the low response rate could influence the study's generalisability, it could also indicate low interest in recovery‐oriented practices among professionals. Implications for Practice: Acquiring more knowledge and experience regarding recovery promotes recovery‐oriented attitudes among nursing directors. An appropriate organizational culture and consideration of hospital size are required when introducing such recovery practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary What is known on the subject? What the paper adds to existing knowledge? What Are the implications for practice? Introduction Aim Method Results Discussion/Implications for Practice Mental health professionals' beliefs about transgender individuals vary, often influenced by stereotypes. There's recognition of healthcare needs, but limited knowledge impacts decision‐making. Stereotypes persist regarding why transgender individuals seek mental health care. Professionals' attitudes show both positive support and negative, discriminatory views. Lack of training and knowledge gaps hinder effective care for transgender individuals. Pathologising attitudes exist, associating gender diversity with mental health conditions. Addressing training gaps is crucial for equitable care for transgender individuals. Challenging stereotypes and beliefs is necessary to reduce stigma and improve understanding. Enhancing knowledge and evidence‐based tools will ensure safe and equal healthcare access. Transgender people face against significant barriers in accessing mental health services due to, among other reasons, discrimination and a lack of expertise among professionals.To explore the beliefs and attitudes of professionals in the mental health network of the region of Murcia towards transgender people, focusing on aspects such as knowledge, perceptions, and prejudices about gender identity.We carried out a qualitative study involving 14 participants, conducting semi‐structured interviews based on prior knowledge of the topic. We asked the professionals about their experiences and challenges in their clinical interaction with transgender users and followed an inductive‐deductive process to analyse the data.Two main themes were identified from the interviews, which were sub‐categorised into different sub‐themes: (a) beliefs about transgender people: underlying factors and origins of gender diversity, health needs, and stereotypes about the demand for health care; (b) attitudes and behaviours of professionals towards transgender people: pathologization and attitudes towards decision‐making.Our findings suggest that mental health professionals tend to oversimplify the factors underlying gender diversity and hold certain stereotypical beliefs about these users that oversimplify the complexity of their experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary: What is known on the subject?: Mental healthcare requires acceptance of suicide and flexible attitudes especially in relation to caring for people who have suicidal thoughts or who have attempted suicide. Nurse education programmes for student nurses can shape positively the attitudes of individual participants, yet limited research exists on what nursing students' attitudes currently are towards people who are suicidal. What this paper adds to existing knowledge?: This paper adds to the developing international comparative work that is providing a greater understanding of cultural perceptions of suicide amongst students. This paper along with existing literature highlights a potential relationship between certain religious belief systems and their potential to be protective against suicide. At the same time, such religious belief is more likely to be associated with more judgmental attitude towards suicidal behaviour. This paper using a validated research tool, devised by a research psychologist, scored for the first time, individual student attitudes towards caring for people that are suicidal, whilst establishing the overall differences between the two countries from which the data are collected. What are the implications for practice?: This paper offers potential explanations for differences in nursing students' attitudes between the UK and Turkey. Disparities under discussion include gender, type of education, culture and religion. This is an important discussion in the consideration of nurse education worldwide. It is recognized that students may come from a variety of different backgrounds, with varying personal and social attitudes to begin with; yet, there exists the potential to positively influence overall attitudes towards service users whilst learners are still within a training programme, consisting of education and practice experiences. The merits of a specialist mental health nurse training programme and its potential to impact more favourably on students attitudes deserve more attention and research. Abstract: Introduction: Suicide is a major public health issue internationally, and the impact of positive or negative attitudes amongst the mental health professional workforce warrants scrutiny. The study aimed to examine English and Turkish nursing students' attitudes towards people with suicidal behaviour. Method: This cross‐cultural study reports on attitudes of 240 nursing students towards suicide in Turkey and 82 nursing students in the UK. A reliable and valid 24 item “Attitudes towards Suicide Scale” and “Social Reactions to Suicidal Persons Scale” were used to measure attitudes. Results: The UK nursing students were found to display more accepting attitudes to suicide, and scored higher on acceptability of suicide, seeing suicide as a solution and open reporting and discussion of suicide subscales than their Turkish counterparts. Turkish nursing students scored higher on punishment after death and hiding suicidal behaviour subscales than the UK students. Turkish nursing students scored significantly higher on deterring subscale of reactions to a suicidal peer scale than the UK nursing students. Implications for practice: It is vital for nurse students to develop positive acceptance of suicide through education, reflection and clinical supervision to be more therapeutic towards suicidal patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary: What is known on the subject?: Research indicates many clients using mental health services have trauma histories. Consequently, mental health professionals must be aware of the impact of trauma and of how they can avoid retraumatizing service‐users. Care delivered with this awareness is known as trauma‐informed care (TIC).There is little research on attitudes towards TIC. To date, only one study explored these attitudes among MHNs exclusively. Additionally, a richer understanding of TIC attitudes using methods like in‐depth interviews is needed. It is unclear whether knowledge of TIC results in more favourable attitudes. What this paper adds to existing knowledge?: MHNs in this study had little knowledge of TIC but expressed overall favourable TIC attitudes. Traumatic histories were not appreciated as causes of challenging behaviour. On rehabilitation wards, clients come to be perceived as family members and this makes it harder for MHNs to not take challenging behaviour of clients personally. MHNs face work‐related traumas which interfere with their ability to provide TIC. What are the implications for practice?: Findings of this study can be used to guide plans to implement TIC in psychiatric hospitals. Policymakers are called to appreciate that ensuring MHN well‐being on the workplace will facilitate their delivery of TIC. TIC training initiatives for MHNs must stress the importance of acknowledging traumatic histories as causes of challenging behaviour and of maintaining professional boundaries with long‐term clients. This would benefit service‐users by ensuring MHNs are more trauma‐informed. More research on attitudes towards TIC among MHNs is needed. Introduction: Quantitative studies exploring trauma‐informed care (TIC) attitudes have not used samples made up exclusively of mental health nurses (MHNs). Qualitative methods were sparingly used. Aim: To examine nurses' TIC attitudes at a psychiatric hospital. Method: A mixed‐method design was used. One hundred and thirty‐six MHNs completed the Attitudes Related to Trauma‐Informed Care scale. Data were analysed using inferential statistics. A focus group interview among ten MHNs ensued. Thematic analysis was used. Results: MHNs demonstrated favourable TIC attitudes. Ambivalent attitudes for the subscale "Causes" were identified. MHNs employed for less than 5 years at the hospital and those in acute settings displayed more favourable attitudes on some subscales. Three themes "Awareness," "Unhealthy boundaries" and "Inhibition" emerged from qualitative analysis. Discussion: Challenges uncovered in the provision of TIC include the unacknowledged impact of trauma on challenging behaviour among MHNS, the influence of blurred professional boundaries with long‐term clients on the cycle of perpetuated trauma identified by previous research and MHNs work‐related traumas. Implications for practice: Identified challenges to TIC integration among MHNs can facilitate the implementation of TIC in hospitals. TIC educational packages for MHNs should acknowledge traumatic histories in the aetiology of challenging behaviour and stress the importance of maintaining professional boundaries with clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary: What is known on the subject?: AHDs in mental health are fundamental tools in advance care planning processes. It is an important method for involving mental healthcare users in clinical decisions and in providing effective healthcare based around user preferences.AHDs can be applied in situations in which the person may forfeit their legal capacity, according to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.However, the use of AHDs as described above is not yet a reality in Spain. What the paper adds to existing knowledge?: The present study surveys the knowledge and attitudes of mental healthcare providers towards AHDs in clinical practice.Although providers had a moderate–low level of knowledge about AHDs, they presented positive attitudes towards them. What are the implications for practice?: The use of AHDs in mental healthcare practice poses challenges to the Spanish mental healthcare system. Acquiring up‐to‐date data on the knowledge and attitudes of providers towards AHDs allows organizations to address aspects of their service that require reinforcement. This data could also be used by other countries just starting to use AHDs, as an initial step towards supporting the implementation of a multistage intervention process.More in‐depth training for providers would help improve their competence to implement or honour the statements set out in AHDs, the related legal and ethical issues, and liability issues related to their implementation.The Spanish mental healthcare system requires structural changes so that providers can embrace new ways of relating to users and to organize partnerships and a continuity of care centred on user preferences. Introduction: Advance healthcare directives (AHDs) in mental health offer important information regarding service users' preferences. However, whether AHDs are truly understood by providers is questionable. Aim: To survey the knowledge and attitudes of mental health professionals towards AHDs and examine any associations with sociodemographic and occupational variables. Method: We cross‐sectionally surveyed the knowledge and attitudes of 113 mental health professionals by using two validated questionnaires. Results: Participants showed very positive attitudes and high levels of knowledge about the conceptual definition and application of AHDs in clinical practice but their knowledge of the legalities, procedure and registration of AHDs was poor. Working in a community, having a career specializing in mental health or having personally signed an AHD was associated with enhanced knowledge about them. Moreover, female sex or employment as an auxiliary nursing‐care technician was associated with stronger positive attitudes. Discussion: Legal and structural changes will be needed to implement AHDs in Spain and to promote competence among healthcare providers in order to include AHDs in everyday practice. Implications for practice: The Spanish mental healthcare system requires legal and structural changes and must improve healthcare providers' competence in AHDs before they are implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary What is known on the subject? Self-harm is a relatively common occurrence in adolescents; however, there remains a lack of understanding about the motivations behind adolescent self-harm, and this poor understanding can have a negative impact on how mental health professionals respond to young people who self-harm., What does this paper add to existing knowledge? This paper identifies the reasons for self-harm in a community sample of young people and finds that the functions of self-harm differ for different people and that there may be multiple reasons for self-harm., Findings provide support for the affect-regulation model of self-harm which states that young people self-harm to regulate how they are feeling, but provides little support for the interpersonal influence model which proposes that self-harm is an attempt to influence how other people respond to them. , What are the implications for practice? Self-harm for most young people serves at least one specific function and is an indication of distress., There is a requirement for a non-pathologizing response towards young people who self-harm; self-harm should be understood as a meaningful behaviour rather than a symptom of an illness., Mental health nurses need to understand the multiple functions of self-harm. A better understanding of the individualized meaning behind self-harm can positively impact on attitudes towards young people who self-harm and provide for improved mental health service provision., Abstract Introduction Although self-harm is a relatively common occurrence in adolescents, there is a lack of understanding about the motivations behind it. A poor understanding of self-harm contributes to negative perceptions about those who self-harm and a poor healthcare experience. Aim & Methods This study identifies motivations behind self-harm in school-based adolescents using a cross-sectional survey. Motivations behind self-harm were elicited using a scale and open-ended responses. Results Of the 856 adolescents who completed the survey across 11 postprimary schools, 103 reported a history of self-harm. The most commonly endorsed reason for self-harm was to 'get relief from a terrible state of mind' (79%). Open-ended responses were consistent with scale responses with most reporting that they self-harmed to relieve distressing emotions. Discussion Findings provide support for the affect-regulation model of self-harm with support also demonstrated for the self-punishment and antidissociation models. There was little support for the interpersonal influence model suggesting that the commonly held belief that self-harm is attention-seeking is one attributed by others to young people, and not widely reported by young people themselves. Implications for practice Mental health services need to be responsive to the needs of young people who self-harm which requires eliciting and understanding the individual and multiple meanings behind self-harm to best inform treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary: What is known on the subject?: Health systems in many low‐ to middle‐income countries (LMICs) are heavily underfunded, and staff training opportunities are limited.There is a lack of empirical data on the development and use of sustainable training programmes in aggression management skills in LMICs. What does this paper add to existing knowledge?: After RESPECT, participants showed greater agreement with statements about the role of environmental and relational factors as antecedents of aggression and described favouring the use of non‐physical techniques to manage aggressive behaviour.Attitudes towards management practices of seclusion, medication and restraint remained unchanged after RESPECT training. What are the implications for practice?: Training programmes like RESPECT may be useful to improve attitudes towards causes of aggression and its management in LMIC hospitals. However, further evidence is required to demonstrate whether these results can be sustained over time and whether these attitudinal changes are associated with reduction of workplace violence.Mental health nurses and other mental health professionals can play a key role in establishing hospital‐wide training and sharing skills across geographical boundaries. Introduction: Occupational violence has been demonstrated to impact negatively on the well‐being of nurses and patients. Staff attitudes towards causes and management of patients' aggression influence their practice. Training is likely to influence attitudes towards aggression; however, Uganda's health system lacks adequate resources to provide aggression management training for staff. Aim: To assess the impact of a training programme (RESPECT) on staff attitudes towards causes and management of patient's aggression in a Ugandan hospital. Methods: This study used a mixed‐methods convergent design. A convenience sample of nurses and support staff employed in the psychiatric ward and other services across the hospital (N = 90) completed the Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale (MAVAS) pre‐ and post‐training. The views of a smaller sample (n = 35) were captured via interviews and focus groups and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Participants reported greater agreement with patients' physical and social environment (external and situational causative models) as factors influencing patient's aggression. Qualitative findings substantiated the results identified in the survey. Attitudes towards seclusion, restraint and medication remained unchanged. Discussion and implications for practice: RESPECT has the potential to change staff attitudes towards aggression in the short term. Further research is needed to investigate long‐term effects and impact on incidents of aggression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary: What is known on the subject?: Contemporary mental health policy stipulates consumer participation in all aspects of mental health services including service evaluation and other forms of mental health research.Research is identified as underpinning quality mental health services, and therefore, consumers researchers could enhance the mental health sector by contributing to the quality, credibility and relevance of mental health research. What this paper adds to existing knowledge?: Non‐consumer researchers generally supported the concept of a consumer expert reference group for researchers at the individual and institutional level.A consumer expert reference group should reflect diversity and offer expertise relevant to the topic of research and may represent one way to normalize partnerships with consumer researchers and realize the benefits they can bring to research. What are the implications for practice?: Quality mental health services are underpinned by robust research evidence. It is crucial that consumers are active participants in research activity.The availability of a consumer expert reference group could facilitate collaborations between consumer and non‐consumer researchers and contribute to a stronger consumer focus embedded in mental health research. Introduction: Contemporary mental health policy identifies consumers as active participants in all aspects of mental health services from design to evaluation. Consumer researchers should be actively involved in mental health research and contribute to quality service delivery. Aim: To gain a snapshot of mental health researcher views on strategies for increasing research by or with consumers in mental health through the establishment of an Expert Consumer Researcher Group (ECRG). Methods: Cross‐sectional survey of 41 non‐consumer mental health researchers from Australia or New Zealand. Results: The introduction of an ECRG was considered an effective strategy for linking consumer and non‐consumer researchers and providing specialist advice on research design and methodology. The most suitable location for this group was identified as within consumer advocacy agencies (71%), universities (66%) or research funding bodies (66%). Participants rated their likelihood of seeking advice from the ECRG as high. Discussion: Research participants supported the value of an ECRG. They emphasized the importance of ensuring the group reflected a diversity of views and offered specialized expertise related to the specific topic. The ECRG could benefit both individual researchers and larger research organizations. Implications for practice: An ECRG could facilitate collaborations with consumer researchers and in turn enhance the quality of mental health research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary: What is known on the subject?: Consumer participation in mental health services is embedded in mental health policy in many countries. The negative attitudes of nurses and other health professionals to consumer participation poses a significant obstacle to this policy goalInvolving mental health "Experts by Experience" in the education of nursing students demonstrates positive attitudinal change What this paper adds to existing knowledge?: More detailed understanding of nursing students' experiences and perspectives about being taught mental health nursing by "Experts by Experience"An international focus, extending understandings about how Experts by Experience might be perceived in a broader range of countries What are the implications for practice?: Positive attitudes towards people labelled with mental illness are essential for quality nursing practiceNurses have an important leadership role in facilitating consumer participation within health services. It is critical that their attitudes are professional and optimistic. Introduction: Consumer participation is central to mental health policy. Negative attitudes of health professionals are barriers to realizing policy goals. Evidence suggests consumers (Experts by Experience) can influence positive attitudes in nursing students. Research in this area to date is limited and primarily from Australia and New Zealand. Aim: To enhance understanding of nursing students' perspectives and experiences of being taught mental health by an Expert by Experience. Method: A qualitative exploratory approach was used. Focus groups were conducted with nursing students from seven universities in Australia and Europe. Data were analysed thematically. Results: Student participants described how exposure to Experts by Experience challenged their views and attitudes and provided a mechanism for reflection, critique and change. The main theme "changing mindset" includes two subthemes: exposing stereotypes and reflection. Discussion: This unique international study demonstrates the capacity for Experts by Experience to contribute to positive attitudinal change towards mental illness in nursing students. This changed mindset must occur for policy goals to be realized. Implications for practice: Nurses in all areas of practice will work with people labelled with mental illness and experiencing mental distress. Overcoming stereotypes and adopting more positive attitudes is essential to deliver quality mental health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary: What is known on the subject?: Research has consistently shown that poor attitudes exist in mental health care towards people with a diagnosis of personality disorder and that nurses can find working with this group of patients professionally and personally challenging. Power imbalances of practitioner over students exist on training placements. This can result in students being exposed to negative attitudes towards service users with a diagnosis of personality disorder and not feeling able to challenge these attitudes. The Knowledge and Understanding Framework (KUF) is a specialist programme of personality disorder training that has demonstrated effectiveness with qualified mental health professionals. What does this paper add to existing knowledge?: Although the subject of personality disorder is considered within preregistration education, an opportunity for a more robust approach to supporting student's nurses with this complex subject area is required (Ross & Goldner 2018). Attempts to integrate and evaluate specific educational interventions of this nature into preregistration nurse education have not been explored elsewhere. This study utilized focus groups to examine the experience of the KUF training and the perceived impact on attitudes and approaches to personality disorder of a group of nursing students who had completed the KUF programme. The students exhibited positive attitudes towards people with a diagnosis of personality disorder and confidence to influence negative attitudes in practice. The KUF shifted the students’ focus from identifying patient behaviours as problematic towards an understanding of these difficulties arising from their own emotional responses. This was a small study so the results should be treated with caution. There was no follow‐up once the students had qualified, so it is not clear whether such effects would endure long term. What are the implications for practice?: Training students using the KUF may foster positive attitudes to people with a diagnosis of personality disorder and provide them with the skills to positively influence other colleagues practice. Abstract: Introduction: Negative attitudes exist in practice towards those with a diagnosis of personality disorder. Preregistration training offers the opportunity to address this by developing understanding of the diagnosis, confidence in working with people with the diagnosis and empowering new nurses to challenge prevailing attitudes. Attempts to integrate and evaluate specific educational interventions of this nature into preregistration nurse education have not been explored elsewhere. Aim: To explore preregistration, nurses’ experience of a programme of training focused on personality disorder and their perception of its influence on attitudes, understanding of clients and their experience of practice. Method: A qualitative study using thematic analysis of two focus groups of preregistration mental health nursing students. Results: Evidence of positive attitudes and confidence to supportively challenge negative attitudes in practice were found. Students showed a shift away from a focus on changing the perceived “difficult” behaviour of a client towards an understanding of their own emotional responses to the behaviours. Discussion: The Knowledge and Understanding Framework training shows potential for students to change attitudes and develop progressive practice working with people with personality disorder. Implications for practice: The integration of the Knowledge and Understanding Framework should be considered as part of preregistration training. Further research into the sustained influence of the training post registration is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary: What is known on the subject: Person‐centered care, as compared to standard approaches, is a widely accepted, evidence‐based approach for managing aggressive behaviour in persons with dementia. The attitudes, beliefs and values of long‐term care and mental health nursing employees are important prerequisites to implementing person‐centered practices. Research shows that nursing employees typically support person‐centered approaches; however, less is known about the attitudes of non‐nursing employee groups. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: Nurse managers and administrators tended to agree with person‐centered approaches for managing aggression in dementia, suggesting some prerequisites are in place to support wider adoption of person‐centered frameworks. Employees with more resident contact tended to support person‐centered approaches the least, suggesting discipline‐specific trainings may not be adequate for preparing frontline staff to use person‐centered techniques. Attitudes towards aggressive behaviour may be especially varied and contradictory within certain employee groups, providing implications for facility‐wide initiatives. Implications for practice: Person‐centered values and practices should be monitored and reinforced across the organization. Person‐centered trainings should be interdisciplinary in nature and focused on care areas, such as mealtime or bathing. Long‐term care facilities should consider allowing nurse management and registered nurses to share the burden of direct resident care with frontline employees on a more regular basis. Abstract: Introduction: Implementing person‐centered care requires shared attitudes, beliefs and values among all care employees. Existing research has failed to examine the attitudes of non‐nursing employees. Aim: This study examined attitudes towards aggression among nursing and non‐nursing employees to address gaps in existing research and assess readiness for wider adoption of person‐centered frameworks. Method: The Management of Aggression in People with Dementia Attitude Questionnaire was used to survey attitudes of employees in Michigan‐based nursing homes. Results: Overall, employees preferred person‐centered over standard approaches. Job title was a significant predictor of paradigm support. Frontline employees were found to support person‐centered attitudes the least. Wide‐ranging responses were noted within employee groups. Discussion: Job title may influence the degree to which an employee supports and utilizes person‐centered approaches. Employees with the most contact with persons with dementia may be the least likely to implement person‐centered approaches. In contrast to prior studies, years of experience was not a significant predictor of attitude towards aggressive behaviour. Wide‐ranging responses indicate that employee attitudes are varied and complex. Implications: Person‐centered approaches should be trained within care areas rather than individual employee groups. Programs should be interdisciplinary and seek to establish a shared understanding of person‐centered beliefs and values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary What is known on the subject? Many studies indicate that working with people with a personality disorder is a real challenge, which is especially known by professionals, and it also displays different attitudes that can affect their professional stance. There is no specific study examining those difficulties, emotional reactions and attitudes of mental health professionals towards people with a PD in Turkey., What this paper adds to existing knowledge? We examined emotional reactions, difficulties and attitudes of mental health professionals towards people with a PD and also the interaction between these variables. We found a strong relationship between MHWs' feelings of boredom/discontent, guilt/pity and a tendency to display positive behaviours/an inability of establishing boundaries against people with a PD. Besides, a higher level of education resulted in reduced experience of difficulties while working with patients with a diagnosis of 'PD' among nurses., What are the implications for practice? Mental health professionals and especially nurses who spend most of their time working with people with PD in the inpatient services need to be well educated and be experienced in coping with patients' relational problems and emotional fluctuations, and also be aware of their own emotional reactions., Abstract Introduction Working with people with a personality disorder ( PD) can arouse strong feelings, and cause difficulties as well as different attitudes among mental health workers ( MHWs). While attitudes towards people with PD and the difficulties experienced by MHWs have been previously investigated, the reciprocal relationship between the two has not been thoroughly investigated. Aim/Question This study aims to investigate (1) affective reactions of MHWs to people with personality disorders, (2) the difficulties that MHWs experience while working with these patients, (3) their attitudes towards these patients, and (4) the interaction between these variables. Method The data for this study were collected through a Personal Information Questionnaire, the Difficulty of Working with Personality Disorders Scale and the Attitudes towards Patients with Personality Disorders Scale from 332 MHWs from several mental health clinics in Turkey, all of whom were experienced in working with people with PD. Results The results indicate that the participants described 'difficulty in forming a relationship, understanding the client, and estab lishing cooperation' among the primary reasons of difficulties. This study also shows that there is a strong relationship between MHWs' feelings of boredom/discontent, guilt/pity and a tendency to display positive behaviours/an inability of establishing borders against people with PD. Discussion The findings of this study imply that the level of education, expertise, psychotherapy treatment and clinical supervision of MHWs all affect perceived difficulties and attitudes towards people with PD. It is also noted that among nurses, a higher level of education results in reduced experience of difficulties while working with patients with PD. Implication for practice The results foreground the need for specific skills to be developed in MHWs through theoretical training, case-focused supervision and receiving personal psychotherapy for MHWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary Staff and relative perspectives on patient aggression in dementia care units are seriously under researched in the UK., We interviewed a number of nursing staff and relatives in four UK care homes in the North West of England., Using a combined approach of one-to-one interviews (for staff) and focus groups (for relatives) we explored their views as to the reasons for and ways of responding to aggressive behaviour., Using thematic analysis we found similar results from both staff and relatives and as such their views were categorized into two broad areas: causation and management., The results indicated that staff in the participating units embraced a person-centred approach to aggression management. They predominantly respond to aggressive incidents with interpersonal strategies, such as distraction as opposed to medication or restraint., Relatives were clear in their perceptions of aggression as an interpersonal challenge, which is compounded or mediated by the illness of dementia. Consequently they were positive in their views of staff using non-coercive interventions., Abstract Staff and relative perspectives on patient aggression in dementia care units are seriously under researched in the UK. Any work that has been conducted has relied upon quantitative studies. Qualitative research on aggression management in older peoples services are rare. In-depth views that can offer insights into causation and management strategies are therefore under represented in the literature. In order to investigate this issue further we interviewed a number of nursing staff and relatives in four UK care homes in the North West of England. Using a combined approach of one-to-one interviews (for staff) and focus groups (for relatives) we explored their views as to the reasons for and ways of responding to aggressive behaviour. This was part of a larger study reported upon elsewhere. Using thematic analysis we found similar results from both staff and relatives and as such their views were categorized into two broad areas: causation and management. In regards to causation we noted three sub-themes; internal, external and interpersonal factors which are further subdivided in the paper and for management two broad categories: the compassionate approach and 'don't go in strong'. The results indicated that staff in the participating units embraced a person-centred approach to aggression management. They predominantly respond to aggressive incidents with interpersonal strategies, such as distraction as opposed to medication or restraint. Overall they adopt a person centre approach to patient care. Relatives were clear in their perceptions of aggression as an interpersonal challenge, which is compounded or mediated by the illness of dementia. Consequently they were positive in their views of staff using non-coercive interventions. While the results of this and our earlier study are promising suggesting a less invasive approach to this aspect of dementia care, given the limitations of a small sample, more research of a similar nature is warranted. Findings from multidimensional studies can then provide a sounder basis for health and social care education, and person centred informed practice to reduce the incidence of aggression through preventative strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychosocial intervention (PSI) training results in enhanced knowledge, more positive attitudes, increased confidence and lower levels of clinical burnout for qualified mental health professionals and better outcomes for service users who they work with. This paper describes an evaluation of a PSI training course for qualified and unqualified nurses working in a low-secure unit. Forty-two staff (21 qualified) were randomly allocated to an experimental training group or a waiting list control group. Knowledge, attitudes and burnout were assessed before and after the training. In addition, a random sample of 44 care plans written by the qualified nurses were audited before and after to examine evidence of implementation of PSI in practice. Qualified and unqualified nurses in the experimental group showed significant improvements in knowledge and attitudes compared with the control group. Care plans showed a significant increase in the implementation of PSI. The only significant change in burnout was a reduction in depersonalization for qualified nurses in the experimental group. The PSI training may result in improvements in knowledge, attitude and practice in qualified and unqualified nurses working with severely mentally ill patients in low-secure settings, but in this study the training did not incur protection against burnout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary • Self-harm injuries account for 150 000 presentations at hospital in the UK in different ward settings. • Research has historically shown that people who have self-harmed have negative experiences because of attitudes of the healthcare professionals employed to help them. These negative attitudes remain the main perception from service users and staff in recent published research. • Lack of education, lack of personal confidence, clinical problems and perception of client's control of harming behaviour are all blamed for healthcare staffs negative attitudes. • A small number of trials have highlighted the benefit of greater education and clinical supervision in improving attitudes which are supported by government guidance. People who have experienced self-harm report dissatisfaction with the care provided by statutory services. This review provides a critical exploration of the evidence examining the attitudes of healthcare professionals across both mental health and medical settings towards people who self-harm. It also explored in detail service users perceptions of care. A literature search conducted via electronic databases and cross-matching reference lists produced 19 papers that met the inclusion criteria. A thematic analysis of the literature indicated six key areas which contributed to the development of attitudes defined as positive or negative towards people who self-harm. Negative attitudes and experiences of care were associated with lack of education and training, the impact of differences in perceptions of health professionals' role and the influence of clinical culture as well as how self-harm was perceived as a health need. More positive attitudes were associated with a greater understanding of experiences of self-harm and improved training. However, the nature of care reported by service users indicates that there are still significant improvements needed to the attitudes in health settings to ensure they receive a high-quality service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary • The attitudes of mental health professionals towards medication play a crucial and influential role in service users' uptake of treatments. Evidence suggests that when service users receive their medication via depot injection, compliance improves and relapse rates are reduced. It is vital that mental health service users are involved in decision making about the mode by which their antipsychotic medication is delivered. Despite this, few studies have investigated the attitudes and beliefs that healthcare professionals hold about depot medication. No reviews have looked at health professionals' attitudes towards depot medication alone. • Depots are seen as old fashioned, stigmatizing, causing side effects and being costly, and they are often not prescribed because of a presumed adherence to oral medication. • In the current study it has been found that research in this field is sparse, and studies have mixed quality. An issue that should be investigated when looking at prescribing of depot medication is that of non-medical prescribers, especially nurses. Nurses have a different relationship to the service users when compared with consultant psychiatrists, and this can have an impact on service users' choice of medication. Healthcare professionals are key providers of information about antipsychotic medication and may have a significant influence on the decisions that service users make about how their medication is delivered. This systematic review aimed to explore health professionals' attitudes and beliefs towards antipsychotic depot medication. A systematic search of AMED, BNI, CINAHL, EMBASE, HEALTH BUSINESS ELITE, HMIC, MEDLINE and PsycINFO was carried out, as well as hand searches of journals and citation searches. Studies were selected if the terms ‘attitudes/beliefs’ and ‘depot/injection’ were included in the title or abstract, if health professionals were participants in the study and if original data were included. The search strategy produced 131 papers. Eight relevant studies were then selected for the review. They included six cross-sectional surveys and two qualitative studies. It was shown that the research carried out is still very sparse. Depots are seen as old fashioned, stigmatizing, causing side effects and being costly, and they are often not prescribed because of a presumed adherence to oral medication. More research needs to be carried out to further explore these issues, to look at the role of non-medical prescribers and explore the relationship between health professionals' attitudes and those of service users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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., Abstract 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary The study aimed to examine the occurrence and type of mental illness stigma that exists in the Greek culture., One hundred and eleven individuals who viewed themselves as belonging to the Greek culture completed a questionnaire that measured different types of stigma and their level. These people lived in either England or Greece., Overall, the Greek people sampled in our survey were found to possess medium-high level of authoritarian attitudes (the view that people with mental illness are inferior) and a moderate level of social restrictiveness (the view that they should be restricted and carefully controlled in society). The results also found a high 'benevolence' score, which indicates that they are also sympathetic to people with mental illness. Greeks educated in England (instead of Greece), who were more religious, who had less knowledge about mental illness and less personal experience of mental illness were most likely to hold stigmatizing attitudes., The results - which support previous research - show that Greek people are sympathetic towards the mentally ill but nevertheless feel the need for them to be closely controlled in society. This means that more work is needed to help minimize negative attitudes among Greek people., Abstract Mental illness stigma negatively affects the lives of individuals with mental health disorders. Studies have indicated that the type and degree of stigma significantly varies across cultures. This study aimed to add to this body of knowledge by examining the prevalence and the type of mental illness stigma among individuals who identified themselves as Greek. It also examined the influence of a range of potential within-culture stigma moderating factors, including levels of previous experience with mental illness and mental illness knowledge. A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed, and 111 participants living in England and Greece were sampled through the snowball sampling technique. Stigma prevalence was measured using the ' Community Attitudes to Mental Illness' questionnaire. The findings revealed that participants showed a high degree of sympathy for people with mental illness but also considered them to be inferior and of a lower social class, and needing strict societal control. Higher stigma was significantly associated with being educated in England (instead of Greece), higher religiosity, lower knowledge levels and lower levels personal experience of mental illness. Targeted antistigma campaigns specifically tailored for the Greek culture are required in order to help reduce stigmatizing attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]