Search

Animals are increasingly being utilized to assist with therapies for people with various health conditions. Horses are often used as a mechanism of engagement and development for autistic children and adolescents. Horses offer a unique opportunity for interaction as the child or adolescent can physically ride and interact with the animal, thus creating a therapy that involves contact that is different to other animals. Benefits derived from equine-assisted therapies can be physical, social, behavioral, emotional, sensory, and cognitive. However, a current and specific research gap exists in understanding the potential mental health impacts of horse riding on autistic children and adolescents, as perceived and experienced by their parents, carers, and horse-riding service providers. This scoping review examined research on parents' and service providers' perceptions of the benefits of horse-related therapies, with a particular focus on perceptions of positive mental health impacts. A comprehensive electronic search across PubMed, Scopus and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature identified 16 articles from 15 studies which met the inclusion criteria. Findings included non-mental health-related benefits (as perceived by parents and service providers), mental health-related benefits (as perceived by parents and service providers), benefits for those other than the child/adolescent, and limitations of equine-assisted therapies. With the increased use of equine therapy, and the mounting evidence of its positive impacts on mental health, it is timely to expand research on how to better harness interventions and maximize the mental health benefits for autistic children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article addresses the difficulties researchers face when trying to report and publish their findings, particularly negative or unfavorable results. Topics discussed include publication bias, selective reporting, and the suppression of research information due to institutional or funding pressures.

This article explores the concept of belongingness and its significance for mental health and psychosocial well-being. Belongingness is a subjective experience that can vary depending on the group or organization a person is a part of. Having a strong sense of belonging is associated with positive outcomes such as supportive relationships and better mental health. Conversely, feeling excluded or lacking reciprocal relationships can lead to lower self-esteem, psychological distress, and thoughts of suicide. The article highlights how mental health nurses can support individuals with mental illness who feel alienated or marginalized, using examples from military veterans and ex-members of religious cults. Mental health nurses play a crucial role in assessing and addressing a person's sense of belonging to improve their well-being. The text emphasizes the importance of belongingness and its connection to hope in the recovery journey of individuals with serious mental illness. Mental health nurses can assist individuals in forming meaningful connections, address the effects of their lack of connectedness, build therapeutic relationships, explore the meaning of belonging, provide psychoeducation and mentoring, encourage participation in multiple groups, connect individuals with peers, and facilitate the formation of groups with shared experiences or goals. Supporting individuals in gaining or regaining a sense of belonging is vital for their psychosocial well-being and recovery. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the evolution of mental illness acceptance due to improved understanding, scientific advances, and effective treatments, highlighting the shift from supernatural explanations and institutionalization to community integration and inclusive practices. It discusses ongoing challenges such as unmet needs and stigma, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and advocates for proactive inclusion in mental health nursing to address social exclusion.

The article offers information on developing and maintaining high-quality curriculum vitae (CVs) for psychiatric-mental health nurses. Topics include the purpose of a CV, the difference between a CV, a resume, and a short-CV, and tips for preparing and updating a CV. The authors emphasize the importance of providing truthful, current, and accurate information in a CV, highlighting its role in various professional settings such as job applications, promotion panels, or funding committees.

The article discusses the dynamics of teamwork and the challenges of managing giving, taking, and lurking within teams. It emphasizes the importance of clear leadership, well-defined roles, effective communication, and feedback mechanisms for cohesive team functioning. The article also explores the complex nature of giving and taking in the workplace and addresses the concept of social loafing. The Journal of Nursing Management covers various topics related to nursing, including leadership styles, workplace violence, and the impact of technology on nursing practice. It offers valuable insights and research findings to support nursing professionals and is a valuable resource for research in the field. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the use of technology in qualitative research interviews. Traditionally, face-to-face interviews were considered the gold standard, but digital interviews using platforms like Skype and telephone are becoming increasingly popular. Digital platforms can promote inclusion, save time and cost, and address safety concerns. However, there are challenges with digital platforms, such as establishing rapport and reading non-verbal cues. Despite these challenges, technology can remove barriers to research participation and enhance participant autonomy. Researchers must also ensure data security and privacy when using digital platforms. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents the discussion on nurses understanding the importance of education including expected minimum educational requirement.

The article focuses on the challenges faced by mental health nurses, emphasizing the importance of resilience in overcoming workplace stress and distress. Topics discussed include the diverse challenges encountered by mental health nurses, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare systems, and the need for a comprehensive toolkit of skills and strategies to support nurses' well-being.

The article focuses on the concept of goodwill in nursing academia, discussing its importance, the evolving landscape of universities and the expectations placed on nurse academics. It highlights the challenges faced by nurse academics, including work pressures, burnout and the impact on motivation, job satisfaction and career trajectory.

The article in the Issues In Mental Health Nursing discusses the importance of integrating critical thinking into the practice of mental health nursing. Topics include the significance of reflective practice, deconstructing and reconstructing ideas, learning from the lived experience, and considering impediments to critical thinking in the mental health nursing context.

The mental health nursing profession has experienced various challenges since its inception. This discursive review considers these challenges, including how mental health nurses have and can continue to overcome adversity as individuals and as a profession. The discussion examines the influence of the profession's historical involvement in institutionalization and coercive care; the continuing impact of stigma; and the increasing demand for mental health services, amidst chronic staff shortages. Collectively, mental health nurses must harness strong therapeutic relationships, intra- and multi-disciplinary collaboration, personal and professional resilience, education that prepares them for the future, and sector-wide planning and innovation, to respond positively to these challenges. These approaches will support mental health nurses to overcome adversity and achieve positive outcomes for the profession and people with the lived experience of mental illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the impact of toxic leadership on mental health nurses. Topic discussed include the outcomes of toxic leadership, how the size of the work environment can influence toxic leadership behaviors, and how to build the capacity to prevent or address toxic leadership in mental health nursing.

Outcomes of discrimination for autistic people include masking, social isolation and exclusion, trauma, and mental health problems. This discursive paper discusses the discrimination experienced by autistic people in health, education, employment, and media settings; and considers how to reduce the impact of discrimination. Addressing the impact of discrimination requires an improved understanding of the lived experience of the autistic person, the embedding of inclusive practices in communities, developing the person's life skills and supports, and enabling the person to work through their psychological trauma. Further research can aid in minimizing and preventing discrimination against people with autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violence against women and girls by burning is a serious and confronting form of gender-based violence. Often, perpetrators aim to disfigure their victims or cause great pain, rather than kill them. Little is known about the characteristics of females who are subjected to violence by burning. This study aimed to review the literature concerning the prevalence, demographic profile, injury event, contributing factors and health outcomes for women and girls who have experienced burn-related violence. A search across five databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus and LILACS) was conducted up to April 2021 to identify original peer-review research, with a focus on violence by burning against women and girls. The review was guided by the five-stage approach to integrative reviews developed by Whittemore and Knafl (2005). Fifteen studies were identified. Victims were predominantly married, with low socio-economic status, limited education, and high emotional and financial dependency on their partners or families. Burn injuries were mostly caused by flame or acid, with significant morbidity or high mortality. Motives included family/marital issues or property/financial disputes. This review identified the limited evidence available in the peer-reviewed literature related to burn-related violence against women and girls worldwide. Findings suggest the need for further research to provide a clearer understanding of the complex issues involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism spectrum conditions are a group of neurodevelopmental conditions that carries an array of co-occurring diagnoses, including a heightened risk of suicide attempts and suicide. This scoping review examined primary research focusing on autism and suicidality, to understand what is currently known on the topic, including how autism changes the presentation of suicidal thoughts and behavior; and to assess the suicide awareness and prevention education programs currently available for autistic people, their families, and health professionals and support workers. A comprehensive search (November 2021) across Scopus, PubMed and CINAHL identified 39 articles from 38 studies. Three themes emerged, with five subthemes. 1. The prevalence of suicidality in autistic people; 2. The presentation of suicidality in autistic people, including (a) risk of suicidality; (b) gender, age, employment and education; (c) co-occurring psychiatric conditions; (d) autism traits and social communication; (e) intellectual disability; and 3. Autism-specific approaches to suicidal thoughts, behavior and prevention. Findings were mixed, including conflicting evidence on the risk of autism and suicidality, and limited evidence of resources related to autism-specific suicide awareness or information, and education or prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the higher rates of co-occurring mental health issues experienced by autistic people, there is a pressing need to implement an effective framework that integrates autism services with appropriate mental health services. This paper discusses the impact of mental illness on the person with autism and their families, and the current challenges they face when accessing mental health support. A framework for service providers is proposed to support the mental health needs and preferences of autistic people. The paper concludes by highlighting the importance of health professionals utilising mental health interventions appropriate for autistic people, including autism-specific suicide prevention and awareness programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article considers the health and psychosocial impacts of home-based work (HBW) during the COVID-19 pandemic. It suggests ways and means by which workers can support themselves and others, physically and psychosocially, while working from home. Topics covered include the issues with home-based offices, the issues with exercise and nutrition and the importance of social connectedness.

The article presents the discussion on enabling the culturally safe health services and better health outcomes of Māori peoples. Topics include mental health nurses upholding the principles of cultural safety having awareness of the beliefs, understandings, and practices of diverse communities; and mental health nurses supporting indigenous peoples and communities experiencing lower levels of mental health on all indices.