Innovation
22 February, 2021
A survey explored non-pharmacological interventions as alternatives to
pro re nata (as-required) psychotropic medication in mental health settings. This article explores its results, which have been developed into a clinical aid suggesting possible interventions. This article comes with a handout for a journal club discussion
Abstract
Pro re nata (as-required) psychotropic medicines are used frequently in mental health settings; however, concerns have been raised over the safety and lack of evidence of effectiveness of this practice. A mental health trust conducted a survey exploring the non-pharmacological interventions used by nurses to support agitated service users. It used their responses to create a clinical aid that maps out suggested interventions under the themes of physical health, relaxation, distraction, environment and psychological health.
Publications
Never lose a debate with a global warming alarmist!
February 10, 2021
In this Research & Commentary, Christina Herrin evaluates Mississippi s primary care shortage and offers a solution in nurse practitioners.
Like many states, Mississippi faces a growing shortage of doctors, leaving patients unable to access primary care services in a timely and affordable manner. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), more than 84 million Americans, or one-quarter of the entire U.S. population, live in counties designated as “Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas.” Mississippi is no exception. According to the National Institute of Health, Mississippi is expected to need an additional 3,709 doctors by 2030, a substantial increase from the state’s 5,714 current active physicians.
Research summary
18 January, 2021
Organisations that provide good patient experience also perform well against other clinical and organisational measures. A study has found that frontline teams engage most with patient experience feedback when a range of professions and levels of seniority are involved
Abstract
Improving patient experience is a key part of quality improvement in the NHS; a lot of patient feedback is collected but not necessarily acted on. A study explored how frontline hospital ward teams engage with this data, finding that progress was generally greater when there was support from a central patient experience function and when the ward team comprised a range of professionals of different levels of seniority. This provides a wider range of skills, networks, ideas, resources and authority.