Patients with psychiatric comorbidities in the acute hospital - a field of tension with interprofessional need for action - results from a pilot study

Abstract

Patients with psychiatric comorbidities in the acute hospital - a field of tension with interprofessional need for action - results from a pilot study Abstract. Background: Psychiatric comorbidities are frequent in patients hospitalized in an acute care hospital. They often remain undetected or, if diagnosed, neglected. As long as the somatic disease can be properly cared for and treated, this usually remains unproblematic. However, the situation can quickly tip over if psychiatric comorbidities interfere with care and treatment leading to a higher level of care and adverse consequences for patients. Aim: We investigated the need for action for this patient group from the nurses' perspective in a Swiss-German university hospital. Method: In two group discussions, nurses described intense situations, followed by an evaluation of determining factors, insights gained and measures taken to control these situations and prevent them. Results: Nurses experience the described situations as stressful and express a great need for action for themselves and for the interprofessional team. Key points are vigilance in everyday clinical practice, specific knowledge acquisition and an easily accessible local support system. Conclusions: In an acute care hospital, psychiatric comorbidities must be taken into account. However, this requires advanced skills and an organizational, interprofessional approach.