Mental Health Advice Research Articles

Role, clinical competence and the professional development of practice nurses in Ireland

Aim: To investigate the role dimensions, clinical competence, educational preparation and professional development needs of practice nurses. Methods: All practice nurses registered with professional development coordinators in Ireland (n=1519) were invited to participate by completing a postal questionnaire. This yielded a response rate of 30% (n=451). Descriptive statistical analysis of the data was conducted using SPSS. Results: Regular activities included immunization, phlebotomy, management of laboratory results, wound care and electrocardiography. Cervical screening, dietary advice and health screening were also indicated by over 85% of practice nurses as a regular role dimension, and the majority of practice nurses perceived their level of competency in these areas as proficient or expert. Aspects of chronic disease management, namely in the area of diabetes and hypertension, were cited by over 78% of practice nurses as a regular role. Less than 60% of practice nurses deemed themselves expert or proficient in this area. Education and training deficits were noted in chronic disease management, nurse prescribing, mental health advice and women's health. A lack of resources to implement nurse-led clinics was evident; however, the majority of practice nurses had support from their employing GP to achieve professional development goals. Conclusions: It is evident that practice nurses are involved at varying levels across a variety of clinical activities. Results indicated varying levels of competence and were positively affected by further education and the frequency at which the role was performed. Policies need to be developed concerning the role and future of practice nursing in primary care.

Teenagers with severe learning difficulties and behavioural problems: what to do

The rate of behavioural problems in teenagers with learning disability is 40–50%, that is, four to five times greater than their more able peers. Understanding risk factors aids the clinical assessment of those young people presenting with behavioural problems. The nature of the disorders causing behavioural problems varies from developmental disorders such as autism to early-onset psychosis. Management of behavioural problems usually involves more than one approach including environmental adaptation, psychological interventions and drug treatments. These young people tend to fall between a numbers of services, so gaining access to specialist mental health advice is difficult. Coordination of care needs to occur across the professionals and agencies involved. The rate of behavioural problems in teenagers with learning disability is 40–50%, that is, four to five times greater than their more able peers. Understanding risk factors aids the clinical assessment of those young people presenting with behavioural problems. The nature of the disorders causing behavioural problems varies from developmental disorders such as autism to early-onset psychosis. Management of behavioural problems usually involves more than one approach including environmental adaptation, psychological interventions and drug treatments. These young people tend to fall between a numbers of services, so gaining access to specialist mental health advice is difficult. Coordination of care needs to occur across the professionals and agencies involved.

Specialist mental health advice for victims of RTAs

Specialist mental health advice for victims of RTAs

The Mental Health Advice Centre in Lewisham

Psychiatric disorders in the community are very common and most are dealt with by GPs, only a small proportion reaching psychiatrists (Goldberg and Huxley, 1980; Shepherd et al, 1981). It has been suggested that a large proportion of the psychiatric problems seen by GPs are intimately related to adverse life events and difficulties (Ingham, 1981; Tennant et al, 1981).

The Mental Health Advice Centre in Lewisham

Psychiatric disorders in the community are very common and most are dealt with by GPs, only a small proportion reaching psychiatrists (Goldberg and Huxley, 1980; Shepherd et al, 1981). It has been suggested that a large proportion of the psychiatric problems seen by GPs are intimately related to adverse life events and difficulties (Ingham, 1981; Tennant et al, 1981).

Lewisham Mental Health Advice Centre: A New Development in Community Care

Lewisham Mental Health Advice Centre: A New Development in Community Care