Mental Facilities Research Articles

Artificial Intelligence and Mental Health

In addition to identifying challenges and prospects for such application, this paper intends to present significant implementation science ideas that may be pertinent to comprehending and aiding artificial intelligence (AI) deployment in mental health care. This paper provides an overview of AI technology in modern mental health care and evaluates recent research developments, with a focus on the developing field of digital psychiatry. AI application in psychiatry to improve our knowledge, diagnosis, and treatment of mental diseases; to address concerns with availability, appeal, and accessibility of mental health-care services. Nursing staff members and other medical professionals, who operate in clinical settings, such as mental health facilities, stand to gain significantly from AI’s potential to increase workplace productivity and efficiency. Using the phrases “AI in mental health,” “diagnosis of mental health disorders,” “artificial intelligence,” and “deep learning,” we searched PubMed psychological testing and psychotherapy are being impacted by cutting-edge technologies such as artificial and Web of science. The research covered in this overview of the literature discusses how intelligence. This is a survey article, hence not applicable. The advantages and moral dilemmas associated with the use of AI in psychiatry are outweighed by its potential uses. More research and advancement are needed to get past these obstacles and guarantee the ethical and safe integration of AI in the psychiatric sector. By doing this, AI can significantly advance both long-term outcomes and the organization of mental health services.

Spatial characteristics of community mental health institutions in urban contexts—Using the architectural design of the Mallet ST Youth Mental Health Centre in Sydney, Australia as a case study

Promoting the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030 issued by WHO, there is a global trend to transform the mental health care system from a psychiatric hospital-centred mode to a community-based network. Under this trend, decentralised community mental health institutions are gradually replacing psychiatric hospitals and mitigating the stigma of mental illness in the community. Plus, the operation mode and functions of mental health facilities become different, with their space design emphasising different features and requirements. Especially in urban contexts where it is crowded and people face more stressors and complex environments, mental health facilities have more challenges in dealing with the relationship with the surrounding community, reducing stigma from the community, and the impact of the space on patients’ mental health. The goal is to explore the spatial characteristics of community mental health institutions in cities and to establish architectural design strategies for these institutions. Through a summary of theories on the built environment of community mental health institutions, combined with an analysis of internationally approved projects, five spatial characteristics were identified: (1) community shared space, (2) threshold space, (3) therapy space, (4) activity space, and (5) natural space. The research on the above five spatial characteristics, combined with the local social and cultural background and the specific needs of adolescents’ mental health, was innovatively applied to the architectural design of the Mallet ST Youth Mental Health Centre in Sydney, Australia.

Side effects of clozapine in older adults with treatment-resistant schizophrenia compared to younger adults.

To study the differences in side effects of clozapine between older adults aged ≥55years and younger adults aged 18-55years with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. A retrospective cohort study in a large mental health institute in the Netherlands. All patients diagnosed with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who started with clozapine between 2011 and 2020 (N=284) were included. We compared the number and type of side effects reported in the electronic patient files as well as the number of treatment discontinuations and the time until discontinuation, both due to side effects, of older adults versus younger adults. In the younger age group (N=183), the number of reported side effects was significantly higher in the first 3months of treatment (Mann-Whitney U=7341.5, p=0.004) and after those 3months (Mann-Whitney U=5668.5, p<0.001) compared with the number reported in the older age group (N=101). Sedation, hypersalivation, dizziness, tachycardia, heartburn, nausea, weight gain, and constipation were reported significantly more often in the younger age group, and only extrapyramidal symptoms were reported significantly more often in the older age group. There was no significant difference in the number of treatment discontinuations due to side effects (23% vs. 21.8%, Chi-2=0.051, df=1, p=0.821) and time until discontinuation due to side effects (b=0.091, SE=0.335, p=0.798) between younger and older adults. Side effects of clozapine were reported significantly less often in older patients compared with younger patients. Older patients did not discontinue treatment due to side effects more often or earlier than younger patients. Older patients with schizophrenia may not be more vulnerable to side effects than younger adults.

Caregiver burden and its sociodemographic determinants in family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia attending a psychiatric tertiary hospital in South Africa.

Chronic mental illnesses such as schizophrenia affect patients' functioning, making caregiving necessary although burdensome. This study aimed to determine caregiver burden and its sociodemographic determinants in family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia attending a Psychiatric Outpatient Department (POD). Tertiary hospital in Northern Pretoria, South Africa. In this cross-sectional study conducted over 3 months, 300 consecutive family caregivers who attended the POD were administered a 22-item Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-22), which has a score of 0-88, with higher values indicating more burden. Their sociodemographic characteristics were ascertained. Linear and ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed to identify determinants or predictors of total and severe burdens, respectively. Most caregivers were aged 46.0 ± 14 years, females (62%), parents (39%), of low-income status (93.7%), had secondary education (70%), resided with the patient (87%), and helped with all troublesome activities (95.3%). The median ZBI-22 score was 19.0 (interquartile range: 13.0-30.5). The determinants of both total and severe burdens were: caregiver age ≥ 50 years adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.55, confidence interval (CI): 1.49-4.36; residential area farther away from the hospital aOR: 1.76, CI: 1.3-2.99; increasing months of caregiving aOR: 1.0, CI: 1.001-1.009, p = 0.006; and not having another family member that needs care aOR: 0.43, CI: 0.24-0.78. Having mental healthcare facilities close to residential areas and assisting caregivers aged ≥ 50 years who have multiple family members who need care may alleviate the burden. Predicting total and severe caregiver burdens contemporaneously is effective for identifying potential burden interventions.

Addressing the Deficiencies in Classroom-Based Mental Health Support: A Comprehensive Analysis of Challenges and Strategic Solutions

Mental health has become a critical concern in educational settings, as students face mounting pressures from academic expectations, social dynamics, and broader societal challenges. An estimated 20 percent of teens suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, yet schools are still unable to handle this crisis. It is in the classroom that most daily life of students is spent, yet this setting is often ill-equipped with appropriate mental health infrastructure to deal with the needs of both educators and their students. The consequence of this is poor academic performances, disturbed social relationships, and long-standing mental health consequences for students. Most school mental health programs currently operate on meager budgets and understaffing; student-counselor ratios are often far from being at recommended levels. Stigma associated with mental health often leads to struggles that make it even more debilitating on top of everything else. The literature review of case studies and empirical evidence explains how lack of appropriate mental health support affects the students with respect to their academic achievements, social development, and future opportunities. We conclude by making practical recommendations that will help improve the mental health facilities of schools, underpinning systemic changes needed in the increase in funds, training for teachers, policy reform, and integrating mental health awareness into the school curricula. These solutions will help in creating a more supportive, inclusive, and mentally healthy education ecosystem that eventually makes the student academically and emotionally capable.

Identifying Priority Areas for Expanding Mental Health Facilities with Mixed Integer Linear Programming

Identifying Priority Areas for Expanding Mental Health Facilities with Mixed Integer Linear Programming

Suicide bombing and impending mental health disaster in Pakistan

Pakistan grapples with a significant mental health burden, with 10-16% of its population experiencing psychiatric disorders. Depression and anxiety affect 34% of the population, with regional variations. The scarcity of mental health facilities and professionals exacerbates the situation, leading many to seek help from traditional healers. Socioeconomic challenges, terrorism, and internal conflicts contribute to the mental health crisis. Recent suicide bombings, such as the one in Peshawar, highlight the emotional aftermath and challenges faced by survivors. The complex interplay of factors, including sociocultural influences, contributes to the emergence of a martyrdom subculture. Understanding terrorism requires examining the broader sociocultural and political context. The prevalence of mental illness and rising terrorism suggests a potential connection, although causality is complex. Coping with terrorism-induced trauma poses challenges for survivors, necessitating comprehensive mental health support. Recommendations include nationwide studies, school mental health programs, and initiatives to counter misinformation and radicalization through media. Establishing telepsychiatry services and collaboration between mental health experts and religious scholars is crucial for enhancing social cohesion and mental wellbeing in Pakistan.

Children's Voices Improving Care in a Specialized Mental Health Facility

Abstract: The voices of children experiencing mental health issues are essential in contributing to their well-being and driving changes in their care environments. We present the results of a dialogue conducted to hear the voices of regular patients and their parents at a hospital-based mental health center in Mexico City. This project draws on the concepts of inclusion, participatory rights, and the recognition that children are distinct from adults and are social actors capable of making decisions. We implemented a participatory action research project using play activities to invite children's dialogue with university student volunteer researchers. The overall objective of the dialogue was to generate proposals to improve hospital services and care.

Unveiling the Unseen: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Family Caregivers of Young Adults with Chronic Mental Disorders: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study

Introduction: One of India’s most valuable resources is its young people, and this generation needs to be nurtured for the bright future of the nation. However, when the young generation is affected by chronic mental disorders, families find it difficult to take care of them and are burdened with the responsibility for several years. Aim: To explore the lived experiences of Family Caregivers (FCGs) of young adults with chronic mental disorders. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted at the selected mental inpatient and outpatient Department of a selected mental health facility in Urban Bangaluru, Karnataka, India from April 2021 to December 2021. The authors used a phenomenological qualitative study to explore the lived experiences of family caregivers of young adults with chronic mental disorders {mania, depression, Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD), schizophrenia} aged between 18-40 years. The Family Caregivers of young adults undergoing treatment were approached for written informed consent and recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected using face-to-face, indepth, semi-structured interviews. Each interview lasted around 45 minutes to one hour, and data saturation was achieved with 15 samples. Interviews were conducted over a period of nine months. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed, interpreted, and investigated using Colaizzi’s data analysis framework. Baseline variables were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: In the present, the family caregivers’ ages ranged from 28 to 60 years, with the majority (67%) being females and employed. One of the family members was affected by a mental disorder. A rehabilitation facility was unavailable to the majority (67%) of them near their residence. Regarding the young adults with chronic mental disorders, the majority (74%) were unemployed and diagnosed with affective disorders. The maximum duration of illness was 20 years, with onset typically at the age of 17-21 years. From the analysis, six main themes and 36 subthemes emerged. The main themes were as follows: family caregivers experience difficulty in identifying the responsible person and support system, providing physical care, tackling emergencies, problems with medication and early identification of relapse, problems with indecent behaviour, and knowledge deficit related to mental disorders and their management. Conclusion: The study concludes that family caregivers of young adults with chronic mental disorders experience various psychosocial and economic issues and problems while caring for a young adult with chronic mental disorders. The knowledge generated from the present study can be utilised by mental health professionals to plan home-based care strategies to improve the quality of life and reduce the burden of care for FCGs.

Exploring the Barriers to Mental Health Care and Mitigation Strategies in Kenya

Barriers to mental health care globally remain a health concern, however, these are more pronounced in low- and middle-income countries. The prevalence of mental illness is approximately 10%. A gap exists between the need or demand for mental health services due to a set of barriers that limit access. Based on this gap, this paper aims to explore barriers to mental health services, treatment and services sought. This might contribute to mitigating them. The barriers include inadequate funds, poverty, stigma attached to mental health conditions, lack of faith in mental health services, high cost of medication, poor awareness, socio-cultural and religious influences and inadequate mental health facilities. These barriers have been shown to affect mental health. After decades of neglect, recent efforts by governments such as in Kenya to address barriers to mental health can demonstrate the growing importance of this issue. Evidence shows that barriers to mental health impacts on mental health in Africa, moreso Kenya and demonstrates that there is need for more contextual awareness and research in this area in Africa to mitigate potential mental health crises in the near future. It is important that institutions and governments in Africa, Kenya to begin paying attention to this emerging threat to the health of the population.

Seclusion and mechanical restraint in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic: an increased use in mental health settings.

COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions have significantly changed the environment and the delivery of direct care in all health services, including psychiatric hospitals. The aim of the study is two-fold: 1) to retrospectively assess the incidence of seclusion and mechanical restraint in a Quebec mental health hospital over 4 years; and 2) to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their incidence. We conducted a retrospective study based on medical records from a Quebec mental health hospital collected (a) from April 2016 to March 2019), (b) from April 2019 to March 2020 (pre-COVID onset), and (c) from April 2020 to March 2021 (post-COVID onset). Descriptive statistics, chi square tests, Mann-Kendall test and Welch's t-test were performed. Following several years during which the use of restrictive measures remained stable, we have noted a significant increase within the first year following the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase can be seen in the use of both seclusion and restraints, which have risen 205% and 170% respectively. There are a multitude of factors associated with the incidence of seclusion and restraint that have the potential to be triggered during emergencies and global crisis situations, impacting in turn the rights of an already vulnerable population.

358 Is severe maternal morbidity a risk factor for postpartum mental health hospitalization?

358 Is severe maternal morbidity a risk factor for postpartum mental health hospitalization?

Knowledge, Awareness and Attitude of Parents towards their Children with Autism at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong hereditary neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by a lack of social communication and restricted and repetitive behaviours. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) classified symptoms of autism into two domains: the social communication and interaction domain. However, studies on autism in Saudi Arabia are still insufficient. Therefore, awareness and knowledge about autism can facilitate early detection and treatment, resulting in better outcomes. Aim: To evaluate parents’ knowledge, awareness, and attitude towards their autistic children in a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Baljurashi Mental Health Hospital, ALBaha region, Saudi Arabia, from January 2023 to November 2023. A total of 69 parents with autistic children who attended the outpatient clinic at Baljurashi Mental Health Hospital were included in the study. A questionnaire was administered among parents to assess their knowledge, awareness, and attitude regarding autism. Data was statistically analysed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test. Results: The age of the parents ranged from 16 to over 50 years, with 47 (68.1%) being males and 22 (31.9%) being females. Almost 29 (42.0%) of the parents were postgraduates, and 21 (30.4%) had a university-level education. About 24 (34.8%) of the participants believed that consanguineous marriage increases the risk of autism, 19 (27.5%) believed that some vaccines increase the risk of autism, and 39 (56.5%) knew that autism is associated with learning disabilities. Three-quarters of the participants, 54 (78.3%), stated that autism was known to them, 50 (72.5%) thought that an autistic child could be affected by a normal child, and 53 (76.8%) had good knowledge about autism. Conclusion: The study showed that the majority of parents had good knowledge about autism disorder. The findings reflect the positive impact of focused training initiatives and public awareness efforts aimed at improving parents’ knowledge, awareness, and attitude toward autism.

Mental Health Care in Poland

Abstract Background: Like in other industrialized countries, the development of Polish psychiatry has followed a typical trajectory, initially marked by the establishment of large mental health hospitals using an isolation-based care model. Subsequently, there has been a decline in these institutions, characterized by a reduction in the number of hospital beds, and an ongoing evolution toward decentralized community psychiatry, specifically mental health-care centers. The hospitalizations are for emergency/acute care only. The authors describe how clinical services and personnel training in Poland that have been adjusted in response to societal changes and global trends in mental health care. Methods: The authors collected and critically reviewed information based on literature relevant to the organization of mental health care in Poland. In addition, official government publications such as reports from the Central Statistical Office and Ministry of Health were perused to gather data on the population structure, gross domestic product, and the organizational structure of the mental health care and relevant health-care indices. Results: Mental health care in Poland is evolving and gradually improving, providing more opportunities for collaboration and networking among nongovernmental organizations, patients’ associations, and psychiatrists working toward common goals. Training curricula have been updated and/or modified, with new specialty and subspecialty trainings being offered to meet the demands of health-care professionals and patients alike. Conclusion: Demographic changes, the presence of Ukrainian war refugees, and global trends in psychiatry profoundly influence the delivery of mental health-care services in Poland.

Evaluation of mental health services delivered before and after the introduction of pilot Mental Health Centers in Poland using monitoring indicators.

The study assessed the performance of Mental Health Centres compared to previous non-integrated mental health facilities. The study used National Health Fund (NHF) data of individuals over 18 years treated in 27 centres (January 2017 - February 2020). Performance indicators from 19 months before (N = 124,497) and after the introduction of Mental Health Centres (N = 182,789) were compared for outpatient care, community treatment teams, inpatient wards and day wards. The total number of patients who received mental health care increased, compared to before the establishment of those Centres; whereas the number of hospitalisations decreased by 6% and the number of patient days per person decreased by 9%. Day care saw a 14% increase in admissions following the introduction of Mental Health Centres, with a 5% decrease in patient days per person. The proportion of patients in community care increased by 86%, in outpatient care by 62% and in day care by 14%. The number of first-time patients after the introduction of Mental Health Centres increased and the number of follow-up patients decreased. For all groups of mental disorders, the priority indicator in inpatient care decreased, while increasing in outpatient and community care for most groups of disorders. The results confirmed the effectiveness of the National Mental Health Protection Programme project in relation to the availability and reduction of inpatient treatment through Mental Health Centres. The methodology used in this study can be used for assessing the effectiveness of Mental Health Centre activities in subsequent stages of the pilot.

Perceptions and Experiences of Human Right Violations of People Living with Mental Illness: A multi-centre descriptive cross-sectional study in Nigeria

The study examined the perceptions and experiences of human rights violations among individuals with mental illness. A descriptive cross-sectional study of four mental health facilities in the southwest and northcentral zones in Nigeria was conducted. Data were collected from 227 randomly selected and consecutive patients with various mental disorders using a researcher-constructed questionnaire. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 was used for data analysis. The participants were predominantly low- or no-income young males aged between 18 and 74 years old (mean age: 32±9.86 years). The majority were single and Christian, and over 80% were males. Patients’ diagnoses were largely mood disorders (29.1%), psychotic disorders (17.0%), and trauma disorders (13.2%), relatively recently diagnosed, ≤5 years (61.7%). The respondents had a good awareness of their basic human rights: mean: 3.4 – 3.7; with a mean of 2.5 as good perception), with over half of the individuals having an excellent perception. On average, 16.2% of the patients reported having experienced human rights violations in the past (range: 6.2 – 21.1%), mostly from informal safety networks (friends and family), residential arrangements, and job losses or denial. The study found a statistically significant correlation between the patients’ diagnoses and the degree of human rights violations experienced (_p-value_ &lt; 0.05). Overall, the study suggests that individuals with mental illness have a clear understanding of their rights and the ways in which they are violated.

Environmental Quality of Life and Psychological Distress of Emerging Adults in Flood-Affected Areas of Assam, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background: Psychological reactions after any catastrophe can vary from person to person and from disaster to disaster depending upon the level of exposure, the extent of loss, coping mechanisms, and social support available at that time. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine mental health-related issues experienced by emerging adults as a result of flooding in various localities of Assam, which are considered to be as worst affected areas. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional research study and was conducted among the emerging adults of flood-affected areas of Assam amid the issues of ongoing floods between June and July 2022. The convenience sampling method was used in the selection of emerging adults in the age group of 18–25 years, residing in Assam during flooding situations. To measure psychological distress, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale was used. Additionally, to measure an individual’s perception of general health, environmental quality of life, and people’s perception of the overall quality of life, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF Scale was used. Results: The findings show that a significant difference was not found between emerging adults who had flood issues on their property and those who had not gone through in the domain of depression (Mann–Whitney U = 1644.0, p=.85), anxiety (Mann–Whitney U = 1657.0, p=.91), and stress (Mann–Whitney U = 1634.0, p=.81). Significant group difference was seen in the environmental quality of life (Mann–Whitney U = 945.5, p&lt;.001), the individual’s perception of general health (Mann–Whitney U = 1225.0, p=.01), and the individual’s perception of overall quality of life (Mann–Whitney U = 991.5, p&lt;.001). It was found that depression had a significant negative correlation with an individual’s perception of general health (r = −0.172, p=.045). Additionally, anxiety had a significant negative correlation with the individual’s perception of general health (r = −0.193, p=.024). Stress had a significant negative correlation with an individual’s perception of general health (r = −0.169, p=.048). Conclusion: The results in the present study help to comprehend emerging adults’ psychological responses to disasters and have practical insinuations for service planning and delivery. It is very important to strengthen mental health care and psychological consultation facilities, to mitigate, control, and prevent mental health problems.

Bir Psikiyatri Hastanesinde Yatan Hastalardaki Ölümlerin Epidemiyolojik Değerlendirilmesi

Individuals with psychiatric disorders have higher early mortality rates than the general population, and all types of mental disorders are associated with a short life expectancy. In this context, assessment of the mortali-ties of both natural and unnatural causes in psychiatric inpatients is of critical importance in terms of mortality epidemiology, which provides data that can help improve the quality and planning of psychiatric care. The popu-lation of this study retrospective, cross-sectional study consisted of inpatients that died in Manisa Mental Health and Diseases Hospital between May 2002 and December 2022. Of the 120 inpatients that died, 119 patients, 63.9% male, and 36.1% female, were included in the study sample. The mortality rate decreased from 3.2% to 0.22% during the period covered by the study. The difference between mortality rates before 2013, when qua-lity and accreditation processes started, and after 2013 has decreased from 74.8% to 25.2%. Of the natural deaths, 45.4% were caused by cardiac arrest, whereas 100% of the unnatural deaths occurred due to suicides. Short hospital stays and close follow-up in the first week of hospitalization are essential in reducing mortality rates in psychiatric inpatients. In addition, increasing the quality of health care in accordance with the national and international quality and accreditation criteria will further reduce the mortality rates in psychiatric inpati-ents.

Facilitating cooperation through promotion of good practices

Zorgnet-Icuro vzw is in Belgium the umbrella organisation of the Flemish general hospitals, initiatives in mental healthcare and social profit facilities in long-term care for older people. Our care facilities aim to offer high-quality, affordable and accessible care.&#x0D; Zorgnet-Icuro is the Flemish employers’ federation for healthcare, inclusing the care councils of the Flemish primary care zones and palliative care networks. Furthermore, Zorgnet-Icuro functions as a network playing an active role in exchanging knowledge, ideas and good practices in healthcare.&#x0D; Promoting, sensitising and facilitating concepts of integrated care is of one of our main objectives for the future.&#x0D; In the past we made several position papers and we have held stakeholdermeetings with our members about this subject.&#x0D; The next step in our plan was to collect good practices about collaboration between different actors involved in an integrated care program.&#x0D; We asked our members to give us the good practices based on the following criteria:&#x0D; -How do you assess the added value of the collaboration for the person with a care and/or support request and the quality of the care provided?&#x0D; -Collaboration between more than 2 different organisations or healthcareworkers&#x0D; -Preferably a combination of health and welfare&#x0D; -What is the aim of the collaboration?&#x0D; -In which way did it had impact on the way of working of the different partners but also on the needs of the people?&#x0D; -Reduce fragmentation in services delivery through well-coordinated care with focus on continuity of care.&#x0D; Based on this feedback, we want to give concrete input to the authorities for the organisation and financing of integrated care.&#x0D; In this workshop we first want to explain our vision and trajectory we have followed in the past years and give an overview of these good practices of collaborations. (15 minutes)&#x0D; Based on the criteria above we want to give the opportunity to 4 initiatives to show what they have done and go in interaction with an international public about the successfactors and the obstacles. For each presentation we provide a time slot of 10 -15 minutes, followed by discussion with the group in round tables.&#x0D; The 4 projects are:&#x0D; 1.Welgerust: integrated care for people with sleep disorders&#x0D; 2.Pathway ‘addiction to drugs and alcohol’ based on deployment of experience experts throughout the whole chain of care with collaboration of hospital, city, welfare organisations and primary care. &#x0D; 3.Verbindingscoach: a coach which helps the healthcare professionals and the people with healthcare problems related to social factors (e.g. poverty) to reach the right welfare actor or organisation.&#x0D; &#x0D; The bridge: In a exploratory short stay the health and well-being situation of the elderly person is observed and his social context is mapped out with all primary care and welfare actors involved, to search the best solution for this person and/or avoid hospital admission.&#x0D; &#x0D; The take home messages will be a summary of the points of attention, obstacles and recommendations from the healthcare and welfare providers from the field.&#x0D; &#x0D;

In their own words: Mental health nurses' experiences of trauma-informed care in acute mental health settings or hospitals.

Trauma-informed care has emerged as a prominent strategy to eliminate coercive practices and improve experiences of care in mental health settings, with advocacy from international bodies for mental health reform. Despite this, there remains a significant gap in research understanding the integration of trauma-informed care in mental health nursing practice, particularly when applied to the acute mental health or hospital-based setting. The study aimed to explore the experiences of mental health nurses employed in acute hospital-based settings from a trauma-informed care perspective. The study design was qualitative, using a phenomenological approach to research. A total of 29 nurses employed in acute mental health or hospital-based environments participated. Three over-arching themes were uncovered: 'Embodied Awareness': highlighting mental health nursing emotional capabilities are deeply rooted in bodily awareness. 'Navigating Safety': signifying spatial elements of fear and how some mental health nurses' resort to coercive or restrictive practices for self-preservation. 'Caring Amidst Uncertainty': revealing the relational influences of security guards in mental health nursing. The study reveals a significant gap in trauma-informed care implementation when applied to the context of mental health nursing practice in this setting. Limited evidence on trauma-informed care for mental health nurses, coupled with inadequate workforce preparation and challenging work environments, hinder the effective integration of it. To genuinely embed TIC in acute mental health settings, the study emphasises the need for a thorough exploration of what this entails for mental health nurses.