scholarly journals Evaluating the quality of educational materials about schizophrenia

2002 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 96-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Currie ◽  
P. Di Mambro ◽  
A. Joice ◽  
R. Mcglip ◽  
M. O'Neill ◽  
...  

Aims and MethodTo identify and evaluate the reliability and quality of educational materials provided to individuals with schizophrenia and their carers. Materials used by mental health professionals working in community and in-patient settings were collated. Two independent raters used the ‘Discern’ questionnaire to assess the publications.ResultsFifteen documents were identified, but only 11 were suitable for evaluation. Interrater reliability of ratings using the Discern tool was highly significant. No educational package scored maximum marks, but four scored in the good quality range. About a fifth of the materials in widespread use were assessed as of poor quality.Clinical ImplicationsThe use of a rating instrument to assess the quality of educational publications appears to be a reliable and acceptable way to identify the strengths and weaknesses of widely available materials. Staff can use these data to assess the quality of their preferred materials against other publications and make an informed selection.

2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402110429
Author(s):  
João M Castaldelli-Maia ◽  
Priscila D Gonçalves ◽  
Danielle R Lima ◽  
Helena F Moura ◽  
Gisèle Apter

Background: There are remarkably high smoking rates in patients living with mental disorders (PLWMD), and the absence of a specific treatment policy for smoking cessation for these patients worldwide. The present study aimed to (i) investigate the quality of service and commitment to tobacco dependence treatment, and (ii) produce high-quality French versions of the Index of Tobacco Treatment Quality (ITTQ) and Tobacco Treatment Commitment Scale (TTCS). Methods: ITTQ and TTCS were used to assess French mental health professionals ( n = 80). Both scales were translated from their original language following standard procedures (i.e. forward translation). Descriptive analysis for total score, each factor and item were calculated for the entire sample, followed by subgroup analysis by gender, and role of the practitioner. Results: Nurses presented higher levels of both treatment commitment and treatment quality in their mental health care units, compared to psychiatrists, and residents. Overall, counseling offering was low and there was a perception that it is unfair to take tobacco away from PLWMD. In the other hand, there were high levels of smoking assessment and perceptions that nicotine dependence should be included in drug treatment programs. Conclusions: There is a gap in tobacco treatment implementation for French PLWMD. The present pilot study alerts about the problem, and should stimulate larger studies validating such measures for wide use with French-speaking mental health professionals. French nurses presented higher levels of both treatment commitment and quality, and could be in a leadership position for such implementation. Encouraging the implementation of tobacco counseling within conventional mental health treatment is critical to improve cessation rates among this population. There is a potential for the sustainability of tobacco treatment interventions since the levels of commitment observed here were higher than in previous studies conducted abroad.


2021 ◽  
pp. 729-736
Author(s):  
Hoda Badr ◽  
Courtney Bitz

Cancer survivors experience significant physical, psychological, and social challenges that contribute to poor quality of life. Intimate partners provide critical care and support across the cancer continuum, but they report psychological distress, lack basic healthcare knowledge and skills, and experience increased tension and conflict in their relationships with survivors. Couple-based interventions hold great promise in cancer because they can simultaneously address survivor, partner, and relationship concerns. However, they are seldom implemented in healthcare settings as part of routine care. This chapter will therefore integrate what research has taught us about couples and cancer and what we have learned from couples in the clinical setting. We begin with an overview of challenges faced by couples across the cancer continuum, including biopsychosocial stressors. Next, we describe different perspectives that have shaped descriptive and intervention research on couples’ psychosocial adaptation to cancer. We conclude with clinical implications and directions for future research.


1994 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen A. Newman

Mental health experts must be held to a high standard of quality when presenting opinions in legal cases involving children. This article sets forth a number of suggestions for judges, lawyers, and mental health professionals themselves to consider in preparing, scrutinizing, and judging the quality of forensic reports and testimony. The many pitfalls of forensic work need to be understood if such expertise is to be given its proper weight in these cases.


2010 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 95-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Fitch ◽  
Robert Chaplin ◽  
Simon Tulloch

Aims and methodTo develop a standardised clinical information form which helps health professionals provide clear and relevant information about individuals who believe mental disorders affect their ability to repay debt and have consented to creditor organisations or money advisors approaching professionals for evidence. The six-question form was evaluated by three stakeholder groups.ResultsOverall, 35 responses were received from creditors/money advisors, 28 from mental health professionals and 29 from service users/carers. All questions scored acceptable levels of clarity and three questions scored acceptable relevance levels. Qualitative data were used to revise questions on the basis of concerns expressed by stakeholders about sharing diagnostic data, providing prognoses, and the risk of creditor misunderstanding.Clinical implicationsThe form is likely to be an acceptable standardised means by which health professionals can elicit information on debt from individuals with mental health problems, for use by creditor organisations or money advisors. The results of a pilot study are awaited.


2005 ◽  
Vol 29 (9) ◽  
pp. 327-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tayyeb A. Tahir ◽  
Jonathan I. Bisson ◽  
Jodie Wilcox

Aims and MethodTo assess the views of patients and mental health professionals on the practice of copying clinical letters to patients. Patients and professionals from local community mental health teams were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their views.ResultsThe questionnaires were completed by 51 patients and 40 mental health professionals. Significantly more patients (83%) than staff (37%) thought that copying letters to patients was a good idea (OR=14.56, 95% CI 4.674 –45.158). Many staff appeared concerned that copying letters to patients could result in breakdown of the therapeutic relationship, causing distress and anxiety.Clinical ImplicationsConsiderable work is needed for clinicians to feel comfortable in copying letters to patients. The creation of working groups, including users, carers, managers and clinicians working in the field of mental health, would facilitate the development of guidelines for this practice.


2012 ◽  
Vol 36 (12) ◽  
pp. 450-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim Bolton

Aims and methodTo assess stigmatising attitudes towards mental illness and psychiatric professionals experienced by UK liaison psychiatry staff. A questionnaire asked about the impact of these events on patient care and for suggestions for tackling stigma in the general hospital.ResultsOut of 72 multidisciplinary respondents, over three-quarters had experienced stigmatising attitudes towards mental illness by general hospital colleagues at least monthly. Two-thirds reported instances where stigmatisation had an adverse impact on patient care, and over a quarter reported stigmatising attitudes towards mental health professionals. Suggestions for combating stigma included educational initiatives, clear clinical communication, and the provision of high-quality liaison services.Clinical implicationsLiaison psychiatry is well placed to both recognise and combat stigma in the general hospital. This can help to ensure that patient care is comprehensive, safe and respectful.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cyrus S.H. Ho ◽  
Tian Ci Quek ◽  
Roger C.M. Ho ◽  
Carol C. Choo

SUMMARYTerrorism is a complex problem that is highly relevant in contemporary society, underscoring the need for greater understanding as well as cross-disciplinary and international research in this area. Controversies surround potential associations between mental illness and terrorism, many due to the limited and conflicting existing research, and mental health professionals’ duties to their patients versus society and the state. In this article, we review the literature, discuss clinical implications and the role of psychiatrists in anti-terrorism efforts. We also propose a simplified framework that may be incorporated into clinical practice to screen for potential terrorist tendencies.LEARNING OBJECTIVES•Understand the landscape and recent advances in the research of terrorism•Appreciate the importance and role of mental health professionals in preventing patients from engaging in terrorist activities•Understand how to assess risk of patients engaging in terrorist activitiesDECLARATION OF INTERESTNone.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 58-66
Author(s):  
Michael P. Sy ◽  
Pauline Gail V. Martinez ◽  
Fatima Felissa T. Labung ◽  
Ma Aya Karmela G. Medina ◽  
Abigael S. Mesina ◽  
...  

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