Evidence and Practice
Delirium superimposed on dementia: mental health nurses’ experiences of providing care
Exploring the role of social media in eating disorders in adolescents: a scoping review
Preventing suicide by jumping in public locations: a systematic review of interventions
Clinical
Delirium superimposed on dementia: mental health nurses’ experiences of providing care
Why you should read this article: • To understand the complexity of the needs of people with delirium superimposed on dementia • To enhance your knowledge of second-generation activity theory • To recognise the consequences of the separation of physical health and mental healthcare Background Delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD) affects the physical, mental and cognitive well-being of the person. The separation of physical health and mental health means that the care of people with DSD is at odds with the multifaceted aetiology and presentation of the condition. There is a lack of research on DSD from a mental health perspective. Aim To explore UK mental health nurses’ experiences of providing care for people with DSD. Method Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven mental health nurses from one NHS trust in England. Participants’ experiences were considered through the lens of second-generation activity theory. Data were analysed using framework analysis. Findings Six themes were identified: awareness of guidance and tools; guidance or tools as ‘paper exercises’; knowing the patient; the multidisciplinary team; care burden; and mental health versus physical health. Conclusion When providing care for people with DSD, mental health nurses use their skills in knowing patients as individuals. However, this aspect of ‘knowing’ cannot be readily translated into the use of a numerical scoring tool. An integrated approach is required to support the care of people with DSD.
Exploring the role of social media in eating disorders in adolescents: a scoping review
Social media use in this age group has been shown to have both protective and adverse effects
Preventing suicide by jumping in public locations: a systematic review of interventions
Interventions to restrict access to means of suicide are correlated with reduced suicide rates
Epilepsy: emotional and psychological effects and relationship with mental illness
Epilepsy and mental health services should work together to provide coordinated care
Service users’ experience of transition to community settings
An evaluation of the work of a community enhanced rehabilitation team
Changing the focus of adverse incident reporting in mental health nursing
Why nurses need to include workforce-related issues in adverse incident reports
CPD articles
Supporting people with co-occurring mental health issues, alcohol and drug use
Enhance your assessment skills when working with such service users
Mental health tribunals: supporting patients and protecting the therapeutic relationship
An overview of the process and advice on displaying transparency and acting as the patient’s advocate
Eating disorders: how to recognise, respond and promote recovery
Assessment methods and therapeutic approaches used for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa
Working effectively with people who have received a diagnosis of personality disorder
A critique of this diagnosis and interventions, care and approaches that may be beneficial
Identifying and supporting men who experience paternal postnatal depression
Nurses can help new fathers by being alert symptoms and signposting them to further support if needed
Compassionate care for people who self-harm: principles, tools and techniques
Learn about tools that can be used to provide compassionate care such as urge surfing
Practice question
What is the therapeutic relationship in mental health practice?
A therapeutic relationship between nurse and service user is vital for good outcomes
Mental illness: why is cardiometabolic risk monitoring important?
Tips for nurses on monitoring cardiometabolic risk in people taking antipsychotic medications
Severe mental illness: why is physical health monitoring so vital?
Physical health monitoring helps nurses identify key risk factors in service users
The relevance of practitioners providing trauma-informed care for rough sleepers
The symptoms of PTSD for rough sleepers and adopting a trauma-informed approach to care