13th International Conference on Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing October 03-04, 2016 London, UK

Biography:

Neha Sharma is the director of Warwick Research Services, UK and   She is also Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Research Initiative on India, China, Europe and Africa. Dr. Sharma has over 70 research articles and has been invited to speak at numerous national and international conferences. She has received many honors and awards including young scientist award and scientific excellence award. Dr Sharma has an international reputation in the field of the health and social care developing resources and practice for better health care.

Abstract:

Background: Panic disorder is one of the most disabling and costly disorders, which  often unnecessary use health care resources. Homeopathy has been discussed as a therapeutic alternative or add-on in relevance to psychiatry, but as yet no study has been conducted for panic disorder. 

Objective  To analyze the effectiveness of homeopathy intervention treating panic disorder.

Design and setting: Randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial conducted in 4 psychiatric clinics from May 2014 to April 2016.  

Participants  Two hundred thirty-two   patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for panic disorder. 

Intervention  182 meeting DSM-IV criteria for panic disorder, were randomized to receive either treatment as usual or an intervention combination with homeopathy for up to 4 months, with up to 6 follow-up during the next 10 months, and pharmacotherapy provided by psychiatrist

Main Outcomes Measures: Treatment response was measured by the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) and change over time by World Health Organization Disability Scale and SF-12.

Results  The combined  intervention resulted in sustained and gradually better improvement than treatment as usual, with significant reduction in severity of panic symptoms (p<0.001) and more likely to respond at treatment termination (p<0.002). Greater improvements in World Health Organization Disability Scale (all points) and SF-12 mental health functioning were reported in combined homeopathy treatment. 

Conclusion  Delivery of evidence-based homeopathy and medication using the collaborative care model and homeopathy is feasible and significantly more effective than usual care for panic disorder.

Biography:

Dr Dore is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Director for the Northern Sydney Drug and Alcohol Service, and a Clinical Associate Professor for the University of Sydney Northern Clinical School. For over 20 years her clinical work, teaching and research have focused on the assessment and management of patients with comorbidity (co-existing substance use and mental health disorders). In recent years her clinical team has worked with researchers from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre in Sydney to explore effective treatments for patients with co-existing Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Use Disorders.

Abstract:

Trauma exposure and PTSD are common among patients of Mental Health services.  Existing treatments for these co-occurring conditions tend to be lengthy, treatment retention is relatively poor, and they require extensive training and clinical supervision.  This paper presents the findings of a pilot study conducted to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a brief intervention for PTSD symptoms for individuals with co-existing substance use disorders.  The brief intervention consisted of a single, one-hour manualised session providing psychoeducation pertaining to common trauma reactions and symptom management.  Participants expressed high levels of satisfaction with the intervention.  PTSD symptom severity decreased significantly from baseline to 1-week follow-up and again between the 1-week and 3-month follow-ups. The brief intervention may best be conceptualized as a “stepping stone” to further trauma treatment, allowing patients to experience increased understanding of their psychological reactions to trauma as well as a reduction in the severity of their symptoms.

Biography:

Ugo Ikwuka is a Phd student pursuing at University of Wolverhampton

Abstract:

In the 'free market' model of mental healthcare characteristic of sub-Saharan Africa, traditional and faith healers provide competing services alongside biomedical professionals. This may be associated with delays in reaching specialized mental health services, and hence with longer duration of untreated illness. As first line care constitutes a crucial stage in psychiatric care, investigating pathways to mental healthcare can highlight choices that might have critical implications for eventual outcome. However, most research on pathways to mental healthcare in the region dealt with clinical samples at conventional psychiatric facilities where the customary pathway culminates. This creates a gap in knowledge since the pathways of many distressed persons do not lead to or end at such facilities. To fill this gap, this study explored the pathways to care for mental illness preferred by a non-clinical cross-section of the south-eastern Nigerian population. Convenience sampling was used to select participants (N = 706) who completed questionnaires on help-seeking. Contrary to expectation, results showed a significant preference for the biomedical (90.8%) to the spiritual (57.8%) and traditional (33.2%) pathways. Higher education predicted preference for the biomedical model while low education was associated with traditional and spiritual pathways. Protestants preferred the spiritual pathway more than did Catholics. The high potential patronage of biomedical care suggested by the findings is undermined by poor mental health infrastructure, a lack of fit between the cultures of biomedical and traditional care, the deep-seated cultural/religious worldviews of the people, the conceptualisation of mental illness, stigma surrounding mental illness, and the likelihood of a social desirability bias in responses. A complementary model of care is proposed.   

Biography:

Dr. Somaya Abou-Abdou has completed her Ph.D. in Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Suez Canal University, Egypt. She is working as an Associate Prof. of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Suez Canal University, Egypt. Also, she is one of the board member of Faculty of Nursing in the same university. She has published papers in conferences and journals.  

Abstract:

Adolescent’s depression refers to a mood state or a cluster of specific symptoms with associated impairment as persistent sadness, discouragement, losses of self-worth and interest in usual activities. Depressed adolescents are particularly likely to have trouble asserting themselves because they feel that they are worthless and undeserving, such feeling make assertiveness difficult. The study aimed to identify the relationship between depressive symptom and self-assertiveness among Egyptian university students. The study included 564 students that were being chosen randomly from six different faculties three practical (Nursing, science, Engineering) faculties and three theoretical faculties (Arts, Tourism and Hotels, Commerce). Two tools were used, Tool 1: Beck Depression Inventory to assess the symptoms of depression, Tool 2: Self-Assertiveness Scale to measure how people behave in different situations. This study results proved that mild depression is common among university students and Self-Assertiveness was also observed in those students, there was statistical significant correlation between level of depression and students’ age and academic scores, also statistical significant correlation between students’ self-assertiveness and age, academic year and practical faculties. A negative correlation between depressive symptoms and self-assertiveness among university students is concluded. Self-Assertiveness skills for the students through workshops, role playing and clinical training is recommended.

Biography:

Mukhripah Damaiyanti has completed Master of Nursing Science at the age 35 years from Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. She is coordinator of Department of Mental Health Nursing and chairman of Community Mental Health Nursing, Institute of Health Sciences Muhammadiyah Samarinda, Indonesia. Also, she is vice of chairman of Indonesia Mental Health Nurse Association. She has published papers in conferences and journals.  

Abstract:

The descriptive correlational study aimed to describe the prevalence of adolescent depression and explain selected variables as factors predict to depression in adolescences of Samarinda municipal, East Kalimantan province, Indonesia. A total of 552 adolescents in senior high school aged between 14-19 years were recruited through stratified cluster sampling during March to April, 2015. The instruments were CES-D, Negative Automatic Thoughts, Social Problem Solving, Negative Life Events and Parental Bonding. The data were analyzed by statistical method including t-test, Chi-square, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regressions. The result showed the prevalence of depression in this sample of Indonesian adolescents was 52.7% (26.6% female, 26.1% male). There were significant relationship between adolescents’ depression and educational level, negative life events and parental bonding with mother. The stepwise regression results indicated the negative life events (R² = 0.057) or 5.7% of the variance and educational level (R² = 0.023) or 2.3% of variances in total adolescents depression as a significant predict adolescents depression and included in the fit model (F= 22.84, p=0.000). Specifically, some programs are able to do in school such as counseling center, stress management program, time management, and screening about negative life events. This strategy includes the participation of other personnel such as class coordinator and health workers.

Biography:

Leepile Sehularo is working  as a faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology in North West University in South Africa

Abstract:

Adolescents’ substance use needs to be identified and addressed as soon as possible and substance use among adolescents needs to be prevented. The purpose of this study was to develop a substance use prevention programme focusing on resilience as a protective factor for adolescents in the North West Province of South Africa. The programme was developed based on the results of systematic review and qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research. A conceptual framework was used to guide the researcher to link the results of systematic review and qualitative research with the programme. The survey list of the Practice Oriented Theory was used as a guide for development of a conceptual framework and the programme. The findings of this study confirmed the content of the programme, and indicate that the programme to prevent substance use among adolescents should focus on strengthening adolescents’ resilience and on mobilizing protective factors. This programme adds important knowledge and practice guidelines to the field of psychiatry and mental health. Recommendations were made for implementation of the programme.

Biography:

Born November 27th, 1968, from police Officer, father and preacher woman of God. Attended government schools graduating from high school from (1985-1989) Married and had two daughters, divorce pushed him into depression, but got treated, 1996 Founder of MHUNZA, a self-advocacy group. Sylvester Katontoka has spoken at international conferences on mental health issues including summits organized by W.H.O, co-authored many written works in the area of mental. Chosen as a laureate of the Award 2008 for an outstanding achievement in the field of mental Health care by the Swiss Foundation for World Health in collaboration with W.H.O

Abstract:

Mental illness has for long been on the edge hence allowing a number of serious human rights violations. At end are children, women, elderly, minority population and poor communities. Two NGOs, MHUNZA and MDAC teamed up and against all odds and carried out an investigation, looking at the reality of people’s lived experience through the lens of international human rights law. The mission was undertaken from 2011 to 2014. Using the UN Convention on the Rights of with Disabilities as a tool, uncovered evils. Research on mental health services was conducted, from the year’s 2011to 2013 in five provinces ill treatment, violations both in conventional and traditional settings uncovered. Human rights and mental health in Zambia Report 2014 was published. Five psychiatric hospital, five traditional healing centers and a settlement were visited Collected and publicized disaggregated data of ill-treatment observed provided a momentum to policy-makers to undertake reforms. Baseline data sets the tone for action, to evaluate the effectiveness of legislation, policies, monitor the quality and efficacy of services and respond to social and health conditions. Such effort will explore and give priority to mental health research, and move it from margins to center of health and social policy, to recruit and train social scientists and health workers who are knowledgeable about mental health findings and committed to the improvement of mental health services. The agenda for action and research for scientific knowledge base to examine primary prevention activities must be pursued by all.

Biography:

Jeeva.Sebastian is a Junior Lecturer, working in College of Nursing, CMC, Vellore.

Abstract:

Aim of the study to assess the burden and coping strategies employed by care givers of patients having schizophrenia and BPAD. Descriptive design was used. Family members of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders who attended O.P.D’s and accompanying with the patients admitted in department of psychiatry. Descriptive statistic ,Independent‘t’ test s, Pearson’s co-relation co-efficient Chi-square and Logistic regression were used to find the association between socio demographic variables with burden and coping. Health team membrs should assess the current actions of the care giver & how they are received by the patient. Family members often benefit from education about the illness, its treatment and family counselling that provides emotional support and practical advice on how to manage the patient's behaviour thereby minimizing the stress of care giving.

Biography:

Rocío Casañas is a PhD Psychologist who graduated from the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB), a nursing graduate from the Universitat Ramon Llull (URLL) and with a master’s degree in Public Health from the Universitat Pompeu Fabra ( UPF). She works as a professor  in the Escola Superior d’Infermeria del Mar (ESIM) affiliated with the Universitat Pompeu Fabra ( UPF) and as a psychologist in a research department in the Associació Centre Higiene Mental Les Corts ( Grup CHM salut Mental). She   performed her doctoral thesis on interventions in major depression in Primary Care carried out by community nurses.  

Abstract:

Depression is a major public health problem due to its high prevalence, and it has been associated with greater morbidity, mortality, health care utilization and health care costs. Studies show the effectiveness of group psychoeducation in the treatment of depression in adults, as it reduces depressive symptoms and can prevent depression in primary care patients. However, few controlled studies that have included aspects of personal care and healthy lifestyle (diet, physical activity, sleep, information on the importance of therapeutic adherence) and the identification and management of depression symptoms within the psychoeducational group intervention; aspects which have already been shown to aid recovery in these patients. The objective of this presentation is showed the results obtained from a randomized controlled trail about to evaluate the effectiveness of psychoeducational group therapy for major depression (mild/moderate symptoms) in Primary Care patients carried out by community nurses. The results showed that psychoeducational group therapy is an effective short- and long-term treatment for patients with mild depressive symptoms, but only in the short term for patients with moderate symptoms. It is also shown to be effective in the short term for patients who are not treated with antidepressant medication before receiving the psychoeducational therapy. The therapy improves HRQoL in the short term, and this improvement remained stable during follow-up over 9 months, especially in the group of patients with moderate symptoms.

Biography:

Imas Rafiyah has completed her bachelor of nursing at Padjadjaran University, Indonesia and Master of nursing from Prince of songkla University, Thailand. He is the manager of education at faculty of nursing padjadjaran University. He has published 5 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member on Padjadjaran Nursing Journal.
 

Abstract:

Few studies conducted about social support, coping, and burden of family caregivers caring for persons with schizophrenia in Indonesia. The purpose of this study was to examine correlation between social support, coping, and burden of family caregivers caring for persons with schizophrenia.It was a correlational study. Eighty eight family caregivers caring for persons with schizophrenia were recruited purposively from the Outpatient Department of West Java Province Mental Hospital, West Java, Indonesia. Data were collected with self-report questionnaires and were analyzed by Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient.The findings showed that there were significant positive correlation between social support and confrontative (r = .68, p < 0.01), optimistic (r = .42, p < .01), and supportant (r = .46, p < .01), but social support was significantly and negatively correlate with evasive (r = -.52, p < .01) and fatalistic (r = -.41, p < .05). There were significant positive correlation between burden and evasive, fatalistic, emotive (r = .50, r = 57, r = 38; p < .01), but burden was significantly and negatively correlated with confrontative, optimistic, supportant (r = -.40; r = -.31, r = -36, p < .01). Social support was significantly and negatively correlated with burden (r = -.50; p < .01).Maintaining optimistic coping, teaching problem solving coping, and providing support are recommended for family caregivers to reduce burden. 

Biography:

Ade Herman Surya Direjais working as a lecturer at Tri Mandiri Sakti Bengkulu, Indonesia

Abstract:

This study explored the essence of the lived experiences of family members with children with maladaptive behavior who have been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in Bengkulu Province, Indonesia. It aims to enumerated and specified the challenges in caring for a child with paranoid schizophrenia and the study cited how family members cope with the challenges. The participants of this study were family members who have children with maladaptive behavior specifically those with diagnosed paranoid schizophrenia at Bengkulu Province-Indonesia. A total of ten (10) family members purposively selected either the children’s parents or their sibling were the participants of the study. They were selected according to the following criteria: (1) family members of children diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia presently admitted for a minimum six month in a Mental Hospital in Bengkulu Province in Indonesia and (2) those who were willing to consent and participate in this study. The study utilized a qualitative phenomenological approach in exploring the lived experiences of family members with children diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. The sample consisted of male and female between twenty one (21)-seventy four (74) years old. The transcripts from the interview revealed two general themes namely: ‘Challenges Encountered’ which included feelings of being ashamed, stressful condition, anxiety, worry, sadness, and burden in life. And ‘Coping’ which included spiritual approach, support groups, available alternative, optimism, positive outlook in life, and love of parents. Based on the findings of the study, the following generalized conclusions were drawn: (1) Family members faced social stigma, emotional and social difficulties in caring for their children which leads to experiences of feelings of being ashamed, stressful condition, anxiety, worry, sadness and burden in life; (2) In addressing the challenges, family members adopted coping mechanisms to face the problems brought about by caring with child diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia; (3) Despite the challenges faced by the family members in caring for their children diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, positive attitude was a key factor in successfully managing with the problems related with taking care of children with paranoid schizophrenia.

Biography:

Ms Laxmi Kumari is currenty in her final year of postgraduate course in Psychiatric Nursing. She is having more than ten years of clinical experience. She is a beginer in research. AIIMS is a premier  organization. 

Abstract:

Background: Patient’s with schizophrenia shows scarcity in various spheres of cognitive function which affects their community functioning, subjective wellbeing and self efficacy. Only clinical measures for determining the total recovery of a patient with schizophrenia will not be enough, to ensure their complete functioning.

Aim: To explored the Relationship of Community Functioning of Persons having Schizophrenia with their Subjective well-being and Self- efficacy.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey done on 30 adult patients having Schizophrenia in remission phase. Setting: a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. Ethical permission was obtained. Tools: Lawton Instrumental activities of daily living scale and the UCSD performance-based skills assessment (UPSA-BRIEF) scale, WHO-5 Well-being scale and generalized self efficacy scale by Schwarzer and Ralf were used.

Results: The Most of patients were male(63% ), mean duration of illness- 11.35±9.31years, mean duration of treatment- 9.56±9 years, most  70% were compliant with treatment regimen and 93% of them were getting atypical anti-psychotics. Although patients were in their remission phase still they had poor community functioning, poor subjective wellbeing and lower self efficacy. Self efficacy is negatively correlated with total duration of illness and total duration of dysfunction. Self efficacy was higher for those with higher educational status and compliance. High community functioning and self efficacy was positively correlated.

Conclusion: The subjective wellbeing and self efficacy of patients must be assesses separately and not to be confused with activities of daily living in order to improve both psychological and social impairments and carry out interventions to enhance the social functioning and Quality of life of patients. 

Biography:

Francis Acquah was born in West Africa, Francis qualified as a Mental Health Nurse in the United Kingdom and is a Credentialed Mental Health Nurse accredited by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses.  He has over 25 years of experience across youth, adult, public and private health care in Australia and the United Kingdom and has undertaken a range of roles, including clinical, managerial and educational.  He has also served as a Specialist Pharmaceutical Advisor for a leading pharmaceutical company. 

Abstract:

The West African country of Ghana is situated just north of the equator bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Ghana’s tropical beaches and picturesque countryside are starkly contrasted by the destitute and inhumane living environments of people living with mental health conditions who often find themselves subjected to archaic treatment regimes as articulated in the report “Like a Death Sentence”, Human Rights Watch (2012). The MHFGH was formed as a direct result of this report and comprises mental health professionals and academics mainly based in the diaspora. It is a registered charity and contributes to government, community and private efforts to promote mental health and wellbeing, and reduce stigmatisation of mental illness in Ghana. I am a mental health nurse working in Australia, but originally from Ghana, I lead the MHFGH as its current president. As a Ghanaian-Australian, I bring knowledge of local culture and health beliefs and can partner them with my contemporary western health qualifications and expertise, thus bridging the void between cultures. This mix is mirrored by many of the members of the MHFGH and builds strength and confidence in the work we are initiating in Ghana. Our work has led to numerous achievements. We host an international conference each year in Ghana, which coincides with the annual World Mental Health Day. In addition, we involve local mental heath clinicians in research projects and education programs in partnership with Ghanaian and overseas educational institutions. We are already seeing the beginnings of mental health transformation. The aim of this paper is threefold: to explore some of the personal stories of those living with mental health conditions in Ghana; to raise awareness of shared concerns about health and wellbeing that cross transcultural borders; and to discuss important aspects of the Foundation’s work to date.

Biography:

Carmel Sheridan graduated with first class honours in her Master’s degree in Psychology from the National University of Ireland in 1986. She completed a second Master’s degree in Health Psychology in 2014. Carmel is a psychotherapist and supervisor in private practice in the West of Ireland. She teaches mindfulness and compassion-based practices to healthcare professionals, including nurses, with a focus on self-compassion to promote resilience, focus, self-care and well-being. She is the author of 3 books: Failure-Free Activities for the Alzheimer’s Patient, Reminiscence: Uncovering a Lifetime of Memories and The Nurse’s Guide to Cultivating Mindfulness and Compassion.

Abstract:

Mindfulness and compassion — the practices of focusing awareness on the present moment, and relating kindly to ourselves and others — offer nurses powerful resources to cope with stress, resulting in improved self-care and better patient outcomes. To nurse mindfully, you need to be mindful. There’s no way around it. Being totally present with your patients is the greatest gift you can give to them. In light of this, the first part of this session will be largely experiential in nature, beginning with a guided mindfulness practice so that you can first learn to embody the practice. Exercises and meditations from the new book, The Nurse’s Guide to Cultivating Mindfulness and Compassion, will be used to explore the benefits and value of cultivating mindfulness and self-compassion. The benefits of mindfulness and compassion practice have been well researched. These practices enhance physical and emotional well-being, help cultivate presence and empathy in everyday life, improve awareness and attention, and boost compassion for oneself and others. Current research highlighting the benefits of mindfulness and compassion practice will be explored. You will walk away with tangible tools that will build resilience and foster mindfulness by bringing a kind attention to the here and now. Using an interactive and experiential format, the workshop will deepen your understanding of how these practices can be easily integrated into your workday and help you to: Nurture others without depleting oneself Overcome compassion fatigue and burnout Decrease frustration and job overwhelm Reduce mistakes through managing attention Respond rather than react to crises

Biography:

Ana Joy Mendez is a Registered Nurse. She is working as a Division Chair/Assistant Professor of School of Nursing & Health Sciences at University of Guam, USA.

Abstract:

This study investigated the impact of training through a 24hours Transition Course as intervention in facilitating  nursing students’ perceived readiness in handling patients in their psychiatric nursing practicum.  A total of 89 senior nursing students across three academic years served as participants in the study.  Results of Self-assessment Tests that were given before and after the three-day intensive transition course show significant difference in the perceived competence of the students to handle mental health patients.  Feelings of anxiety in doing clinical work significantly decreased after the training and workshop.  The students perceived that the 24- hour- Transition Course was an enormous help in equipping them with the appropriate skills, precise knowledge, and sufficient psychological readiness that are necessary in facing up to the challenges of actual clinical practice.  Results of the study distinctly underscore the value of training psychiatric nursing students before exposing them to the real-world clinical practice.  Practical implication of the result is also discussed.

Biography:

Sangjan Rungruangkonkit completed her PhD at the University of Washington (UW). She is a clinical faculty in Psychosocial and Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing, UW and practicing psychiatric nurse practitioner. She has over 20 years’ experience providing mental health treatment to refugees and immigrants at Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) clinic and at the psychiatric emergency room at Harborview Medical Center (the Level 1 trauma center covered Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana states). Her research interest is in the mental health of refugees and immigrants and global health.

Abstract:

The global refugee crisis requires immediate action in terms of political, financial, and healthcare assistance. Refugees are at risk of developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression, and Anxiety. Mental health practitioners have to understand the issues that the refugees face and how to provide mental health care to the refugees.  The needs of the individual refugees can be very different, depending on the resettlement period, cultural background, and life experiences on their way to resettlement. Mental health treatment generally uses psychopharmacology, therapy, or a combination thereof. The new paradigm shift includes positive mental health, mental health promotion and prevention. Utilizing and understanding resiliency is one example of this approach. The presenter will share her study, “Understanding the Lived Experiences of the Depressed Mien Refugees After 10 Years Resettlement in the United States” and her experiences providing mental health services in a clinic and a major trauma center in Seattle, WA, USA. 

Biography:

Fiona Martin has been a lecturer in mental health nursing since the late 1990’s. She has been successful in achieving a progressive method of curriculum implementation by innovative strategies such as ‘Simulated Patients initiative; and families/carers as part of the faculty staff team teaching.  In 2015 Fiona was awarded a Florence Nightingale Foundation Travel Scholarship to learn about Open Dialogue.  Her travels included Finland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.  Fiona hopes to pilot Open Dialogue in Northern Ireland in collaboration with a local mental health service provider.

Abstract:

There is a quiet revolution happening in mental health care, in particular in the response to psychosis and crisis.  Many patients and their families feel they are still not being listened to or being invited to be part of the decisions made about their care/treatment.  They are no longer content with the traditional system where the professional is the sole expert, and with the lack of recognition for the expertise of the patient and family.  A more fundamental way of structuring mental health services that authentically places the patient and family/network at its centre is needed.  Open Dialogue, which is a relatively new system, originating in Finland, may provide a significant advance to address these issues and is being piloted in several countries worldwide.  In the UK four trusts are preparing to be part of the first multi-site Open Dialogue pilot.  In the United States of America the principles of Open Dialogue are being integrated into mental health systems in a number of states.  The Parachute Project in New York City has attracted much international interest and state funding and is the first time Open Dialogue has been piloted in a major urban environment.  Open Dialogue attests to the importance of ensuring all voices are heard and responded to.  It is critical that in this transformative time in mental health care that mental health nursing has a voice, a voice that is heard and responded to.  There are important learning points for mental health nursing on which to reflect.

Biography:

Chiedza Kudita works at University of West London, UK

Abstract:

Background: In the UK public involvement in health education has become an important part of pre-registration nursing programmes. This involvement is predicated on a belief that it can provide these students with opportunities to learn from ‘service users’ of health and social care services about their experiences of health and illness. Despite this belief little is known about how students engage with public members and patient groups within their education. Thus this study aims to explore, describe and explain pre-registration nursing students’ experiences and perceptions of public involvement in their education. Public involvement ensures and brings a valuable alternative perspective to a discussion or a decision making process that will influence future practitioners. Purpose: To explore pre-registration nursing student experiences and perceptions about public involvement in their education.

Methods: This is a three phase sequential multiple method study. Phase 1 and phase 2 are informed by grounded theory, and located within the Interpretivist paradigm.

Main findings: The potential outcomes of this study are the development of model/s of public involvement to inform pre-registration nursing programmes at all levels of the curriculum. It is also envisaged this study will contribute to experiential learning theory. Significance of research for practice as relevant: Findings derived from data collected from one cohort of pre-registration student nurses will inform pre-registration nurse education in the UK and beyond as to the best methods to adopt in public involvement within nursing education.

Biography:

Evmorfia Koukia is an Assistant Professor in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing in School of Health Sciences, faculty of Nursing in University of Athens Greece and Scientific collaborator in School of Health Sciences in European University of Cyprus. She is also working in the Community Centre of the University of Athens. She is the president of the faculty of Mental Health Nursing at the Hellenic Union of Nurses (ENNE). She has a number of publications. She has an extended experience in teaching and working in various clinical settings.

Abstract:

According to mental health care reform in Greece, psychiatric hospitals had to be closed down for their greater part and units would have been integrated into general hospitals, during the year 2014-2015. The psychiatric care reform is not yet completed. Due to the economic depression of our country the last 5 years, the Greek government has asked from the European committee, an indefinite extension and financial support for the implementation of the psychiatric care reform program. When the reform will take place psychiatric nurses will be a part of a larger team of nursing staff working in psychiatric outpatients units. The aim of the study was to identify nurses’ educational needs for further training concerning outpatient provision of care. A questionnaire based study was conducted among 164 psychiatric nurses working on two major psychiatric hospitals to be closed. The majority of nurses noted that the most important issue in everyday work was the effective communication with the client and patients’ symptoms management. Nurses thought to be unprepared for management abilities and evidenced based care in community settings. Problems between health care team and lack of time and personnel was causes of additional stress in their work. The results have shown that nurses were adequate prepared for clinical care but there is a need for further training especially in law issues and nursing role in community settings.

Biography:

Dr. Somaya Abou-Abdou has completed her Ph.D. in Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Suez Canal University, Egypt. She is working as an Associate Prof. of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Suez Canal University, Egypt. Also, she is one of the board member of Faculty of Nursing in the same university. She has published papers in conferences and journals.  

Abstract:

Mental illness is a significant problem across countries and worldwide. People with mental illness need to be treated and rehabbed by mental health professionals & Psychiatric nurses are a group of mental health professionals who take actively important roles in providing care for people with mental illness. The aim of this study is to identify the ethical beliefs of psychiatric nurses and ethical issues encountered. A cross-sectional descriptive survey study design was used with a self-administered questionnaire to a sample of 364 nurses who volunteered to take part in the study from the five psychiatric hospitals states in five different census regions of Egypt.  The results indicate that most of the psychiatric nurses seemed to have a general understanding of an ‘ethical challenge’ since they started to give care for mental patient. They were able to present a broad variety of rich descriptions of situations in which they experienced either small or big ethical challenges, while ethical codes of nursing in psychiatric inpatient units are inadequate and standards of care are poor. On the other hand excessive workload, working conditions, lack of supervision, are the main factors leads to ethical issues. Conclusion: that in the field of psychiatric hospitals some problems perceived as ethical were eventually described as malpractice and there are needs for education strategies for clinical nurses and nursing organizations to improve nurses' ethical problems.

Biography:

Maria Knutzen is a R.N.(1978), R.P.N.(1992) officially approved supervisor (1997). Master in Health science. (2002) and PhD (2013), at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.  Long experience in teaching/supervision of colleagues and students.  Member of the expert group for the Norwegian breakthrough project Use of coercion in psychiatry in 2001-2002. Project manager for the national survey of coercive measures in mental health care for adults, 2012, commissioned by Health Directorate in Norway. Published 6 peer reviewed articles about seclusion and restraint. Member of the steering group for Early Recognition Method (ERM) in Norway.  

Abstract:

The starting point for studying patients subjected to restraint was my own experience. As a psychiatric nurse in emergency department I was responsible for providing nursing before, during and after the use of seclusion. Another reason was that use of restraint is professionally and ethically problematic since restraint devices potentially are risky and can harm the patient. Results from my research suggests that the patient's age, sex and reported behavior and clinical variables (number of admissions, duration, individual diagnoses and referral clause) are all factors that independently affect aspects of use of restraint (ie whether restraints are used, how frequently, type of restraint and duration). A key finding was that a small group of patients who were frequently subjected to restraint (9% of patients restrained, 56% females) represented 39% of all episodes of restraint. They differed from the other patients by being younger, having a longer duration of hospitalization and were frequently admitted. This “heavy tailed” distribution of episodes of coercive measures, where also found in our two subsequent national surveys of the use of restraint in all psychiatric institutions for adults. Identification of the small group of patients being frequently subjected to restraint (34 of the 3365 hospitalized patients) may provide a basis for quality assurance and a huge reduction of restraint. This would lead to a major improvement for the patient experience of being hospitalized, the ward atmosphere including other patients and staff.

Biography:

Peter Thomas Sandy is presently an Associate Professor at the University of South Africa, Department of Health Studies. He is a Mental Health Practitioner and Health Research Psychologist who has worked in the United Kingdom with a wide range of clinical presentations of people with mental health difficulties and learning disabilities. As a Clinical Lead, Peter Thomas Sandy actively supported people with drug and alcohol problems, mental Contributors 298 health difficulties and self-harming behaviours using specific counselling styles like motivational interviewing. Peter Thomas Sandy`s clinical experiences shaped his research interests. He is interested in drug and alcohol use among vulnerable populations, such as women, homeless, and people with mental health and learning disability problems. From a broader perspective, Peter Thomas Sandy has huge interest in attitude and behaviour change, and has conducted funded research related to these areas. For example, he conducted research on attitudes of mental workers on people who self-harm in large mental health institutions in England that resulted in the development of the Self-harm Explanatory Model. As an academic, Peter Thomas Sandy worked in the England as a Principal Lecturer (Associate Professor) at Buckinghamshire University and developed and led a range of training programmes for mental health practitioners in both generic and forensic settings. Peter Thomas Sandy earned his doctoral degree (PhD) from Brunel University, England, United Kingdom. His thesis focused on a very controversial area of mental health practice, application of harm minimisation approach to people who self-mutilate. 

Abstract:

Background: Secure forensic mental health services always need interventions to manage aggressive and violent behaviours. Seclusion is one of a number of interventions used for managing these behaviours in these settings. Service users experiences with seclusion are mainly negative with feelings of punishment and threat being the most commonly reported reactions. Some nurses regard seclusion as antitherapeutic, while others consider it an effective intervention. Despite these discrepancies, nurses continue to support the practice of seclusion.

Objective: To investigate factors that might influence attitudes of nurses working in a secure forensic mental health setting toward the use of seclusion.

Methods: This study utilised an analytic cross-sectional survey design to investigate and explain associations between the use of seclusion and attitudes toward it. Data were collected between October and December of 2014 using a self-administered questionnaire: staff attitudes toward seclusion. Eighty-eight nurses (N=88) completed the questionnaires. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics (percentages and frequency distributions) and inferential statistics, specifically spearman’s rank correlation coefficients, chi square and mann-whitney tests.

Results: The reasons for the use of seclusion noted in this study were consistent with Mason’s (1993) treatment, containment and punishment framework. The study revealed several significant but mostly negative associations between attitudes of nurses toward the use of seclusion and factors, such as age, sex, post, experience, and registered practice. Positive and significant associations were also found between attitude variables and grades or rank of nurses.  

Conclusion: These findings of this study offer insight into nurses’ attitudes toward the use of seclusion. They may serve as a useful resource for the development of guidelines, policies and training programme for enhancing positive attitudes toward seclusion. 

Biography:

Mrs Jansen has completed her M.Soc.Sc. (Nursing) from the University of the Free State and M.Cur (Psychiatric Community Nursing) from the Northwest University in Potchefstroom (South Africa). I am currently appointed as a Lecturer in the School of Nursing (SoN). My teaching responsibilities include Psychiatric Nursing Theory, Practica & Community Service learning modules. Courses in these fields of study are presented at an undergraduate and post-basic level.

Abstract:

Research studies in the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia suggest that students do not consider psychiatric nursing as a popular career option. According to this research there is a widespread concern about the nursing shortages in psychiatry. The demand for psychiatric services continues to grow and there is a need for strategies to recruit nurses in this specialization. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that prevent nursing students to choose psychiatric nursing as a career. A qualitative research design that aimed to explore and describe, was used. Data was collected through the Nominal Group Technique. A sample of convenience of 27 final year nursing students from the School of Nursing from the University of the Free State as well as the Free State School of Nursing voluntarily participated in this research. This unit of analysis comprised of four nominal groups. The following main causal categories emerged from the content analysis of the data, presented in the order that they were prioritized: Personal factors, working environment, unprofessional behaviour, learning environment and an unclassified category. The findings in this study highlighted the nursing students’ reasons for not choosing psychiatric nursing as a future career. Students’ actual descriptions were used to identify these reasons and it is therefore imperative for nursing schools in SA to address these concerns. Addressing their concerns might pave the way for them to take up psychiatric nursing as a career. Every nursing school needs to be dedicated and creative in improving their recruitment strategies to ensure adequate numbers. Otherwise, psychiatric nursing as a profession will remain in dire straits.

Biography:

Herni Susanti is a practising nurse, educator and researcher in mental health nursing. She obtained a Bachelor degree in Nursing from the Faculty of Nursing, University of Indonesia in 1998. She also obtained a Master degree in Nursing from the Curtin University of Technology, Australia in 2005. After completing her first degree, she started working as a lecturer of mental health nursing in the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia. She has completed her PhD from the University of Manchester UK in the late 2015.  

Abstract:

One of the major issues of mental health provision in Indonesia is related to services for carers of people with serious mental illnesses. Very basic and limited services have been offered to the carers. Understanding the needs of Indonesian carers is of key importance before developing appropriate interventions for them.

The study is one of series of PhD study, aimed for exploring the needs of carers from mental health hospital services in Indonesia from the perspectives of carers and service users.  Focus groups with carers and service users were undertaken to explore the needs of Indonesian carers and how mental health hospital services could help to meet those needs. In total, 9 focus groups were conducted, seven with carers (n=33) and two with service users (n=13). All carer and service user participants were recruited from two government mental health hospitals in the capital city of Indonesia. The data were analysed by using framework analysis (Ritchie and Spencer 1994), and resulted in four themes: experiences in caregiving, carer needs from mental health hospital services, current support for carers, and recommendations for service improvement. The findings were valuable resources to aid in the design of a need-based and culturally sensitive intervention for carers in the country. 

Biography:

Tadesse Awoke Ayele is head of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at University of Gondar, Ethiopia

Abstract:

Depression is the most prevalent psychiatric disorder during pregnancy and is associated with psychosocial and clinical obstetric factors. Depressive disorders are not only common and chronic among women throughout the world but also principal sources of disability. The scarce information and limited attention to the problem might aggravate the consequence of the problem and can limit the intervention to be taken. Therefore, the current study was conducted to determine the prevalence and identify associated factors for antenatal depression.

Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted by taking a sample of 388 pregnant women coming for ANC service at Gondar University Hospital. Systematic random sampling technique was employed to recruit the study participants. Structured, pretested and interview administered questioner was used to collect related information while Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) tool was used to assess individuals depression condition. A cut of point with high sensitivity and specificity was determined and internal consistency of the tool was checked (Cronbach alpha =0.82). Ep Info V. 2002 and STATA 12 were used for data entry and analyzes, respectively. Adjusted Odds Ratio with its 95%CI was used to declar the statistical significance of the factors.

Result: Depression among pregnant women was found to be 23% (95%CI: 18.48%; 26.86%). Significant associated factors were: Mother age (20 to 29, AOR=0.18,95%CI:0.07;0.49), Occupation (Housewife, AOR= 2.57,95%CI:1.21;5.46, Merchant and daily laborers ,AOR =3.44(1.38;8.58), Previous pregnancy (No, AOR=4.74;95%CI:1.58;14.17) and Previous ANC follow up pattern (Irregular, AOR= 11.43,95%CI:3.68;35.49), No follow up, AOR=11.98 ,95%CI:4.73;30.33).

Conclusion: Depression symptoms are relatively common in pregnant mothers in the study area and interventions that would address the for mentioned factors would benefit and tackles further complications.

Biography:

Dr. Carl C. Bell, M.D. – during 45 years, published more than 500 articles, chapters, & books on mental health. Retired Clinical Professor of Psychiatry & Public Health - University of Illinois at Chicago.  He is co-editor - Jeste D and Bell CC (eds).  Psychiatric Clinics of North America – Prevention in Psychiatry.  In 2012 he was presented the Special Presidential Commendation of the American Psychiatric Association in recognition of his outstanding advocacy for mental illness prevention and for person-centered mental health wellness and recovery, and the 2012 Agnes Purcell McGavin Award for Prevention in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Abstract:

For the last 45 years, Dr. Bell has studies the underserved African-American population in the United States.  His research has uncovered various problems of misdiagnosis in these populations.  The first discovery was the Misdiagnosis of African-Americans with Bipolar Disorder.  The second major observation was the high levels of childhood trauma low-income African-American children were subject to during their development.  Following that epiphany, it was demonstrated that these populations also had high levels of head injury owing to a general risk suffered by low-income populations.  Most recently, he has observed the problem of exposure to prenatal alcohol as many low-income communities are inundated with liquor stores resulting in a social determinant of health that lends itself to social drinking before realizing pregnancy. This presentation will highlight the prevalence of childhood traumatic stress and how it ties in with the prevalence of Neurodevelopmental Disorders of Childhood (the most prevalent of which may be Neurodevelopmental Disorder associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure).  In addition, a proposed criterion for Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD) and Neurodevelopmental Disorder associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure will be presented.  There will be emphasis on clinical practice skills to identify these two common problems in all populations, not just low-income African-Americans that by nature of being in high-risk contexts often herald public health problems that will affect everyone in society. 

Finally, the author will illustrate prevention strategies for both of these two common and intertwined problems using actual large population based data and clinical case histories

Biography:

Amy is a PTSD peer-peer specialist, artist, author, speaker for RAINN, writer for The Huffington Post, award-winning health advocate, actress and playwright. In 2012, she wrote, directed and starred in a one woman musical about her life, Gutless & Grateful, touring theatres across the country for three years, earning rave reviews and accolades since it’s BroadwayWorld Award-nominated NYC debut. As an visual artist, her art has won accolades in multiple galleries and in dozens of solo art shows. Her mixed media creativity workshops emphasize creativity as an essential mindset. Amy’s “beautiful detour” has inspire her passionate desire to create and help others. As a health advocate, she's written feature articles for Phoenix Magazine, and has spoken to hundreds of nurses and doctors as the Eastern Regional Recipient of the Great Comebacks Award. Her Washington Post and On Being with Krista Tippet, and is a regular contributor for numerous publications including Elite Daily, The Mighty, Indie Chicks and Career Girl Daily. Her story has appeared on the TODAY Show, CBS, Cosmopolitan, Seventeen Magazine, among others. Amy's passion for the arts as a means of healing and expression inspired her to devise storytelling workshops for the Transformative Language Arts Network National Conference, the Eating Recovery Center Foundation, and The League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling. Determined to bridge the gap of communication between wellness resources on college campuses and students, Amy devised storytelling programs especially for colleges and universities to address the issue and is touring colleges campuses with her program combining mental health advocacy, sexual assault awareness and Broadway Theatre. For information on keynote presentations, workshops and signature talkbacks, (and specialized versions for corporations, college campuses, survivors, healthcare professionals, and artists) visitamyoes.com.

Abstract:

In a 2011 NAMI study, that 64% of college dropouts were for mental health-related reasons, and that, of those, 50% never accessed any mental health programs or services. Stress, anxiety, can make us feel like we’re entirely alone in our struggles. College, especially, can be a breeding ground for stress – a turning point in our lives where we’re independent, perhaps for the first time. Doors become open to us that we never even knew existed. We realize we have the power to make choices, which can be equal parts empowering and frightening. About one-third of college students across the United States had problems functioning because of depression in the last 12 months; almost half said they had felt overwhelming anxiety in the last year, 20 percent said they had seriously considered suicide in their lifetime, and 5.8 percent said they had attempted suicide. Plagued with their own anxiety, as well as taking on the anxiety from their families many students appear more stressed than ever. The office hours of professors are packed with students asking for advice on how to handle situations outside of the class room or are looking for advice on what to do. Counseling centers are operating on waitlists and students are not learning how to self care properly. Students may feel uncomfortable reaching out to health and counseling services. Worse, students may be unaware that these resources exist. Students may feel that if they don't have a “diagnosis”, “mental illness” physical handicap or learning disability, there is no reason to seek out services, they are not “qualified” to seek out these services, or they fear being “labeled”. There can often be a communication gap or barrier between academia and a student struggling with anxiety, campus life transitions, and common adjustments needed for college. To address the deathly stigma surrounding mental illness, sexual assault and PTSD on college campuses, Gutless & Grateful is a program combining a dynamic, live autobiographical musical performance, a talkback on an empowered approach to mental health, how to develop a resiliency toolbox, how to cultivate hope, and how to thrive in college with a physical or mental health condition. See the program: https://www.amyoes.com/gutless/for-colleges/ I've been through my own ordeal of sexual abuse, 27 surgeries, coma, organ failure, six years unable to eat or drink, and the PTSD that comes from ten years of trauma. Being able to reach out for help and find support is what helps us realize we’re not alone. This inspired me to start trying to bridge the gap of communication between departments on campus – academia, career counseling, wellness resources, accessibility, and student groups. There can be a barrier between academia and a student struggling with anxiety, campus life transitions, and common adjustments needed for college. The resources on campus become compartmentalized and students who don’t necessarily feel they have an issue “significant” enough cheat themselves out of learning valuable life skills. Gutless & Grateful aims to introduce these resources on campus helpful sources that can build resilience on campus, while also destigmatizing mental illness and encouraging students to reach out, speak up and start the conversation. One of the most difficult issues for students is to not feel alienated or stigmatized when they feel they have a concern that needs to be addressed - or worse, the feeling that they don't need/deserve/want help. The solution lies in our ability to engage, educate and empower youth to act as “fluids” in the system – infiltrating the gaps that administration may not be able to access. Through our “detours” in our individual pathways, we create an intricate tapestry that makes up the fabric of who we are as a human race. Gutless & Grateful strives to shift an entire college ethos in the direction of inclusion – partly to give courage and a sense of belonging to people who are struggling with all kinds of mental health or physical challenges, but also to help build a campus that gives everyone the kind of awareness and generosity of spirit that makes that world a better place. Through integrating the Eight Divisions of Wellness, incorporating various learning styles, and molding a campus community ready for growth, students can learn, evolve and collectively thrive through shared experience.

Biography:

Dr. Bergantin received his academic education at UNIFESP-EPM (Brazil) and UAM (Spain): degree in biomedicine (2008), MSc (2010) and PhD (2014). His research involves cell signaling mediated by Ca2+ and cAMP, skeletal and smooth muscles, peripheral and central nervous systems. His research work solved the enigma of the paradoxical effects produced by L-type Ca2+ channel blockers (ScienceDirect TOP 25 Hottest Articles, including TOP 1 positions: 2013 and 2014, Cell Calcium). Dr. Bergantin is currently postdoctoral fellowship (FAPESP) at UNIFESP-EPM.

Abstract:

The hypothesis of the so-called “calcium paradox” phenomenon in the sympathetic neurotransmission has its origin in experiments done in models of neurotransmission since 1970´s. Historically, “calcium paradox” originated several clinical studies reporting that acute and chronic administration of L-type Ca2+ Channel Blockers (CCBs), drugs largely used for antihypertensive therapy such as verapamil and nifedipine, produces reduction in peripheral vascular resistance and arterial pressure, associated with a paradoxical sympathetic hyperactivity. Despite this sympathetic hyperactivity has been initially attributed to adjust reflex of arterial pressure, the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in this paradoxical effect of the L-type CCBs remained unclear for four decades. Also, experimental studies using isolated tissues richly innervated by sympathetic nerves showed that neurogenic responses were completely inhibited by L-type CCBs in high concentrations, but paradoxically potentiated in low concentrations, characterized as a “calcium paradox” phenomenon. We discovered in 2013 that this paradoxical increase in sympathetic activity produced by L-type CCBs is due to Ca2+/cAMP interaction (Bergantin et al., Cell Calcium, 2013; ScienceDirect TOP 25 Hottest Articles - Cell Calcium - TOP 1 July to September 2013/ TOP 5 October to December 2013/ TOP 1 January to December 2013 full year/TOP 6 January to March 2014). Then, the pharmacological manipulation of this interaction could represent a potential cardiovascular risk for hypertensive patients due to increase of sympathetic hyperactivity. In contrast, this pharmacological manipulation could be a new therapeutic strategy for increasing neurotransmission in psychiatric disorders such as depression, and producing neuroprotection in the neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer´s and Parkinson´s diseases (Caricati-Neto et al. 2015, Pharmacol Res Perspectives; Bergantin and Caricati-Neto 2016, Eur J Pharmacol).

Biography:

Graduated at the University of Florence in neuro and psychomotor developmental therapy in 2008. Since 2009 she has worked at the Institute of Agazzi in Arezzo. By following an intuition in the branch of children’s rehabilitation therapy by exploiting the use of telemedicine, she has created a software for rehabilitation which offers a new approach in childhood pathologies. She has had many collaborations with rehabilitation institutes in Tuscany in order to conduct experimentations of the software created and with Polytechnic University of Milan and University of Bologna. Since 2015 she is working in Public Health in Chiavari (Italy).

Abstract:

The aim of the present study is to show the results of our research concerning touchless motion-based software in the rehabilitation treatment of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the importance of their parents active  role. The work that we present analizes the experimental results of a specific software introduced in a rehabilitative program  for children with ASD, with five different age groups and their families and introduces the importance of  working with  parents with a specific training program. It is important to envolve the caregiver in programming the rehabilitation  to have chance to share their experiences,  their doubts and expectations in order to allow  to continue to emotionally get them engaged  in the individualized rehabilitative program. Comparing clinical needs with parents’ perceptions allows the therapist to reach  better goals and better family quality of life. Our results show the importance to move from a general aspecific rehabilitation model to a tailored treatment approach.

Biography:

Abel Jacobus Pienaar completed his PhD titled: The development of an HIV/AIDS counselling approach for Africans at the University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. He further holds a clinical Masters-degree in Community Psychiatric Nursing and a M.Ed. (e-Learning). He focus on African indigenous knowledge, mental health and higher education. The latest publication he edited, Mental care in Africa: A practical evidence-based approach, Pienaar authored and co-authored ten chapters, capacitating mental health care providers in Africa. Prof. Pienaar is a senior faculty member at the School of Nursing Science, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), where he is involved in both under-graduate and post-graduate education. He is also a member of the South African Nursing Council, where he is the Chairperson of the Education Committee and a mental health nursing expert.

Abstract:

Mental health care is the pinnacle of holistic health care in all communities, therefore a burden rest on the shoulders of mental health care practitioners to deliver therapeutic mental health care, irrespective of the context of their practice (N’Gambi & Pienaar, 2013 p.97). In an African context holism in health is not only seen as a healthy body (Omolewa, 2007 p. 594); but to be healthy means that there will be harmony between the body, the mind, emotions and the spirit of the human being and maintenance of cultural distinctiveness (Seboka, 2013). Indigenous Africans strive towards ultimate worth through interaction and relationship with other human beings, nature and the Cosmos. Evidently it is obvious that more than 70% of all health care in Africa and most developing countries are delivered by nurses (King, 2005). Furthermore most facilities in Africa more often than not, cannot meet the needs of the mentally ill, because the staff are not trained or well equipped to work with the mentally ill or culturally sensitivity is lacking (Van Heerden et al. 2008:4; N’Gambi & Pienaar, 2013 pp.94 - 97). Noticing the dire insufficiency in Africa of human-and material resources a natural question may arise: How can mental health practitioners deliver therapeutic care in this context? A likely response would be to start at inception by ascertaining how a particular community attended to their health challenges indigenously.

Biography:

Dr.Sailaxmi Gandhi had completed her Ph.D Nursing at the age of 43 yrs from NIMHANS University.  She is an Associate Professor of Nursing at NIMHANS, a premier neuro-psychiatric super-speciality in India.   She has published more than 90 papers in peer-reviewed and indexed journals.  She has been serving as an editorial board member of reputed journals.  Her area of interest is in rehabilitation, suicide prevention, school mental health programs and man-power capacity empowerment.  She is the recipient of many awards, the most recent being the prestigious Best Nurse Educator Florence Nightingale award from the President of India on 12 -5 -2014.  

Abstract:

Mental health nursing rehabilitation in India is still not well established.  This is due to many factors such as acute shortage of mental health professionals, poor implementation of the Mental Health Act of India, custodial care in several hospitals, non-therapeutic family emotional climate and high levels of stigma.  The National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS) which is also an institute of national importance is a premier super-speciality neuro-psychiatric hospital in the country.  It is a 1000 bedded hospital.  There are only five nursing faculty who have multiple roles – both nursing service, education, research as well as administration of patient care.  Five years back, the psychiatric rehabilitation services was re-vamped with a multi-disciplinary team.  This presentation will focus on various innovations in mental health nursing rehabilitation.  The multi-disciplinary component itself is an innovation and does not exist anywhere else in India.  There are other innovations such as inclusion of complimentary therapies such as yoga, supported education, family as partners in the recovery process, persons with mental illness as peer therapists, initiation of a domestic skills section, involvement of volunteers from society (concept of corporate responsibility), placement within the hospital services, home based rehabilitation, SERWICE (Services for Enhanced Recovery With Intensive and Continued Engagement) wherein trainees are linked with one patient throughout their course, training of social skills, independent living skills, healthy life style (exercise and sports programs), caregiver support groups (sanjeevani vedike), etc.  These will be discussed at length during the presentation.  

Biography:

Dr. Beverley Cassidy Dr. Cassidy is the leader of the Fountain of Health's National Speakers' Bureau, having presented on the initiative both provincially and internationally. She is an Assistant Professor in Dalhousie University's Department of Psychiatry. Her academic interests in Geriatric Psychiatry include late life mood and anxiety disorders, the neurobiology of healthy aging, and the application of cognitive behavioral therapy in late life and resilience across the lifespan. Dr. Cassidy pursued her undergraduate degree in neurobiology at Yale University, received her psychiatric training at McGill University, and completed 2 year fellowship at the University of Toronto with a focus on attachment, affect regulation and mood disorders.  Dr. Cassidy has been actively involved in the Fountain of Health Initiative for Optimal Aging for the past five years, and currently spearheads a provincial effort to bring healthy aging tools to frontline clinicians in primary care settings to promote health behavior change in seniors. Currently she is supervising a resident research project on the feasibility of using the FOH Clinicians’ Guide (link: fountainofhealth.ca) in broad spectrum primary care and other settings to activate behavioral and attitude changes that foster healthier aging. She is part of the FOH App development team. 

Abstract:

BACKGROUND:
The Fountain of Health Initiative is a Canadian project offering evidence-based information on successful aging and mental health promotion. It includes 5 key healthy aging messages, and supports and evaluates mental health interventions by care providers in community and long term care settings. 
 

METHOD: 
Educational tools including a website, an educational video, worksheets and booklets were provided to family doctors, nurse practitioners and other community mental health providers in Nova Scotia. A total of 74 clinicians received in person and telehealth education sessions about Fountain of Health materials. Pre and post questionnaires assessed knowledge transfer. In total 37 questionnaires were completed. Translation to practice to educate seniors in community and long term care settings was followed over 2 months. A further intervention to assess the impact in of music therapy in nursing home settings is also in progress, with pre and post measures of mental health and behaviour to be evaluated in 2016. 

RESULTS:
It was found that clinicians' knowledge regarding mental health promotion improved following delivery of FoH education. Unpaired t-tests found significant differences between pre- and post-questionnaire mean scores (p<0.0001) indicating highly effective knowledge transfer. Effect size using a Cohen's d found a correlation of 0.8. Follow up over 2 months indicated good uptake and positive response from patients and clinicians alike.
Results from the intervention with music in long term care will be available for discussion at the conference.

Biography:

Suhathai Tosangwarn, have worked as a lecturer at the Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand since 2007. In this role, I had the opportunity to work in different areas including hospitals, primary care centres and care homes. The care home has become the most interesting setting for me, because I found that most older adults were suffering from depression. As a result, my research project is related to exploring the factors associated with depressive symptoms and understanding the stigma of living in a care home among older adults residing in care homes in Thailand.

Abstract:

Background: Most Thai people reject the idea of letting their ageing parents live in a care home due to the belief that a care home is a place for poor older adults who have no family. These beliefs could influence the perception of living in a care home among older residents and result in low self-esteem, isolation, self-harm and depression. Therefore, this study explored the factors associated with depressive symptoms and other variables among older adults residing in a care home in Thailand.

Method/Design: 128 older residents were recruited from two care homes in the northeast of Thailand and data was collected using the 15-Item Thai Geriatric Depression Scale, Internalised Stigma of Living in a Care Home Scale, Thai Version of Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Thai Version of Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and a Coping Strategies Inventory Short Form.

Results: Depressive symptoms were found to be significantly correlated with internalised stigma, self-esteem and social support (r= 0.563, -0.574 and -0.333) (p< 0.001), respectively. Perceived internalised stigma of living in a care home is the strongest predictor of reporting experiencing some level of depressive symptoms, resulting in an odds ratio of 9.165.

Discussion: Perceived internalised stigma is significantly positively correlated with depressive symptoms and is the strongest predictor of the risk of depressive symptoms. By understanding and improving the knowledge of internalised stigma of living in a care home could inform strategy, intervention and guidelines for appropriate care for older adults residing in a care home.

Biography:

Mr. Don Leonardo N. Dacumos, is a RN, MN, at Saint Louis University School of Nursing, Philippines.

Abstract:

Rationale of the study: Since discussion about sexuality is considered taboo in the Filipino culture, provision of quality holistic care often lacks sexuality aspect. This research was conducted to highlight the need for nurses to incorporate sexuality in their care of older adults.

Research Objectives: To measure the levels of older adults’ sexual desire, sexual behavior, and sexual intimacy and relate them to sex, living arrangement, educational level, and presence of chronic illness, whether with or without treatment.

Methods: This study is of quantitative descriptive design that utilized purposive sampling. 400 older adults of Baguio City participated. The study used a 30 point researcher-made questionnaire, one-on-one interview and focused group discussion to gather data. Data were treated using weighted mean, t-test, F-test, and Scheffe's test.

Results and Conclusions: The overall findings revealed that Filipino older adults have low level of sexuality expressed by the participants’ sexual desire, behavior, and intimacy. Males have significantly higher level of sexual desire, behavior, and intimacy. Living arrangement does not seem to influence the level of sexuality in all its 3 facets. Sexual desire was significantly higher among those with tertiary education and without chronic illness.

Recommendation: It is recommended that nurses carry out their assessment of clients to include the exploration of their sexuality especially the older adults. A similar study may be done to explore other variables like demographic location, i.e., rural or urban setting; socio-cultural factors; and functional performance status. It is also recommended that a similar study may be done exploring the different facets of sexuality among homosexual older persons.

Biography:

Iris joined Kingston & St George's in 1995 following a variety of roles in nursing practice and education with Belfast City Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals and the Carshalton and Croydon College of Nursing. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Social Sciences during which she evaluated mental health hospital day care, and an MSc in Sociology (Social Policy) in which she explored community psychiatric nursing attitudes to supervised discharge. She has also completed a PhD. Iris is currently associate professor and team leader in Mental Health Nursing and year three lead for BSc Nursing (all fields). Her PhD and research interests are in mental health service user and carer perspectives on medication adherence.

Abstract:

Background:

Usage of the British Mental health Act (1983) (both hospital detention and supervised community treatment) continues to rise year on year (Health and Social Care Information Centre, 2015). The demographic groups most likely to be represented in compulsory treatment continue to be from Black and Asian backgrounds at 56.9% and 50% respectively.

Aims:

To gain an understanding of factors that improve mental health medication adherence in Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) group mental health Service Users (SUs).To co-produce common understanding of factors optimising medicines adherence, develop, implement and evaluate an educational intervention with mental health professionals.

Methods: 

This project describes Phases 1 and 2 of a 3 stage study that focused on analysis of case studies involving Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) service users, carers; lay and professional with experience of medication adherence issues.

Findings: 

Initial findings from Phase 1 were analyzed, using a staged, qualitative coding approach (adapted from grounded theory) by a group comprised of professionals and service users (SUs). Emerging themes indicate that professional communication, including SUs as part of the team and understanding the role of family are important. Phase 2 is working on a co-produced educational workbook for practitioners. A consensus workshop is planned, comprising professionals and service users who will review findings from phase 1 and work together to produce the main factors considered influential to enable professionals to work more effectively with service users and families in optimizing medication adherence. Further work will pilot and evaluate the educational intervention with practitioners.

Conclusions:

These initial findings suggested that service users and families could feel that there was some conflict between themselves and the professionals regarding medication decisions. They would welcome greater involvement.

Key words: Black and Asian minority ethnic (BAME), medication, co-production, education.

Biography:

Laurie Dahl is working as a Senior Lecturer in department of Mental Health Nursing in Kingston University, London. Laurie academic and professional qualifications include, completed master of research on "An exploration of service users with psychosis experiences with an Internet resource on an acute ward" at SGUL (St George's, University of London). Completed BSc, Mental Health Nursing at Kingston University. Completed BA(Hons), Politics and Sociology at North Staffordshire Polytechnic

Abstract:

Background:

The Internet is ubiquitous in modern life. Seeking health information is widespread; given stigmatisation in mental health, the potential for service users (SUs) to profit from Internet resources is great. There is little information on SU use of the Internet during admission, which, given the growing prevalence of smart phone technology, is a growing area. There is little research on the experiences of patients suffering with psychosis using the Internet during the acute phase of their illness. There is potential for the augmentation of ward staff psycho-education through Internet resources and this may be significant to SU care.

Aim:

To explore if those with a psychotic experiences use Internet resources during their inpatient admission to learn about their condition. Method A qualitative exploratory purposive study was conducted on three acute wards in an inner city mental health Trust. Semi-structured interviews with nine SUs were undertaken and thematically analysed. Findings Participant responses suggest they do not seek information about their mental health condition while on the ward though some have done historically. Younger participants were keen to seek such information though the study found SUs access was hindered. The previously defined ‘digital divide’ was in evidence as SUs were largely unable to utilise their own Internet enabled devices. But access was also compromised by the hardware functionality on the wards and ineffective IT support.

Conclusion:

The Internet has great potential for enhancing the ward experience of SUs experiencing psychosis, though they do not seek information about the mental health condition whilst on the ward. The communication opportunities the Internet provides while on the ward are an important bridge to an outside world of family, friends, work, university and employment opportunities. Internet shopping provides autonomy. Further research on a larger scale is needed.

Key words Information, inpatient, Internet, online, psychosis.