The Relationship of Occupational Health Nurses’ Experiences with Associated Departments in Relation to Project Development of Mental Health Care for Primary Preventive Treatment

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship and experiences of occupational health nurses (OHNs) and related departments in project development of mental health care for primary treatment in the Japanese occupational health setting. Method: A total of 235 OHNs who are members of the Japan Academy of Occupational Health Nursing were sent an anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey. The questionnaire included items on the following: the OHN’s background, whether the OHN had experience in project development, the communication between the associated departments, the Japanese version of the Work Engagement Scale (UWES-J), occupational assessments, workplace assessments, and the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) for health promotion in companies and the OHN’s working environment. We performed logistic regression analysis to examine the relationship between experience and these harmonious relationships with other associated departments. Result: Responses from 61 OHNs (valid response rate: 25.9%) were analyzed. The mean number of years of service as an OHN was 18.9, and 82% of respondents had experience in project development. The logistic analysis further revealed that OHNs who had experience in project development of mental health care usually had a harmonious relationship with other associated departments. Conclusion: To promote mental health care for workers, OHNs have the capability to create individual and workplace assessments, enhance their work engagement, and make further improvements to their working environment. .

Task sharing in psychotherapy as a viable global mental health approach in resource-poor countries and also in high-resource settings

A global disparity exists between the burden of mental ill-health and the resources available to address this issue.Common mental disorders,such as mild-to-moderate depression,anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder,are associated with a significant decline in health and functioning and contribute significantly to the overall burden of disease.In view of a shortage of mental health professionals in most low-and middle-income countries,task sharing(task shifting)can make an important contribution to improving access to mental health services.Task sharing involves non-specialists in the delivery of health care.The use of lay health workers is premised on the assumption that the shorter training required for non professionals will allow an increase in the provision of required care without the need for an increase in resources and will strengthen and scale-up sustainable health systems.The need for low-tech support in the management of conunon mental disorders is widespread,and the core resource is humans trained to identify and treat those requiring mental health care.There is a strong evidence base for the effectiveness of task sharing in psychotherapy,and talk therapies,e.g.cognitive behavioral therapy,can easily be delegated to non-specialists,including non-specialist health workers,peer helpers and lay people.A(cost-)effective model of mental health care in low-resource settings as well as in high-income countries may include the medical school-based training of some psychiatrists and clinical psychologists in the treatment of referred patients with serious mental illness.These professional mental health specialists would also be trainers and supervisors of non-specialist health workers who would identify common mental health disorders and provide psychotherapy to people with these conditions in a community-based setting.Community-based generalism including task sharing rather than centralized specialism may be capable of preventing and treating many common mental disorders with minor financial expenditure.

Suicide Prevention in Mental Health Services—A Qualitative Study of a Web Based Program for Mental Health Care Staff

Background: Further strategies are needed to deal with the high losses to suicide. New modalities should be explored within the context of suicide prevention. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate participants’ experiences of a web based program for mental health care staff, including its potential clinical relevance. Methods: Nineteen participants participated in five focus groups. Data was analyzed using content analysis. Results: The analysis showed participants’ experiences of the program’s contents and format (“Web Based Modules”, “Discussion Groups”) and practical value (“Clinical Relevance and Use”, “Effects on Communication and Climate”). Conclusions: The program partly increased awareness about risk factors and the importance of inquiring about suicide ideation/plans and documenting suicide assessments. Experiences of the clinical value were varying and may be increased through potential enhancements.

Nurses’ Perceptions of Patient Safety in Community Mental Health Settings: A Qualitative Study

Mental health care has moved from hospital settings to community mental health settings, and there is a need to explore the perceptions of patient safety among registered nurses working in this field. Patient safety is to include everyone and to be the goal in all aspects of health care. The aim of the study was to explore registered nurses’ perceptions of patient safety in community mental health settings for people with serious mental illness. The study was qualitative and descriptive in nature and interviews were carried out during spring 2012, with seven registered nurses working in community mental health settings for people with serious mental illness in five municipalities in the middle of Sweden. The sampling was purposive and data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The findings showed that the registered nurses understood patient safety as providing support to people with serious mental illness in regaining and maintaining health through good treatment and respecting self-determination and avoiding coercion. The terms of daily living in small community mental health settings within the a large community health care organization, communication, sufficient knowledge of psychiatric disabilities among people in the residents’ network, and national laws and regulations, all had implications for patient safety. The registered nurses perceived patient safety as involving a wide range of issues that in other areas of care are more often discussed in terms of quality of care. Determining the boundaries of patient safety in community mental health settings for people with serious mental illness can be a first step in establishing workable routines that ensure safe patient care.

Revolutionizing Treatment:AI-Driven Noninvasive Approaches for ODD and ADHD

Oppositional Defiant Disorder(ODD)and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD)are mental health conditions that have traditionally been managed through behavioral therapies and medication.However,the integration of Artificial Intelligence(AI)has brought about a revolutionary shift in treatment approaches.This article explores the role of AI-driven noninvasive treatments for ODD and ADHD.AI offers personalized treatment plans,predictive analytics,virtual therapeutic platforms,and continuous monitoring,enhancing the effectiveness and accessibility of interventions.Ethical considerations and the need for a balanced approach are discussed.As technology evolves,collaborative efforts between mental health professionals and technologists will shape the future of mental health care for individuals with ODD and ADHD.

Closing the Gap: Characterizing Key Factors Leading to the Disparity in Suicide Rates along the Urban-Rural Continuum

Suicide is a top ten cause of mortality in the United States.In previous literature the suicide rates in rural com-munities have been reported to be greater than those of more urban communities.Additionally,these studies have discussed many potential causes for the unfortunate disparity in rates.One cause often discussed is lack of mental health care providers in rural communities.The data for this study was gathered from the CDC’s WONDER data-base and the NPPES NPI Registry.The urban-rural categorization of counties used the 2013 NCHS Urban-Rural Scheme.Statistical analysis included chi-square tests,paired t-tests,and stepwise regression analyses.Results indi-cate that both the number of residents per provider(r=0.35,p≤0.005),and urbanization level(r=0.49,p≤0.001)were significantly related to suicide rate.Additionally,even after controlling for provider rates,each additional level of rurality predicted an increase of 1.2 suicides per 100,000 residents.Ultimately,the number of providers may play a major role in suicide rates,but extra effort must also be made in rural communities to combat the other contextual factors leading to increased suicide rates.

Caring for Mental Disease

Government increases the funding for treating the mentally ill following cases of uncontrollable violence The Ministry of Health plans to renovate or expand 550 psychiatric hospitals and psychiatric