Inpatients Services

 

Recent Submissions

  • The acceptability and feasibility of a cognitive behavioural therapy managing emotions group on a male psychiatric intensive care unit: a mixed methods evaluation
    Davies, Meghan; Pipkin, Alastair (2024)
    Research suggests that the provision of psychological interventions within acute inpatient settings is effective and important for improving clinical outcomes. There remains limited research on the application of such interventions for individuals admitted to psychiatric intensive care units (PICU), and notably none for male-only PICU environments specifically. Two published protocols have been evaluated in female and mixed gender PICU settings, one a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) anger management group and one dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) skills group. No studies have reported on a general CBT-based group in a male PICU. This study aimed to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a CBT-based managing emotions skills group, delivered in brief 30-minute sessions, within a 7-bed male PICU. All individuals admitted to the PICU during the study period were invited to attend a five-session group. A mixed methods design was used incorporating measuring attendance and retention, a pre–post quasi-experimental design and a qualitative component. Pre- and post-group self-report outcome measures of calmness, anxiety, recovery, and qualitative feedback were gathered and analysed. Pre- and post-outcome measures demonstrate significant improvements in calmness and reduction in anxiety following attendance. Attendance, retention and qualitative feedback data suggests that the group was acceptable and feasible for the participants. Initial findings suggest that adapted CBT skills group-based interventions tailored to the male PICU population are acceptable, feasible, and beneficial to participants. The clinical and research implications are discussed.

  • Inpatient staff experiences of providing treatment for males with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder: a thematic analysis
    Davies, Meghan; Pipkin, Alastair (2024)
    Introduction Research highlights discrepancies in recognition of borderline personality disorder (BPD) in men, despite similar rates of prevalence across genders. Aim To investigate inpatient mental health professionals' experiences of delivering treatment for males with a diagnosis of BPD. Method Six mental health professionals working within adult acute inpatient wards completed a semi-structured interview. All participants were members of the nursing team. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results Five themes were identified: Gender Differences, Stereotyping, Facilitators to Care Delivery, Barriers to Care Delivery and Ways to Improve Care. Participants talked of a lack of awareness and understanding of BPD in males impacting both diagnosis and treatment in an acute inpatient setting. Discussion There may be factors ranging from gender stereotypes, limited knowledge and understanding of gender differences in presentations, and personal/organisational cultures influencing the formulation and treatment of males with a diagnosis of BPD in inpatient settings. Implications for Practice The findings suggest that gender stereotypes such as masculine norms may influence how male patients' emotional difficulties are understood and managed, and that additional training in male-specific issues to improve knowledge and care provision. This research will support inpatient staff, service leads and clinical educators to identify ways to adapt care provision for men.