Increasing capacity to address the physical health needs of patients in a mental health and addictions hospital

• Published in: Perspectives in psychiatric care Vol. 58; no. 4; pp. 2337 - 2344
• Main Authors: Kalia, Kamini, Ling, Sara, Moghabghab, Rola, Branton, Sarah, Islam, Faisal, Saiva, Anika, Kim, Jayoung, Sliekers, Stephanie, Harren, Dan, Robins, Amanda
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Hindawi Limited 01.10.2022
• Subjects: medical care; Mental health; Mental health care; physical health care; psychiatric hospital; Psychiatric-mental health nursing; skills; skills; physical health care; psychiatric hospital; medical care; mental health
• ISSN: 0031-5990; 1744-6163
• DOI: 10.1111/ppc.13065

Purpose This paper describes the strategy and outcomes of a quality improvement initiative focused on building the capacity of nurses at a mental health and addictions teaching hospital to provide an improved standard of physical health care. Education was provided via a series of e‐learning modules and interactive workshops. To reinforce the education and enhance practice change, improvements were made to electronic documentation templates and organizational standards. Further, the organization provided increased access to physical health equipment, a mobile application to support assessments and a reference card for lanyards. Conclusions Nurses identified increased confidence in performing physical assessments, and documentation improved with standards and automated forced functionality in the electronic health record. Ultimately, the organization successfully implemented a multifaceted strategy to improve physical healthcare services for people with mental health and substance use concerns. Practice Implications Organizational investment can lead to sustainable changes in nursing confidence and increased physical health assessment completion.