Literature review

Literature review: 2020

Pedersen, ALW., Rosendal LC., Hjorth, P., Andersen, K., Gildberg, FA. 2020. Title: Health behaviours of forensic mental health service users, in relation to smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary behaviours and physical activity – A mixed methods systematic review. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12688 Status: Published

Introduction: People with mental disorders have increased risk of dying from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, both of which can be prevented by lifestyle. Aim: To review existing research, in order to investigate the characteristics of, and factors that influence forensic mental health service users’ (FMU) health behaviours. Method: We searched PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo and Scopus for primary research on FMU’s health behaviours regarding smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and dietary behaviours, and factors that influence them. Results: We found 13 eligible studies. The findings consistently indicated the presence of unfavourable health behaviours in FMU: Smoking, problematic alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and a high-calorie diet of poor nutritional value. Changing smoking and dietary habits was perceived as difficult, but nicotine replacement and
practical advice were suggested to support change. Discussion: The existing research on FMU’s health behaviours is sparse. In particular, there is a lack of research on factors that influence health behaviours. From our findings, it seems likely that FMU’s unfavourable health behaviours contribute to their increased risk of dying from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Implications for practice: FMU’s health behaviours should be improved to prevent diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in this high-risk group

Lone Fisker Christensen, Anne Marie Moller, Jens Peter Hansen, Connie Thuroe Nielsen, Frederik Alkier Gildberg 2020. Patients’ and providers’ experiences with video consultations used in the treatment of older patients with unipolar depression: a systematic review. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. 27,3. pp. 258-271. jpm.12574. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12574 Article, Peer reviewed. Status: Published!

Introduction: Depression is the leading cause of mental illness among an aging population and fewer than half of those who are affected receive treatment. There is an increased need for alternative ways of treating patients; the use of video consultations has been shown to be a viable option for delivering mental health care. However, none of the existing reviews have focused on satisfaction with the use of video consultations amongst older people with depression and providers. Aim: To conduct a systematic review of the existing literature focusing on patients’ and providers’ experiences of video consultations for depression. Method: Eight scientific databases were searched. In all, 3537 articles were identified and, of these, 21 peer-reviewed articles were included in this review. Results: The results show that video consultations support mental health practice, especially as a useful alternative when face-to-face therapy is not possible. Any initial skepticism quickly disappeared when video consultations were experienced in action. The challenges seem to consist of technical problems and lack of support from staff. Discussion: The experiences and satisfaction of older people with depression seem to be positive, although methodological limitations and deficiencies of the reviewed articles should be considered. More qualitative research is needed, and future studies should focus on specific diagnoses and providers’ experiences. Implications for practice: Video consultations support mental health practice, especially as a useful alternative when face-to-face therapy is not possible.

Literature review: 2018

Nissen, R. D., Gildberg, F. A. & Hvidt, N. C. 2018. Psychiatry, a Secular Discipline in a Postsecular World? A Review . In : Religions. Research 9 (1), 32 doi:10.3390/rel9010032 .: Article, peer review. Status: Published!

Postsecular theory is developing in academic circles, including the psychiatric field. By asking what the postsecular perspective might imply for the secular discipline of psychiatry, the aim of this study was to examine the postsecular perspective in relation to the secular nature of psychiatry, by way of a narrative review. In a systematic search for literature, relevant articles were identified and analyzed thematically. Thirteen articles were included, and three intertextual themes were identified, which represented ongoing international dialogues in relation to psychiatry and religion—such as intervention, integration, identity, the religious or irreligious psychiatrist, and the multicultural setting of the discipline. Furthermore, the postsecular perspective reveals a (potential) bias against the religious worldviews inherent in the secular. Postsecular theory can contribute to the ongoing discussions of how psychiatry, as a secular discipline, approaches the religious in the lives of patients and psychiatrists.

Literature review: 2017

Tingleff, EB., Bradley, SK., Gildberg, FA., Munksgaard, G., Hounsgaard, L., 2017 “Treat me with respect”. A systematic review and thematic analysis of psychiatric patients’ reported perceptions of the situations associated with the process of coercion”  Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 17, pp.1-18 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12410. Research: Article, Peer reviewed. Status: Published.

Introduction: There is a lack of research into psychiatric patients’ perceptions of coercion that discriminates between different types of coercive measures, while also investigating patients’ perceptions of undergoing coercion as a process. This knowledge is required to improve our understanding and provide a foundation for improving clinical practice. Aims: To review existing research literature in order to investigate adult psychiatric patients’ reported perceptions of situations before, during and after specific and defined types of coercive measures, and to investigate what patients perceive as moderating factors, in regard to the use of these coercive measures. Method: A systematic review and thematic analysis of 26 peer-reviewed studies was undertaken. Results: The analysis identified six themes and additional subthemes, where “interactions with professionals” and “communication” were predominant themes across the timeline of coercion. Altogether, themes were associated with either “positive or negative patient-perceived impact.” Implications for practice: Increased sensitivity to patients’ views of the situation at each point in the process is desirable in order to respond to the patients’ individual needs. Professionals also need to articulate concern and empathy towards the patient and to improve communication skills before, during and after a coercive incident. Use of de-escalation and noncoercive strategies is required. Relevance statement: Coercion within psychiatric/mental health care remains controversial, and repeated international calls have recommended a reduction of their use. This review indicates that greater attention to how patients perceive the use of coercive measures (before, during, and after incidents) needs to be considered in order to improve the evidence-based and clinical practice.

Literature review: 2014

Tingleff, EB. Gildberg, FA. 2014. New graduate nurses in transition: A review of transition programs and transition experiences within mental health care. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing – Research: Article, peer reviewed. Status: Published

Research on experiences of transition into mental health-care roles seems sparse, but it is vital in order to produce a comprehensive understanding of the transition into mental health-care roles and to serve as a foundation for future research and development. The aim of the present study was to review existing research literature, and in doing so, investigate transition programmes for new graduate nurses (NGN) into mental health care, and their experiences of role transition and evaluations of participation in transition programmes. The literature review spans literature published after the year 2000. The literature search was conducted using the following databases: CINAHL, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PsycINFO, and Pubmed. Search results consisting of 14 articles were analysed using thematic analysis. Results from the analysis showed four overall themes: nursing education, transition programmes and evaluations, working environment, and the NGN role. We conclude that it is not possible to produce a comprehensive understanding specifically concerning the transition programmes for NGN into mental health care, and that further research is necessary due to the limitations of this review.

Gildberg, F.A., Bradley, S.K., Paaske, K.J. & Hounsgaard, L. 2014. Forensic psychiatric nursing: a literature review and thematic analysis of published literature on humour used in forensic mental health staff-patient interactions. Vol. 10, No. 2, 98-105 Journal of Forensic Nursing.Artikel, peer reviewed. Status: Published.

Humor utilized in the practice of forensic mental health nursing might seem somehow inappropriate, given the serious circumstances surrounding most forensic mental health patients. However, some recent research has pointed to the use of humor as an important component in staff interactions with forensic mental health patients. This study reviews the existing international forensic mental health research literature on humor to investigate (a) what characterizes forensic mental health staff–patient use of humor and (b) what significance humor holds within the forensic mental health setting. The search was conducted in June 2013. Scopus, CINAHL, PubMed, and PsychINFO were searched using keywords relevant to the study. Articles were categorized using a literature matrix and analyzed using thematic analysis. Twelve research articles were reviewed and included in the analysis. Three themes were identified: (a) “humor as staff skill,” showing that staff found humor to be important as an interpersonal ability; (b) “humor as a relational tool” with the purpose of establishing and maintaining staff–patient interactions; and (c) “the impact of humor on patients,” describing impacts on conflicts, dimensions of health, and motivation. The results of the analysis are however limited because of the dearth of published articles on the subject.

Literature review: 2010


Gildberg, F. A., Elverdam, B., & Hounsgaard, L. 2010, “Forensic psychiatric nursing: a literature review and thematic analysis of staff-patient interaction”, Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, vol. 2010, no. 17, pp. 359-368. Forskning: Artikel, peer reviewed.

In Denmark the increasing number of forensic mental health patients has led to prioritized services, including the area of nursing; however, this field is subject to sparse research. The aim of this study was to review existing research literature and in doing so investigate what characterizes forensic mental health staff interaction with forensic mental health inpatients and furthermore to investigate what significance these staff characteristics have for the inpatients. The literature review spans the period September 1997 to January 2009 and was based on a systematic keyword combination search in the following databases: CINAHL, CSB, PsycINFO, Scopus, Pubmed, MEDLINE and Sociological Abstracts. The articles were categorized using a literature matrix and analysed using content analysis. Seventeen quantitative and qualitative research studies were analysed. The results show that the interaction between forensic staff and forensic inpatients is characterized by two overriding themes: parentalistic & behaviourchanging care and relational & personal quality-dependent care. Only a few of the findings represent a clear account of how the interactional characteristics impact on the forensic inpatient. The conclusion is that no clear account of the patient impact issue can be reached at this point and that further investigation needs to take place.