Role utilization of nurses in public psychiatry

This study examined the professional, work and organizational characteristics, and the actual and preferred work activities of nurses employed by one state mental health agency. Findings include neutral ratings by this older and experienced group of nurses in relation to job satisfaction, work autonomy, and organizational commitment regardless of educational background or work setting. Specific activities of the nurses varied appropriately based on education, but differences emerged among functions performed by nurses in inpatient and community settings. All nurses preferred to increase their direct care activities and significantly reduce their clerical activities. Factors related to the appropriate utilization of public sector psychiatric nurses are analyzed.

Beyond Discharge: Telephone Follow-Up and Aftercare

1. Decreased length of stay, inadequate aftercare service, and insufficient attention on the part of professionals to the immediate difficulties of postdischarge adjustment have made the transition from psychiatric hospital back to the community more difficult. 2. Telephone follow-up and aftercare groups ease the patient's transition from hospital to community, help to prevent rapid readmission, and provide a feedback loop to the staff on discharge planning. 3. Little is known about the immediate postdischarge experience for patients and its effects on long-term adjustment. Extended contact with the discharged patient is an ideal way to begin to collect such data.

Evaluation of intensive case management for seriously and persistently mentally ill persons

Case management and continuity of care have been an integral part of the community mental health movement since its inception in the United States in 1963. The application of these concepts in treating the seriously and persistently mentally ill has, however, undergone continuous change. The most recent application is called intensive case management. In this article, preliminary findings from a 3-year evaluation of intensive case management programs in two Pennsylvania community mental health agencies are discussed. Results show only limited improvement in client level of functioning, but substantial desired change occurred in treatment utilization patterns and reduced cost of care.

Enzyme Immunoassay for Detection of Salmonella in Foods: Collaborative Study

A collaborative study was performed in 25 laboratories to validate an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) procedure utilizing 2 specific monoclonal antibodies for rapid detection of Salmonella in foods. The EIA was compared with the standard culture procedure for detection of Salmonella in 6 food types: ground black pepper, soy isolate, dried whole eggs, milk chocolate, nonfat dry milk, and raw deboned turkey, Uninoculated and inoculated samples were included in each food group analyzed, with the exception of poultry which was naturally contaminated. There was no significant difference in the productivity of the EIA and culture procedures at the 5% level for any of the 6 foods. The enzyme immunoassay screening method has been adopted official first action.