The Effect of FAmily-CEntered (FACE®) Pediatric Advanced Care Planning Intervention on Family Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial for Adolescents With HIV and Their Families

Clinicians fear pediatric advance care planning (pACP) for adolescents is too distressing for families. Multisite longitudinal randomized controlled trial of adolescents with HIV tested the effect of FAmily-CEntered (FACE^®) pACP intervention on families' anxiety and depression. One hundred five adolescent/family dyads were randomized to FACE^® (n = 54 dyads) or control (n = 51 dyads). Families were 90% African American, 37% HIV-positive, and 22% less than high school educated. Families reported lower anxiety 3 months post-FACE^® intervention than control (β = -4.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [-8.20, -1.23], p = .008). Male family members were less anxious than female family members (β = -4.55, 95% CI = [-6.96, -2.138], p ≤ .001). Family members living with HIV reported greater depressive symptoms than HIV-uninfected families (β = 3.32, 95% CI = [0.254, 6.38], p = .034). Clinicians can be assured this structured, facilitated FACE^® pACP model minimized family anxiety without increasing depressive symptoms. Adolescent/family dyads should be invited to have access to, and provision of, evidence-based pACP as part of patient-centered/family-supported care in the HIV continuum of care.

Are student nurses ready for new technologies in mental health? Mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND

Technical innovations such as ecological momentary assessment (EMA), machine learning (ML), computerized adaptive testing (CAT), Digital Phenotyping, Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS), Algorithms, and Biomarkers have caused a paradigm shift in psychiatric care. The aim of the present study was to explore how student nurses view this paradigm shift, by assessing the acceptability of smartphone-based EMA, CAT, and biosensor-based Digital Phenotyping. We also investigated the factors affecting this acceptability.

METHOD

Student nurses recruited via nursing schools participated in a quantitative study involving the screenplay method, in which they were exposed to two scenarios about depression care, one featuring EMA and CAT, the other featuring a connected wristband (CW) for Digital Phenotyping. Four acceptability domains (usefulness, usability, reliability, risk) were investigated.

RESULTS

We recorded 1216 observations for the first scenario and 1106 for the second. Regarding overall acceptability, the CW was viewed less positively than CAT and EMA. Regarding reliability, whereas respondents believed that the CW could correctly detect depressive relapse, they did not think that EMA and CAT were sufficiently reliable for the accurate diagnosis of depressive disorder. More than 70% of respondents stated that they would nevertheless be interested in offering EMA, CAT or CW to their patients, but more than 60% feared that these devices might hinder the therapeutic relationship.

CONCLUSION

This was the first study assessing student nurses' views of EMA, CAT and CW-based digital phenotyping. Respondents were interested in these new technologies and keen to offer them to their patients. However, our study highlighted several issues, as respondents doubted the reliability of these devices and feared that they would hinder the therapeutic relationship. Subgroup analysis revealed correspondences between acceptability profiles and demographic profiles. It is therefore essential for nurses and student nurses to receive training and become involved in the development of this new technologies.

Mediating Effects of Social Support on Depression and Suicidal Ideation in Older Korean Adults With Hypertension Who Live Alone

BACKGROUND

Older adults who live alone are less physically and emotionally healthy and report higher levels of depression relative to those who do not live alone. Suicide is the most problematic health issue reported by older adults who live alone. In particular, vulnerable older adults who live alone experience difficulty obtaining self-care and medical services; therefore, early detection of depression is difficult, and there are few opportunities to implement suicide prevention strategies in this population. In addition, social support for depression is an important factor affecting illness and economic vulnerability in older adults who live alone.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to examine the relationship between depression and suicidal ideation in vulnerable older Korean adults with hypertension and to explore the mediating effect of social support on this relationship.

METHODS

The study used a cross-sectional design. Vulnerable older adults who were 65 years old or older with hypertension and who received home visit services from a public health center were invited to participate. The participants completed structured questionnaires, including the 15-item Short-Form Geriatric Depression Scale, 12-item Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and 19-item Scale for Suicidal Ideation, and provided information regarding their demographic characteristics, health status, and economic status. Descriptive and correlation analyses were performed to examine the correlations among these variables. The three-step regression analysis method proposed by Baron and Kenny was used to examine the mediating effect of social support.

RESULTS

The mean depression, social support, and suicidal ideation scores of participants were 23.64 (± 2.04), 35.94 (± 15.40), and 7.80 (± 7.73), respectively. In addition, depression was negatively correlated with social support (r = -.27) and positively correlated with suicidal ideation (r = .21), whereas social support was negatively correlated with suicidal ideation (r = -.35). Social support mediated the relationship between depression and suicidal ideation (Z = 2.69).

CONCLUSIONS

Social support was identified as an important variable for older adults with chronic illness who lived alone. Interventions that include social support hold the potential to reduce depression and suicidal ideation in this population.

Creating a safety net for patients with depression in primary care; a qualitative study of care managers' experiences

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore nurses' experiences and perceptions of working as care managers at primary care centers.

DESIGN

Qualitative, focus group study. Systematic text condensation was used to analyze the data.

SETTING

Primary health care in the region of Västra Götaland and region of Dalarna in Sweden.

SUBJECTS

Eight nurses were trained during three days including treatment of depression and how to work as care managers. The training was followed by continuous support.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The nurses' experiences and perceptions of working as care managers at primary care centers.

RESULTS

The care managers described their role as providing additional support to the already existing care at the primary care center, working in teams with a person-centered focus, where they were given the opportunity to follow, support, and constitute a safety net for patients with depression. Further, they perceived that the care manager increased continuity and accessibility to primary care for patients with depression.

CONCLUSION

The nurses perceived that working as care managers enabled them to follow and support patients with depression and to maintain close contact during the illness. The care manager function helped to provide continuity in care which is a main task of primary health care. Key Points   The care managers described their role as an additional support to the already existing care at the primary care center.  •  They emphasized that as care managers, they had a person-centered focus and constituted a safety net for patients with depression.  •  Their role as care managers enabled them to follow and support patients with depression over time, which made their work more meaningful.  •  Care managers helped to achieve continuity and accessibility to primary health care for patients with depression.

Depression Screening in the School Setting: Identification of the Depressed Adolescent

Adolescent depression is a silent epidemic in this country. Untreated depression has detrimental effects on physical health, psychosocial well-being, and academic productivity. It is important for school nurses to be able to recognize depression and refer students promptly for treatment. This article and its associated learning module will provide school nurses with updated information on adolescent depression, discuss barriers in depression screening, use of the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionaire-9 Item) as an evidence-based depression screening tool in the educational setting, and the important role of school nurses in depression screening. It is anticipated that by increasing awareness and knowledge about adolescent depression and providing training in the use of an evidence-based screening tool, school nurses will have greater confidence in identifying and referring students in need. (A free online depression screening education module developed by the lead author is available at https://sites.google.com/view/depressionscreeningtraining .).

[Benefits and challenges of eHealth in depression]

Depression is a common and debilitating pathology with a significant socioeconomic impact. Early and optimal treatment can help to reduce its progression towards chronicity and long-term cognitive disorders. In the context of falling numbers of medical professionals and the poor provision of validated tools, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, the use of eHealth in depression presents a clear benefit in terms of diagnostic efficacy, patient autonomy, prevention of relapse and health care costs. Innovation must however be associated with ethical deliberation, which respects the patients and their needs.

Improving Quality Outcomes in Veteran-Centric Care

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Nursing and the Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center (BVAMC) created a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Residency Continuity Clinic tasked with providing Veteran-centric mental health outpatient treatment informed by measurement-based care (MBC) to provide quality outcomes. Approved by the BVAMC, the UAB Institutional Review Board also approved and exempted the project as quality improvement. PMHNP residents administered the Patient Stress Questionnaire (PSQ)-an MBC tool that incorporates validated tools for assessing depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, alcohol use, and pain-to each Veteran from March to August 2016. Patient outcomes focused on depression and anxiety. PSQ scores were reviewed retrospectively via descriptive statistics, paired t tests, and Wilcoxon signed ranks tests. Analysis showed improvement in depression and anxiety that approached significance, and in several national Veterans Affairs mental health performance measures, reinforcing the importance of using MBC in psychiatric assessment. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 55(1), 37-44.].

Depression in Children and Adolescents

During the past 20 years, depression has been recognized widely in children and adolescents. However, even with what is known today about depression, many children and adolescents remain undiagnosed. Early recognition is imperative to prevent further episodes that may continue into adulthood. Depression in children and adolescents affects social development, academic performance, and ultimately, success as an adult. This article describes risk factors for depression, diagnostic criteria, medications, psychosocial interventions, and implications for school nursing practice.

Caring for Depression in Older Home Health Patients

Depression is common in older home health patients and increases their risk of adverse outcomes. Depression screening is required by Medicare's Outcome and Assessment Information Set. The Depression Care for Patients at Home (CAREPATH) was developed as a feasible strategy for home health nurses to manage depression in their patients. The protocol builds on nurses' existing clinical skills and is designed to fit within routine home visits. Major components include ongoing clinical assessment, care coordination, medication management, education, and goal setting. In a randomized trial, Depression CAREPATH patients had greater improvement in depressive symptoms compared to usual care. The difference between groups was significant at 3 months, growing larger and more clinically meaningful over 1 year. The intervention had no impact on patient length of stay, number of home visits, or duration of visits. Thus, nurses can play a pivotal role in the long-term course and outcomes of patients with depression.

[Relaxation, a complementary approach for mental health nurses]

Relaxation is arousing growing interest in mental health. Its positive effects are in line with an active approach which brings together body and mind and place the individual back on the path of self-awareness. The relationship with the patient constitutes the "therapeutic we" ensuring its therapeutic importance. It represents a complementary and original approach to caring.

[Therapeutic education for recurrent depressive disorder]

Depression is a serious and recurrent condition which can become chronic. As a complement to other therapeutic approaches, therapeutic patient education (TPE) or psychoeducation is effective. TPE groups led by a multidisciplinary hospitalisation team in a psychiatric department are thereby integrated into the global care in order to reduce relapses and improve patients' quality of life.

Children and Adolescents with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Population at Risk for More Than Just Kidney Disease

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of children and adolescents with chronic health conditions is a multifactorial concept that combines a child's perception and adaptation to physical, social, emotional, and school environments regardless of particular medical diagnosis. Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience non-kidney specific co-morbidities, including depression, body image alterations, and sleep disturbance, that impair their daily lives. This article reviews the pediatric nephrology literature to highlight the evidence identifying these riskr to HRQOL and suggesting ways in which nurses in both nephrology and primary care are poised to identify and modify these risk factors.

[Caregivers faced with anxiety-depressive disorders in elderly people with severe dementia]

A survey of 104 caregivers in nursing homes assesses their knowledge of anxiety-depressive disorders in patients with severe dementia with aphasia and their proposed treatment. Despite a lack of training, information and tools to assess these disorders and offer adapted care, this survey highlights in particular caregivers' concern for these issues.

Depression in patients with chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease affects 10 per cent of the general population. A number of studies over the last decade have established that there is a higher prevalence of depression amongst those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Biological, psychological and socio-economic factors influence the higher prevalence of depression in this population. The complex interplay between bio-psycho-social factors helps explain the bidirectional relationship between progress of CKD and depression. We summarize the prevalence and etiology of depression in those suffering from CKD and describe in brief the impact of depression in CKD on outcomes such as mortality and morbidity, as well as the different management options that are available. The purpose of this article is to provide a summarized and clinically applicable update on depression for nurses, which will assist them in recognizing and seeking treatment for depression, as well as highlight what is already being done and what needs to be done in terms of recognition and treatment of this common psychiatric condition.

Describing brain activity of persons with AD and depressive symptoms

The purpose of this retrospective pilot study was to characterize depression of AD using electrophysiological changes in the brain activity of persons with AD and depressive symptoms. Participants had a mean age of 70.12±12.68. Participants manifested an increase in absolute/relative theta activity (p=.000) over entire brain when compared to normative population-based database. Electrophysiological changes did not differ by age or gender except for increased absolute theta activity in the right lateral frontal areas (t-test=-2.31 to -2.39, p=.04) in females. An increased theta activity suggests that depressive symptoms may be part of AD symptomatology, not a co-morbid feature.

Depression

Depression is a common mental health disorder that impairs normal functioning, causes distress and has an adverse effect on an individual's quality of life.

[Psychological consequences and treatment of female victims of violence]

Domestic violence often just reproduces the repeated violence suffered as a child. The treatment of a female victim depends a lot on her traumatic past, and the care is designed in coordination with various partners. By improving the identification and care of children who are so-called witnesses to family violence, but who are really co-victims, in other words abused, it is possible to avoid violence in all its forms being reproduced across the generations.

[Role of the psychiatric liaison nurse in suicide risk prevention]

From suicide risk prevention to treatment, the suicidal crisis process must be known to all carers to ensure appropriate and effective care. The psychiatry liaison team at the Nantes University Hospital advocates it with somatic teams through its liaison and consultation work. At the heart of this care network, the clinical expertise of the psychiatric liaison nurse educates nursing colleagues in identifying suicide risk. The nurse's clinical assessment and knowledge of the care system optimises the overall management and the path of patient care.

Older Hispanics' explanatory model of depression

Cultural variations in the perception of depression make it difficult to recognize the disorder resulting in older Hispanics not being diagnosed and not receiving appropriate treatment. This study used a mixed-method design to explore older Hispanics' explanatory model of depression. Depression was recognized as the result of life stressors and personal weaknesses. Terms used for depressed people included "crazy, worry, bored, and nerves." These culturally coded terms may confound diagnosis among many Hispanics who find depression a shameful condition. Findings can be used to inform the adaptation of culturally relevant approaches to better serve the Hispanic community in this country.

Recovery post ICU

Many ICU patients struggle to recovery following critical illness and may be left with physical, cognitive and psychological problems, which have a negative impact on their quality of life. Gross muscle mass loss and weakness can take some months to recover after the patients' Intensive Care Unit (ICU) discharge, in addition critical illness polyneuropathies can further complicate physical recovery. Psychological problems such as anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common and have an negative impact on the patients' ability to engage in rehabilitation after ICU discharge. Finally cognitive deficit affecting memory can be a significant problem. The first step in helping patients to recover from such a devastating illness is to recognise those who have the greatest need and target interventions. Research now suggests that there are interventions that can accelerate physical recovery and reduce the incidence of psychological problems such as anxiety, depression and PTSD. Cognitive rehabilitation, however, is still in its infancy. This review will look at the research into patients' recovery and what can be done to improve this where needed.

Depression, anxiety and quality of life in caregivers of long-term home care patients

Family caregivers of patient in long-term care facilities often have high rates of stress, burden and psychological illness. A descriptive study was carried out with 63 caregivers. Caregivers were asked to complete a demographic questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Short form 36 (SF-36), which measures health related quality of life (QoL). The majority of caregivers were female (79.4%), and most often the daughter of the patient in long-term care (47.6%). The mean BDI score of the sample was 18.8, and the mean BAI score was 20.0. Almost all the mean scores referring to the QoL were decreased (lower than 50), with the exception of mental health. On the SF-36 questionnaire, the lowest scores were observed on the role-emotional, role-physical, social functioning and vitality scales of the SF-36.

Patients' perspectives on antidepressant treatment in consultations with physicians

Patient perspectives on antidepressant treatment and physician attention, and responses toward these in consultations with patients diagnosed with depression, are rarely studied. We analyzed video-recorded consultations with general practitioners (GPs) and psychiatrists. We used conversation analysis and systemic functional linguistics and found that the perspectives patients expressed related to the possibility of achieving, and the inability to retain, a sense of agency. Patients also presented indirect expressions of shame and expressions suggesting alienation toward medical treatment. GPs attended to patient perspectives by talking about medication indirectly. When patients expressed their perspectives, GPs responded by being nonauthoritative but also without prompting patients to elaborate on their reflections. Psychiatrists responded authoritatively and never urged patients to reflect on their perspectives. Shared decision making did not take place because physicians did not explore patients' perspectives in depth or offer their expertise by taking these perspectives into consideration.

Depression

Reading the CPD article was beneficial to my professional nursing practice and development. I gained a greater understanding of how depression is likely to exacerbate the effects of a physical illness or complicate the treatment of other health conditions.

[Pathological gambling and addiction to cannabis: common psychosocial profile?]

Addiction can involve substances (heroin, cannabis, cocaine) or be characterised by behaviour (pathological gambling, addiction to sport, etc.). The question is to establish whether or not there is a specific personality profile (character, temperament) and emotional functioning (anxiety, depression, alexithymia) in subjects presenting addictive behaviour with and without substance use. To find some answers, a team from Sainte-Marguerite General Hospital in Marseille carried out a study comparing a group of cannabis addicts and a group of pathological gamblers.

Use of an electronic patient-reported outcome measurement system to improve distress management in oncology

OBJECTIVE

Management of patient distress is a critical task in cancer nursing and cancer practice. Here we describe two examples of how an electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) measurement system implemented into routine oncology care can practically aid clinical and research tasks related to distress management.

METHODS

Tablet personal computers were used to routinely complete a standardized ePRO review of systems surveys at point of care during every encounter in the Duke Oncology outpatient clinics. Two cases of use implementation are explored: (1) triaging distressed patients for optimal care, and (2) psychosocial program evaluation research.

RESULTS

Between 2009 and 2011, the ePRO system was used to collect information during 17,338 Duke Oncology patient encounters. The system was used to monitor patients for psychosocial distress employing an electronic clinical decision support algorithm, with 1,952 (11.3%) referrals generated for supportive services. The system was utilized to examine the efficacy of a psychosocial care intervention documenting statistically significant improvements in distress, despair, fatigue, and quality of life (QOL) in 50 breast cancer patients.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS

ePRO solutions can guide best practice management of cancer patient distress. Nurses play a key role in implementation and utilization.

Self-efficacy: a mediator of smoking behavior and depression among college students

Cigarette smoking is a growing problem among adolescents. This correlational study tested theoretical relationships between the dependent variable (smoking behavior) and the independent variables (depression and smoking resistance self-efficacy) in a convenience sample of 364 college students ages 18 to 21 years recruited from a large urban public college. An a priori mediational model tested the role of smoking resistance self-efficacy as a mediator in the relationship between smoking behavior and depression. Findings showed there was a statistically significant positive relationship between depression and smoking behavior (r = 0.122, p = 0.01). There was a statistically significant negative relationship between smoking resistance self-efficacy and smoking behavior (r = -0.744, p = 0.01). Additionally, smoking resistance self-efficacy was a mediator of the relationship between depression and smoking behavior (beta = -0.757, p = 0.001). This study identifies a need for further theory-driven study of the relation of adolescent depression and smoking behavior. The findings of this study have implications for nursing interventions targeted to both current smokers and smoking initiation prevention programs.

Assessing and managing depression in older people

Depression is the most common mental health condition in people aged 65 and over. It can have a detrimental effect on quality of life and reduce patients' ability to manage their health. Nurses caring for older people with physical health problems are in an ideal position to identify depression; this article outlines how general receive the appropriate mental health care. nurses can do so and ensure their patientsepression can occur as a result of major life changes. It affects an estimated two million people over the age of 65 in the UK and is the most common mental illness

Depression in adolescents: review of a nursing research report

The research findings from the McCann et al.'s (2012) study are important to evidence-based nursing practice (EBNP) as they highlight the need to improve mental health literacy for health care professionals, including nurses, so that nurses are more aware of the signs of depression, young people's experiences of depression, and how to respond appropriately to their needs (McCann et al., 2012, p. 339). The findings that government funding, along with knowledgeable health care professionals, improved community awareness, and support of young people with depression, played a vital role in strengthening young people's ability to counteract the stigma while promoting self-empowerment, indicate the need for the identification and implementation of EBNP interventions incorporating their finding. (McCann et al., 2012, p. 339). One suggestion for future research would be to develop EBNP interventions designed to promote a smooth transition from youth to adulthood in those with depression and to conduct a research study evaluating the effectiveness of interventions implemented.