Effectiveness of interactive mental flexibility groups for patients on acute inpatient psychiatric unit

• Published in: Journal of psychosomatic research 2018-06, Vol.109, p.131-131
• Main Authors: Safadi, S., Leontieva, L., Roe, C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agitation; Anger; Averages; Census; Censuses; Cognitive ability; Cognitive flexibility; Coping strategies; Drugs; Emotions; Feedback; Happiness; Health care; Hospitalization; Mental disorders; Mental health; Mood; Nurse patient relationships; Nurses; Nursing; Patient admissions; Psychological distress; Psychotherapy; Quality control; Quality management; Sadness; Self esteem
• ISSN: 0022-3999; 1879-1360
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2018.03.132

Aims: Our aim was to examine the effects of group sessions focused on mental flexibility and imaginative thinking to decrease agitation, improve mood, and create a positive environment. Methods: A 3-month quality improvement research project was facilitated on the acute inpatient psychiatric unit in Syracuse, NY USA. Group sessions were implemented to target inpatients experiencing distress, anger, low self-esteem, and/or ineffective coping strategies. Patients were presented with activities, creative questions, and prompts that encourage cognitive flexibility and imaginative thinking. Sessions were designed to be enjoyable and approachable while also giving patients the opportunity to express their responses through drawing, writing and group discussions. Sessions were 1-hour long and facilitated in a common space for maximum participation. A set of Likert-type scales were administered before and after each session for participants to rate levels of happiness, sadness, and anger. Incidents of agitations, and as-needed medications administration were traced during and 4 hours after each session. Results: The average daily census on the unit was 17 patients. Average group attendance was 41%. Average agitation incidences were 2% of daily census, and the average of as-needed medications administrations was 10% of daily census. After their initial session, patients indicated an increase in happy feelings (mean 0.46, SD 0.978), a decrease in sad feelings (mean -0.44, SD 1.078). and decrease in anger (mean -1.15, SD 1.984). The training of nursing staff took place after the success of this project. The results of this training showed that 6 sessions 1 hour each was sufficient for the nurses to feel comfortable conducting the group; implementation of such group improved patient-nurse relationship and decreased agitation on the unit. Conclusion: This study indicated that implementing mental flexibility group sessions on an acute psychiatric floor is viable and well received by both patients and staff. Sessions helped to decrease agitation and reduced the need for extra medication administration. The patients' feedback on their emotions indicated that the group helped them to feel happier, less sad, and less angry. Many patients enjoyed the groups sessions and expressed a boost in self-esteem and more positive outlook on life.