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Delivering difficult news: views of mental health staff in inpatient settings

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 18:47 authored by Cleary, M, Hunt, GE, Walter, G
In this study, we surveyed clinical staff to ascertain their views regarding the delivery of difficult news (DDN), such as the need for lifelong medication with possible side effects, in inpatient mental health settings. Nearly all staff agreed patients had a right to information about their diagnosis, two thirds thought the doctor was the best person to inform patients of their diagnosis, and approximately half believed full diagnosis and treatment disclosure may have negative consequences. Providing hope when delivering difficult news was endorsed by almost all staff, and most took special precautions (e.g., greater monitoring) after DDN. Two thirds had never received specific training for DDN, yet most considered themselves competent in DDN. In DDN, staff usually or always considered patients’ level of insight/awareness, likely distress, diagnosis, and whether they would understand the consequences of the diagnosis.

History

Publication title

Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services

Volume

48

Issue

6

Pagination

32-39

ISSN

0279-3695

Department/School

School of Health Sciences

Publisher

Slack Inc

Place of publication

United States

Rights statement

Copyright © SLACK Incorporated

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Mental health

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