Paper Example on Compulsory Admissions of Psychiatric Patients: A Multiple-Case Study

Introduction

The article used patient records to collect information about crucial factors preceding compulsory admissions of adult psychiatric patients. Further, the research adopted a multiple-case study and it based the selection criteria on the patients with critical mental illness, particularly schizophrenia, as well as other psychotic disorders. The method assumes is that it will enhance the general understanding of the mental healthcare process preceding compulsory admissions of psychiatric patients (De Jong, Oorschot & Kamperman et al., 2017). Additionally, the authors used this method because it reflects the interpretive paradigm, allowing the authors to analyze the data to understand the behavior of the general population. Importantly, it allowed the researchers to critically evaluate the data and apply their experience to conclude appropriately. However, the study used records Flexible Assertive Community Treatment had treated. The study analyzed records of twenty-two patients. All Flexible Assertive Community Treatment treated patients were eligible to participate in the study.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

Additionally, the data collected was accurate because it was collected based on the details of the case-record form. Three investigators used the first version to assess the validity of data and agreement on the interpretation. However, they used the first version to adjust the case-record forms used in the study (De Jong et al., 2017). Records used in the study involved baseline demographics and clinical characteristics. Among the baseline demographics observed in the records include age, sex, employment, and marital status. Among the clinical attributes considered in the records include substance abuse, GAF admission, previous compulsory admission, and compulsory emergency admission procedure. The information is accurate since the authors evaluated each case-record before agreeing on the ones to use. Therefore, all the selected records contained critical information.

Data analysis method the article applied is the Prevention and Recovery System for Monitoring and Analysis (PRIMA). Its findings fit data. For example, the mean for previous compulsory admission was 15, while the duration of treatment in mental healthcare 8.4 years (De Jong et al., 2017). The mean for emergency admission was 17, while court-ordered admission was 5. Also, the mean for substance abuse was 12. The data rhymes with the findings in the sense that some patients illustrated self-neglect that led to serious mental health conditions; thus, the need for compulsory admission (De Jong et al., 2017). Also, the study found that most of the compulsory admissions had some mental conditions that required urgent medical attention. Although it may violate the rights and freedoms of people, it is for the public good since the patients cannot make independent decisions.

Importance of the Findings of the Study

First, the article found that aggression and cessation of medication were common among the patients. Due to self-neglect in some patients, they showed serious medical conditions, leading to signs and symptoms, such as weight loss. Also, the study found out that most of the patients avoided mental healthcare services. All of them lacked knowledge and understanding of mental health problems. Therefore, their families and friends had to take precautionary measures of seeking court-ordered admissions or compulsory admissions. Generally, the article identified a recognizable pattern of events preceding compulsory admissions (De Jong et al., 2017). In this context, the research approach fits the purpose of the study since the researcher critically evaluated case-records, containing crucial information about the mental health status of patients. Additionally, the results are easy, logical, and consistent to follow and this is because the article used only Prevention and Recovery System for the Monitoring and Analysis method.

The primary reason for using the method is to identify factors influencing an incident. As a result, the study applied four factors, including acts ad events with red color, orange repents conditions, and circumstances, blue represents failing protective barriers and the green represents process preceding incident. Therefore, color representation makes it easier to follow the results. Findings indicate that in some cases, healthcare professionals should observe and evaluate events preceding compulsory admission (De Jong et al., 2017). In conclusion, observing a pattern of events is crucial in deciding about compulsory admission. There is a direct relationship between prior behaviors before compulsory admissions. For example, the number of patients showing great danger to others was 6, while that of substance abuse was 4. 2 of the case-study records showed danger to themselves (De Jong et al., 2017). Therefore, observing behavior patterns would influence compulsory admission decisions.

Results Helpful in Patient Care

The findings of the article apply to my patients. First, they have helped to understand behavioral patterns regarding mental conditions among different populations. For example, the article has helped to gain an understanding about the assessment of mental health patients to determine the levels of dangers to others and themselves for appropriate action. Also, it helps to understand the behavior of all patients and appropriate actions to take that would improve their mental health. In extreme cases, mental health patients are not rational to make independent decisions. Therefore, there are exceptional situations that would enhance making decisions on behalf of the patients.

Conclusion

Based on personal practice, I will now evaluate the medical history of all patients, including their genetic composition to understand the primary causes of their mental disorders. The information is critical since it helps to recommend the most appropriate therapy for each patient. Also, the study has helped to understand how to overcome ethical dilemmas in the nursing practice. For example, I will make decisions on behalf of patients to improve their mental health, although it may violate their rights of consent. Finally, the results help to enhance the values of the family of the patient. Together with healthcare professionals, they should be involved in the decision-making process since they can influence the patient’s adherence to medication. For example, patient A was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, but ceased medication without authorization, and she became psychotic. Therefore, upholding family values is critical to treating mental health conditions.

Reference

De Jong, M. H., Oorschot, M., Kamperman, A. M., Brussaard, P. E., Knijff, E. M., van de Sande, R., Van Gool, A. R., & Mulder, C. L. (2017). Crucial factors preceding compulsory psychiatric admission: a qualitative patient-record study. BMC psychiatry, 17(1), 350-358.