Therapeutic directions in acute inpatient psychiatric nursing.
BACKGROUND
The role of nurses in caring for acute psychiatric inpatients has traditionally been a holistic one, involving one-to-one nurse-patient relationships and the therapeutic use of self. Over the years, a more medical model has emerged, including cognitive-behavioural therapy and monitoring of medication. At the same time, there has been a reaction against the 'observation culture' that has existed in many hospitals. This article considers the best way forward for psychiatric nursing.


CONCLUSIONS
A psychosocial model seems to provide the most promising framework for the development of psychiatric inpatient nursing. However, this must not be at the expense of the traditional holistic, humanistic approach that is valued by patients, carers and nurses.
Evans
R
R
Camden and Islington Mental Health NHS Trust, St Pancras Hospital, London. Rogerjevans@aol.com
D000208:Acute Disease; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration; D006694:Holistic Health; D006808:Humanism; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000523:psychology*; D016294:Models, Nursing; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D015279:Organizational Culture; D010358:Patient Participation; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011321:Primary Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*