Launching the Tidal Model in an adult mental health programme.
OBJECTIVE
To implement a new model of psychiatric nursing that uses person-centred care to empower people with acute mental health problems.


METHODS
A pilot study involved the introduction of the model into two wards in the acute mental health services in Newcastle City Health Trust. This was followed by introduction of the model into all nine adult acute wards in the service. One ward was evaluated for six months before and six months after introducing the model and nurses' perceptions of the model have been assessed using questionnaires.


RESULTS
Preliminary findings of the ward evaluation show that since the model has been implemented, more people have been admitted on an informal basis and fewer have been subject to sections of the Mental Health Act (MHA); the number of admissions has doubled while the length of stay has decreased; violent incidents and episodes of self-harm have decreased; the use of restraint has decreased; and the interval between admission and assessment has decreased. Preliminary analysis of the nursing questionnaires shows positive perceptions of the model.


CONCLUSIONS
The introduction of this model appears to have had a positive impact on the care being given to patients and the nurses using the model appear to be satisfied with the use of patient-centred care.
Fletcher
E
E
Psychiatry Research Unit, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle City Health NHS Trust.
Stevenson
C
C
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D016294:Models, Nursing; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009731:Nursing Audit; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D010358:Patient Participation; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires