As a consequence of the deinstitutionalisation of mental health services, family members have bec... more As a consequence of the deinstitutionalisation of mental health services, family members have become an important part of the care system. However, little is known about mental health professionals' perceptions of these family members. The aim of this study was to explore professionals' views of one particular group, the parents of patients with psychotic disorders. Because sensitive issues such as professionals' perceptions of parents can be difficult to capture via interviews or self-report instruments, we conducted participant observation of 20 multi-professional team meetings. The observations were carried out during 2011 at a psychiatric care unit specialised in working with patients with psychosis. Approximately 10 inpatients and outpatients were discussed in each team meeting. All conversations about the patients' parents were documented with field notes that were later analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Through the analysis, a complex and multi-facet...
Background: In a health-care service with the emphasis on improvement related to functioning and ... more Background: In a health-care service with the emphasis on improvement related to functioning and well-being, the communication process between patient and professionals is essential. There is a lack of research on this matter. Aim: The aim was to investigate, in a group of severely mentally ill persons, whether the use of a simple communication tool could influence the sense of empowerment, satisfaction with care, therapeutic alliance and unmet needs. Method: The study had a cluster randomized design. The intervention was a communication tool (2-COM) applied in two teams during one year. In a comparison group of two other teams, the treatment was as usual. At baseline, after six months, and after one year, assessments were made. Results: After one year the 2-COM groups seemed to have a larger reduction in unmet needs compared to the treatment-as-usual group. However, there were large problems with attrition in the study, and it was not possible to draw relevant conclusions. Conclusions: The methodological problems were substantial, and the study may be considered as a pilot study. In a main study the researchers ought to take control over the selection of patients on the basis of the experiences from this study.
Background: Previous research indicates that the content of psychotic symptoms is of significant ... more Background: Previous research indicates that the content of psychotic symptoms is of significant importance for the individual who experiences them. However, there are limitations concerning the use of self-report instruments for capturing experiences that are of highly personal nature. The aim of this study was to provide a deeper understanding of how individuals with psychosis make sense of the content of their psychotic symptoms. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 individuals, some of whom were experiencing active symptoms and some of whom had experienced symptoms within the last 12 months. The interviews explored the individuals' understanding of psychotic symptoms in terms of the content and the possible meaning of the content. All participants were patients at a unit specializing in psychosis. The study applied interpretive phenomenological analyses to highlight the subjective understanding of the content of psychotic symptoms. Results: Interpersonal experiences were a consistent theme in participants' understanding of the content of their psychotic symptoms. Grandiose content was understood as being related to lack of relationships and helplessness, whereas harassing content was related to experiences of being abused. Commanding content was linked to emotional consequences of intrusive relationships and to distressing life events. Supportive content was viewed as a substitute for real-life persons. Conclusions: These results support previous findings suggesting that the content of psychotic symptoms is related to interpersonal experiences. The study highlights the importance of validating the patient's own knowledge and interpretations of symptoms.
As a consequence of the deinstitutionalisation of mental health services, family members have bec... more As a consequence of the deinstitutionalisation of mental health services, family members have become an important part of the care system. However, little is known about mental health professionals' perceptions of these family members. The aim of this study was to explore professionals' views of one particular group, the parents of patients with psychotic disorders. Because sensitive issues such as professionals' perceptions of parents can be difficult to capture via interviews or self-report instruments, we conducted participant observation of 20 multi-professional team meetings. The observations were carried out during 2011 at a psychiatric care unit specialised in working with patients with psychosis. Approximately 10 inpatients and outpatients were discussed in each team meeting. All conversations about the patients' parents were documented with field notes that were later analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Through the analysis, a complex and multi-facet...
International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being, 2011
This study highlights experiences of psychiatric care described by patients diagnosed with psycho... more This study highlights experiences of psychiatric care described by patients diagnosed with psychosis. The aim was to investigate how patients, based on earlier experiences, described their wishes and needs regarding the psychiatric care system. Data comprised material from four focus groups; analysis used an inductive thematic approach. Relationships with staff emerged as a recurring theme. During periods of psychosis, patients needed staff to act as "parental figures," providing care, safety, and help in dealing with overwhelming stimulation from the outside word. In the ensuing struggle to devise a livable life, the need for relationships recurred. In this phase, staff needed to give their time, provide support through information, and mirror the patient's capacity and hope. The patient's trials were described as threatened by a lack of continuity and non-listening professionals. It was important for staff to listen and understand, and to see and respect the pati...
Background: In a health-care service with the emphasis on improvement related to functioning and ... more Background: In a health-care service with the emphasis on improvement related to functioning and well-being, the communication process between patient and professionals is essential. There is a lack of research on this matter. Aim: The aim was to investigate, in a group of severely mentally ill persons, whether the use of a simple communication tool could influence the sense of empowerment, satisfaction with care, therapeutic alliance and unmet needs. Method: The study had a cluster randomized design. The intervention was a communication tool (2-COM) applied in two teams during one year. In a comparison group of two other teams, the treatment was as usual. At baseline, after six months, and after one year, assessments were made. Results: After one year the 2-COM groups seemed to have a larger reduction in unmet needs compared to the treatment-as-usual group. However, there were large problems with attrition in the study, and it was not possible to draw relevant conclusions. Conclusions: The methodological problems were substantial, and the study may be considered as a pilot study. In a main study the researchers ought to take control over the selection of patients on the basis of the experiences from this study.
Background: Previous research indicates that the content of psychotic symptoms is of significant ... more Background: Previous research indicates that the content of psychotic symptoms is of significant importance for the individual who experiences them. However, there are limitations concerning the use of self-report instruments for capturing experiences that are of highly personal nature. The aim of this study was to provide a deeper understanding of how individuals with psychosis make sense of the content of their psychotic symptoms. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 individuals, some of whom were experiencing active symptoms and some of whom had experienced symptoms within the last 12 months. The interviews explored the individuals' understanding of psychotic symptoms in terms of the content and the possible meaning of the content. All participants were patients at a unit specializing in psychosis. The study applied interpretive phenomenological analyses to highlight the subjective understanding of the content of psychotic symptoms. Results: Interpersonal experiences were a consistent theme in participants' understanding of the content of their psychotic symptoms. Grandiose content was understood as being related to lack of relationships and helplessness, whereas harassing content was related to experiences of being abused. Commanding content was linked to emotional consequences of intrusive relationships and to distressing life events. Supportive content was viewed as a substitute for real-life persons. Conclusions: These results support previous findings suggesting that the content of psychotic symptoms is related to interpersonal experiences. The study highlights the importance of validating the patient's own knowledge and interpretations of symptoms.
The purpose of this study was to explore how persons with severe mental illness (SMI) experience ... more The purpose of this study was to explore how persons with severe mental illness (SMI) experience oral health problems (especially dry mouth), and weigh the support they received in this regard from professionals and staff at community-based congregate housing through a controlled intervention programme. Oral health problems and dry mouth are found in association with apathy and indifference, cognitive deficits, and long-term medication with psycho-pharmacological drugs. The present study describes the results from one part of a longitudinal intervention programme, which sought effective ways of mitigating dry mouth through increased support with oral health problems. This part consists of 67 informal interviews with ten participants in two community-based urban housing projects between November 2006 and June 2007, with a follow-up session in December 2007. Content analysis of the results yielded five categories: The shame of having poor dental health, history of dental care, experiences of self-care, handling of oral health problems, and experiences of staff support. Poor oral health caused shame and limited participation in social activities. Participants avoided oral health issues by such circumventions as denial of a tooth ache or dental infections, or postponing oral problems with the hope that they would die away. Offers of support were frequently resisted because of unsatisfactory prior encounters with dental professionals and staff. Our findings suggest that self-care needs to be facilitated in an unobtrusive manner with minimal staff involvement, and clients should be referred to dental care providers experienced in treating people with SMI.
As a consequence of the deinstitutionalisation of mental health services, family members have bec... more As a consequence of the deinstitutionalisation of mental health services, family members have become an important part of the care system. However, little is known about mental health professionals' perceptions of these family members. The aim of this study was to explore professionals' views of one particular group, the parents of patients with psychotic disorders. Because sensitive issues such as professionals' perceptions of parents can be difficult to capture via interviews or self-report instruments, we conducted participant observation of 20 multi-professional team meetings. The observations were carried out during 2011 at a psychiatric care unit specialised in working with patients with psychosis. Approximately 10 inpatients and outpatients were discussed in each team meeting. All conversations about the patients' parents were documented with field notes that were later analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Through the analysis, a complex and multi-facet...
Background: In a health-care service with the emphasis on improvement related to functioning and ... more Background: In a health-care service with the emphasis on improvement related to functioning and well-being, the communication process between patient and professionals is essential. There is a lack of research on this matter. Aim: The aim was to investigate, in a group of severely mentally ill persons, whether the use of a simple communication tool could influence the sense of empowerment, satisfaction with care, therapeutic alliance and unmet needs. Method: The study had a cluster randomized design. The intervention was a communication tool (2-COM) applied in two teams during one year. In a comparison group of two other teams, the treatment was as usual. At baseline, after six months, and after one year, assessments were made. Results: After one year the 2-COM groups seemed to have a larger reduction in unmet needs compared to the treatment-as-usual group. However, there were large problems with attrition in the study, and it was not possible to draw relevant conclusions. Conclusions: The methodological problems were substantial, and the study may be considered as a pilot study. In a main study the researchers ought to take control over the selection of patients on the basis of the experiences from this study.
Background: Previous research indicates that the content of psychotic symptoms is of significant ... more Background: Previous research indicates that the content of psychotic symptoms is of significant importance for the individual who experiences them. However, there are limitations concerning the use of self-report instruments for capturing experiences that are of highly personal nature. The aim of this study was to provide a deeper understanding of how individuals with psychosis make sense of the content of their psychotic symptoms. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 individuals, some of whom were experiencing active symptoms and some of whom had experienced symptoms within the last 12 months. The interviews explored the individuals' understanding of psychotic symptoms in terms of the content and the possible meaning of the content. All participants were patients at a unit specializing in psychosis. The study applied interpretive phenomenological analyses to highlight the subjective understanding of the content of psychotic symptoms. Results: Interpersonal experiences were a consistent theme in participants' understanding of the content of their psychotic symptoms. Grandiose content was understood as being related to lack of relationships and helplessness, whereas harassing content was related to experiences of being abused. Commanding content was linked to emotional consequences of intrusive relationships and to distressing life events. Supportive content was viewed as a substitute for real-life persons. Conclusions: These results support previous findings suggesting that the content of psychotic symptoms is related to interpersonal experiences. The study highlights the importance of validating the patient's own knowledge and interpretations of symptoms.
As a consequence of the deinstitutionalisation of mental health services, family members have bec... more As a consequence of the deinstitutionalisation of mental health services, family members have become an important part of the care system. However, little is known about mental health professionals' perceptions of these family members. The aim of this study was to explore professionals' views of one particular group, the parents of patients with psychotic disorders. Because sensitive issues such as professionals' perceptions of parents can be difficult to capture via interviews or self-report instruments, we conducted participant observation of 20 multi-professional team meetings. The observations were carried out during 2011 at a psychiatric care unit specialised in working with patients with psychosis. Approximately 10 inpatients and outpatients were discussed in each team meeting. All conversations about the patients' parents were documented with field notes that were later analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Through the analysis, a complex and multi-facet...
International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being, 2011
This study highlights experiences of psychiatric care described by patients diagnosed with psycho... more This study highlights experiences of psychiatric care described by patients diagnosed with psychosis. The aim was to investigate how patients, based on earlier experiences, described their wishes and needs regarding the psychiatric care system. Data comprised material from four focus groups; analysis used an inductive thematic approach. Relationships with staff emerged as a recurring theme. During periods of psychosis, patients needed staff to act as "parental figures," providing care, safety, and help in dealing with overwhelming stimulation from the outside word. In the ensuing struggle to devise a livable life, the need for relationships recurred. In this phase, staff needed to give their time, provide support through information, and mirror the patient's capacity and hope. The patient's trials were described as threatened by a lack of continuity and non-listening professionals. It was important for staff to listen and understand, and to see and respect the pati...
Background: In a health-care service with the emphasis on improvement related to functioning and ... more Background: In a health-care service with the emphasis on improvement related to functioning and well-being, the communication process between patient and professionals is essential. There is a lack of research on this matter. Aim: The aim was to investigate, in a group of severely mentally ill persons, whether the use of a simple communication tool could influence the sense of empowerment, satisfaction with care, therapeutic alliance and unmet needs. Method: The study had a cluster randomized design. The intervention was a communication tool (2-COM) applied in two teams during one year. In a comparison group of two other teams, the treatment was as usual. At baseline, after six months, and after one year, assessments were made. Results: After one year the 2-COM groups seemed to have a larger reduction in unmet needs compared to the treatment-as-usual group. However, there were large problems with attrition in the study, and it was not possible to draw relevant conclusions. Conclusions: The methodological problems were substantial, and the study may be considered as a pilot study. In a main study the researchers ought to take control over the selection of patients on the basis of the experiences from this study.
Background: Previous research indicates that the content of psychotic symptoms is of significant ... more Background: Previous research indicates that the content of psychotic symptoms is of significant importance for the individual who experiences them. However, there are limitations concerning the use of self-report instruments for capturing experiences that are of highly personal nature. The aim of this study was to provide a deeper understanding of how individuals with psychosis make sense of the content of their psychotic symptoms. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 individuals, some of whom were experiencing active symptoms and some of whom had experienced symptoms within the last 12 months. The interviews explored the individuals' understanding of psychotic symptoms in terms of the content and the possible meaning of the content. All participants were patients at a unit specializing in psychosis. The study applied interpretive phenomenological analyses to highlight the subjective understanding of the content of psychotic symptoms. Results: Interpersonal experiences were a consistent theme in participants' understanding of the content of their psychotic symptoms. Grandiose content was understood as being related to lack of relationships and helplessness, whereas harassing content was related to experiences of being abused. Commanding content was linked to emotional consequences of intrusive relationships and to distressing life events. Supportive content was viewed as a substitute for real-life persons. Conclusions: These results support previous findings suggesting that the content of psychotic symptoms is related to interpersonal experiences. The study highlights the importance of validating the patient's own knowledge and interpretations of symptoms.
The purpose of this study was to explore how persons with severe mental illness (SMI) experience ... more The purpose of this study was to explore how persons with severe mental illness (SMI) experience oral health problems (especially dry mouth), and weigh the support they received in this regard from professionals and staff at community-based congregate housing through a controlled intervention programme. Oral health problems and dry mouth are found in association with apathy and indifference, cognitive deficits, and long-term medication with psycho-pharmacological drugs. The present study describes the results from one part of a longitudinal intervention programme, which sought effective ways of mitigating dry mouth through increased support with oral health problems. This part consists of 67 informal interviews with ten participants in two community-based urban housing projects between November 2006 and June 2007, with a follow-up session in December 2007. Content analysis of the results yielded five categories: The shame of having poor dental health, history of dental care, experiences of self-care, handling of oral health problems, and experiences of staff support. Poor oral health caused shame and limited participation in social activities. Participants avoided oral health issues by such circumventions as denial of a tooth ache or dental infections, or postponing oral problems with the hope that they would die away. Offers of support were frequently resisted because of unsatisfactory prior encounters with dental professionals and staff. Our findings suggest that self-care needs to be facilitated in an unobtrusive manner with minimal staff involvement, and clients should be referred to dental care providers experienced in treating people with SMI.
Uploads
Papers by Elisabeth Olin