Evidence-Based Training for Enhancing Psychiatric Nurses' Child Behavior Management Skills

Abstract

Management of behavior problems in an inpatient child and adolescent psychiatric unit is largely the responsibility of nurses, yet few evidence-based programs exist that prepare nurses for this role. A pilot study examined the effects of a 3-day standardized parent/teacher training program adapted for inpatient child and adolescent psychiatric unit nurses. Findings indicated that the standardized parent/teacher training program resulted in significant increases in self-reported use of child praise/incentives and working with parents, with accompanying desired changes in observed nurse behaviors during nurse-child play sessions. Participants rated the program positively and highlighted gains of greater empathy and fewer judgments of parents. Findings support evidence-based training programs for nursing staff and suggest further research.

Knowledge Translation Efforts in Child and Youth Mental Health: A Systematic Review

“…A further 21 studies in CYMH were excluded for one of three reasons: (a) they did not assess the effectiveness or efficiency of a KT strategy or intervention ( n = 11); (b) they assessed main outcomes other than behavioral or organizational ( n = 7); or (c) the stakeholders were the actual care users (i.e., youth or their caregivers; n = 3). Overall, 12 relevant reports were identified, five from community-based CYMH (Barwick, Peters, & Boydell, 2009; Henggeler, Shedow, Cunningham, Donohue, & Ford, 2008; Liddle et al, 2006; Homer et al, 2004; Tucker, Derscheid, Odegarden, & Olson, 2008) and seven from school-based CYMH (Atkins et al, 2008; Lerman, Vorndran, Addison, & Kuhn, 2004; Moore et al, 2002; Rohrback, Graham, & Hansen, 1993; Scott et al, 2005; Wallace, Doney, Mintz–Resudek, & Tarbox, 2004; Webster–Stratton, Reid, & Hammond, 2001) (see Table 2: Key study characteristics).…”

“…In a pilot study, Tucker et al (2008) evaluated the effects of a 3-day standardized parent/teacher training program aimed at improving interactions with children and adapted to meet the needs of registered child and adolescent psychiatric nurses ( n = 27). Nurses in Cohort 1 ( n = 12) were assigned to the intervention immediately and those in Cohort 2 ( n = 15) were assigned to wait list control group and scheduled for training one year later; assignment was based on availability and logistics.…”

Recognising our role: improved confidence of general nurses providing care to young people with a mental illness in a rural paediatric unit

“…The value of education and training in enhancing the knowledge, attitudes, confidence and competence of nurses has been acknowledged in the literature (Chan et al. 2008, Tucker et al. 2008).…”

“…2008). Tucker et al. (2008) recently demonstrated that a three day training workshop for child behaviour management led to significant improvements in psychiatric nurses’ knowledge and skills, with improved levels of empathy and a decreased tendency for negative judgement of parents.…”

“…However, although not specialists themselves, the participants acknowledged how their own skills and knowledge in mental health care have improved as the result of the education and training provided as an action from the research and they consequently felt more confident in providing care for children with mental health problems. The value of education and training in enhancing the knowledge, attitudes, confidence and competence of nurses has been acknowledged in the literature (Chan et al 2008, Tucker et al 2008. Tucker et al (2008) recently demonstrated that a three day training workshop for child behaviour management led to significant improvements in psychiatric nurses' knowledge and skills, with improved levels of empathy and a decreased tendency for negative judgement of parents.…”