What nonpharmacological therapeutic interventions are provided to adolescents admitted to general mental health inpatient units? A descriptive review

Abstract

Limited research exists regarding the therapeutic operations of adolescent mental health inpatient units, particularly in terms of nonpharmacological therapeutic interventions. This review collates what is known about reported nonpharmacological therapeutic interventions for young people admitted to general or non‐disorder‐specific adolescent mental health inpatient settings. A descriptive review of this nature was not located in the literature. The aim was to identify what is currently known about reported nonpharmacological therapeutic interventions. The purpose was to consider gaps and contribute to further work being undertaken in describing an exemplary inpatient model of care for adolescents. Sources included CINAHL, MEDLINE, ERIC, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Studies included were those published in English, between the years 2000 and 2018. Exclusions included residential, community, outpatient, forensic settings, and studies detailing pharmacological interventions. Ten studies were identified. This descriptive review provides an objective foundation to inform an exemplary inpatient model of care currently being investigated. There is a critical need to understand these interventions to identify key components of an inpatient model of care. Such knowledge will provide guidance for future services seeking to create an exemplary model of care. Furthermore, these results can influence current practice by improving quality and delivery of inpatient care.

Constrained nursing: Nurses’ and assistant nurses’ experiences working in a child and adolescent psychiatric ward

“…2007; Hayes et al . 2019b; Rasmussen et al . 2017) and how ward management fails to relate nursing ideology to nursing models, theories, and ethics (Ellilä et al .…”

Evaluation of the physical health of adolescent in-patients in generic and secure services: retrospective case-note review

“…We add to the growing evidence that physical health monitoring in mental healthcare is necessary, particularly for adolescents. [11][12][13][30][31][32] Previous research also shows that metabolic abnormalities are common in adolescents receiving mental healthcare, but often go unnoticed and untreated. 6,10,13,21 Individuals admitted to generic and secure mental health wards have a wide range of difficulties and non-specific mental health needs, and may or may not be prescribed psychotropic medication.…”

“…Hayes et al reviewed non-pharmacological interventions delivered on in-patient wards and found psychosocial programmes, such as therapy-based activities, family interventions and mindfulness-based activities, were common. 32 Yet, few studies have been conducted offering physical health interventions within this setting, or even those across the general population, despite the benefits of exercise for adolescents. 33 Further, a recent review showed that despite being recommended by NICE, lifestyle interventions are not consistently offered across mental health trusts in the UK.…”

School Supports for Reintegration Following a Suicide-Related Crisis: A Mixed Methods Study Informing Hospital Recommendations for Schools During Discharge

“…Interviewees described both positive and negative impressions of the effectiveness of psychiatric hospitalization for adolescents experiencing a suicide-related crisis. Although the effectiveness of psychiatric hospitalization is highly debated [ 48 ], discharge summaries including an overview of the purpose of hospitalization (i.e., stabilization and safety) and the expectation that recovery is a longer-term process involving ongoing outpatient care following discharge [ 49 ], may help school professionals better understand adolescents’ treatment. Such information may also reinforce the importance of school supports during reintegration.…”