DR. ROGER C. ASHMORE, M.D.

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This study looked at how loneliness has become more common and serious, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it can harm both mental and physical health, such as increasing the risk of heart disease. It found that there is a strong connection between loneliness and health problems, emphasizing the need for better solutions to help people connect meaningfully with others. As loneliness continues to be a significant issue, especially in the UK, healthcare providers should focus on preventive strategies and know what local support services are available. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing loneliness, mental health professionals, and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how severe mental illness (SMI) affects cancer outcomes for people who have both conditions. It found that individuals with SMI are more likely to die from cancer, are often diagnosed at a more advanced stage, and have more trouble accessing the right treatment. For example, these patients are less likely to receive timely and appropriate care, leading to worse health outcomes. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with severe mental illness and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how a combination of relaxation techniques, like guided imagery and gentle massage, could help prevent delirium in critically ill patients. Researchers tested this approach on 104 patients in two intensive care units and found that those receiving the relaxation techniques alongside standard care may have a lower chance of developing delirium, although specific numbers on effectiveness are still being analyzed. This matters because delirium can lead to serious complications and longer hospital stays for patients, so finding effective prevention methods is crucial. Who this helps: Patients in intensive care units.

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This study looks at how the wife of a transgender woman experienced changes in her relationships after her partner came out as transgender. It highlights that these disclosures can lead to various challenges, including the emotional needs of the partner and how healthcare professionals respond to such situations. The findings show a need for better support not just for transgender individuals but also for their spouses and families, emphasizing the importance of a supportive healthcare environment. Who this helps: This benefits spouses and families of transgender individuals, as well as healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how to better understand the effects of high-Z nanoparticles, which are tiny particles that could improve cancer treatment and diagnosis when used with radiation. The researchers found that there isn't a clear set of standards or methods to properly test and compare how effective these nanoparticles are in experiments. Establishing these methods is crucial for moving promising research into real-world medical use. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on cancer treatments.

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This study looked at a part of the Mental Health Act 1983 that allows nurses to hold patients who are already receiving treatment for mental health issues for up to 6 hours. It found that this "holding power" is used in about 10% of hospital admissions (1714 cases), and in 66% of those cases, patients were then held for longer periods. This matters because it highlights a gap in understanding how and why nurses use this power, which could affect patient care and safety. Who this helps: This helps patients, healthcare providers, and mental health advocates.

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This study looked at whether people who have been involuntarily admitted to a hospital for mental health reasons face challenges when applying for tourist visas. Out of 262 travel destinations, only six (about 2.3%) require applicants to declare a mental health condition, and none ask about a history of compulsory hospital admission. This matters because it dispels the myth that having been hospitalized against one’s will automatically leads to visa refusals, helping to reduce stigma around mental health. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families, as well as mental health professionals.

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This study looked at how mental health nursing students in the UK felt about group clinical supervision over three years. The students found that participating in these supervision groups helped them develop better skills and become more involved in the process, although the benefits took time to show up and weren’t experienced by everyone. This is important because it highlights the need for proper preparation and resources when introducing students to group supervision, ensuring they have a successful learning experience. Who this helps: This helps nursing students and their educators.

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This study looked at how nursing lecturers help students in clinical supervision groups as part of their training in mental health nursing. Eight lecturers shared their experiences, leading to insights on their attitudes, how they prepare for the sessions, and what makes an effective supervisor. While lecturers find supervising students appealing, the study highlights that several challenges need to be overcome to ensure these groups effectively prepare students for future roles. Who this helps: This benefits nursing students and their educators by improving training methods.

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This study looked at how often nurses used "holding power" under the Mental Health Act from 1983 to 2006 in one mental health trust, finding that it was used 803 times over the 24 years, averaging about 33 times a year. Most of the time, this was applied to female patients by male nurses, mostly in adult inpatient units. This information matters because it helps understand patterns in hospital practices, which can improve patient care and staff training. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers in mental health settings.

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This study looked at how mental health nurses feel about locking doors on acute care wards in the UK. Eleven nurses shared their thoughts in interviews, leading to six main themes, including the reasons for locking doors and the impact on patient care. The findings highlight the importance of nurses considering the broader effects of this practice before it becomes a standard approach. Who this helps: This helps mental health nurses and hospital administrators.

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This study looked at how quickly doctors respond to patients under a specific part of the Mental Health Act, known as section 5(4), over 24 years. Of the 803 cases reviewed, doctors saw 82.3% of patients within the four-hour timeframe required by law, but the average time for a doctor to arrive was 140 minutes. The research highlights that response times were longer during working hours and points to the need for mental health services to improve how quickly patients can get medical assessments after a section 5(4) is applied. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing mental health crises who need timely medical support.

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This study looked at how mental health nursing students interact with the pharmaceutical industry, including how often they meet with industry representatives and what kinds of gifts they accept. Of 347 students surveyed, nearly 80% reported accepting gifts, but only 11.5% thought this was wrong. The findings show that while students appreciate the information from the industry, they are also aware of the potential influence it could have on their future practice, highlighting a need for discussions about these relationships in nursing education. Who this helps: This helps nursing students and educators understand the impact of the pharmaceutical industry on their training.

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This study looked at the experiences and expectations of 32 mental health nursing students regarding group clinical supervision, which is a structured support system during their training. The students found the concept of supervision appealing, but expressed concerns and worries about how it would work, especially in a group setting. This matters because understanding these students' feelings and expectations can help improve their training and support as they prepare for their future roles as nurses. Who this helps: Mental health nursing students and their educators.

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This study looked at how group clinical supervision can improve the training of mental health nursing students. It highlighted that while there is training for registered nurses in this area, fewer conversations have taken place about how to support nursing students effectively. This approach is important because it helps students learn safe practices and better prepares them for their future roles as professionals. Who this helps: This benefits mental health nursing students and their future patients.

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This study looked at the experiences of mental health nurses in the UK who have been stalked. The researchers found that half of the nurses surveyed (50%, or 56 nurses) reported being stalked, mainly by male perpetrators (82.1%) while most victims were female (78.6%). This is important because it highlights a serious and underreported issue that affects the well-being and safety of these healthcare professionals, and emphasizes the need for more research on this topic. Who this helps: Patients and mental health nurses.

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This study examined how mental health practitioners handle ethical issues when conducting clinical audits. Researchers found that out of 14 clinicians, none followed a formal process for reviewing audits, and many did not properly address important ethical concerns like informed consent and confidentiality. This is significant because it means that patient rights and privacy may not be fully protected during these audits, potentially affecting the quality of care. Who this helps: This helps patients by ensuring their rights and privacy are prioritized in mental health evaluations.

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This study looked at how student nurses use their interpersonal skills during role-plays in a clinical setting. The researchers ranked the types of skills used, finding that the most common were catalytic (helping patients think for themselves) and prescriptive (giving guidance), while the least common were cathartic (helping patients express emotions). These results are important because they show how real practice might differ from what nurses believe about their own skills, which can impact patient care. Who this helps: This benefits nursing students and their instructors by improving training programs.

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This study looked at muscle fibers from mdx mice, which have Duchenne muscular dystrophy, to see if high levels of calcium entering the cells could be causing their muscle problems. Researchers found no difference in calcium influx between the dystrophic mdx muscle fibers and healthy ones, meaning that high resting calcium levels are not responsible for the severe muscle damage observed in these mice. This finding is important because it helps narrow down the causes of muscular dystrophy, guiding future research and treatments. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

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This study examined why mental health nursing students choose not to share personal information with patients. The students expressed concerns such as crossing professional boundaries, feeling that self-disclosure might not help patients, and believing it could expose their own vulnerabilities. Understanding these reasons is important because it can improve training for nursing students and ensure better patient care. Who this helps: This benefits nursing students and their future patients.

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This study looked at why mental health nursing students decide to share personal information with patients during therapy. Out of 162 students surveyed, many felt that self-disclosure helps build trust and shows empathy, while others expressed concerns that it could be inappropriate or make them appear vulnerable. Understanding these reasons is important because it can shape how future nurses engage with patients and develop therapeutic relationships. Who this helps: This helps nursing students and their future patients.

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This study looked at how nursing students share personal information about themselves, focusing on both adult nursing students and mental health nursing students. It found that adult nursing students shared more personal details than those in a similar past study, but both groups shared less personal information with patients compared to other groups. In contrast, mental health nursing students shared more personal information with patients than adult nursing students. Who this helps: This helps nursing students by improving their understanding of self-disclosure in patient interactions.

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This paper studied mental health nursing articles published in the British Journal of Nursing over the past ten years to understand how the field has evolved. It highlighted key issues like the focus on community care, the need for better acute inpatient services, and the importance of clinical supervision. The authors also pointed out that future attention should be given to mental health care for children and teens, as well as for older adults. Who this helps: This research benefits mental health nurses, healthcare providers, and patients needing mental health services.

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This study looked at how mental health nursing students share personal information about themselves, which is an important skill for helping patients. The research found that these students shared more personal details than previous studies of adult nurses, but they disclosed less to patients compared to other groups. This matters because understanding self-disclosure patterns can improve the training and effectiveness of future mental health professionals. Who this helps: Patients and mental health nursing students.

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This study looks at how mental health nurses interact with the pharmaceutical industry, including attending seminars and receiving promotional materials. It found that mental health nurses should reconsider their connections to this industry, regardless of their personal views on medication for mental health treatment. The article stresses the importance of discussing the impact of advertising in professional journals to ensure better care for patients. Who this helps: Mental health nurses and their patients.

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This study looked at how NHS Direct nurse advisers respond to mental health calls, especially those involving patients expressing self-harm. Researchers found that 18 advisers used various intervention techniques during practice scenarios, which are crucial because mental health calls take longer and cause more stress for advisers compared to other types of calls. This matters because effective responses can lead to better support for individuals in crisis, ensuring they receive the help they need. Who this helps: Patients in mental health crises and the nurses who support them.

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This paper looks at how nursing schools in British universities can better support scholarship—efforts focused on education and practice—rather than just research focused on publications. The findings show that while research is important, it has overshadowed other vital aspects of scholarship, like teaching and practice, which can lead to an imbalance in how nursing contributions are valued. The authors stress the need for a more balanced recognition system in universities to acknowledge all forms of scholarship in nursing. Who this helps: This benefits nursing students, educators, and healthcare practices by promoting a more comprehensive approach to nursing education.

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This study looked at how group supervision in mental health nursing training impacted students. The students felt that this approach helped them understand what clinical supervision is for, improved their skills, allowed them to reflect on their experiences, and reduced their stress. These findings are important because they show that structured support can enhance the training of future mental health nurses. Who this helps: This benefits nursing students and their future patients by improving training outcomes.

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This study examined how nurses use a specific legal power (known as Section 5(4) of the Mental Health Act) to hold patients in mental health settings. The researchers found that, from 1983 to 1997, most patients held under this section were women, detained by male nurses, and typically held for about 2 hours and 24 minutes before moving to a different legal status. The timing of these detentions often coincided with factors like staff shift changes and medication rounds. Who this helps: This research benefits mental health nurses and healthcare facilities to improve patient care during critical moments.

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This study examined how student nurses view their own interpersonal skills while learning counseling techniques. The researchers found that these nursing students felt most confident in providing support and guidance but less confident in sharing information and challenging patients. This matters because understanding these perceptions can help improve training programs, ensuring that future nurses are better equipped for patient interactions. Who this helps: This helps student nurses and their educators.

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This study looked at how often psychiatric nurses use a specific legal power (Section 5(4) of the Mental Health Act) to hold patients for their safety. Researchers found that this power was used in 3.8% of patient admissions, and most of those held ended up being placed under longer detention. It’s important to understand the factors that influence this decision, as recognizing these can help reduce the need for such emergency measures. Who this helps: This benefits psychiatric nurses and mental health patients.

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This study reports the first use of a new technique called coronary atherectomy in Hawaii, which removes plaque from blocked arteries instead of just stretching them open. In their initial experience with four patients, this method creates a smoother surface inside the artery, potentially reducing the risk of re-blockage, which is a common problem with traditional treatments like balloon angioplasty that can have a re-narrowing rate of about 30%. This matters because it could lead to better long-term outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease. Who this helps: Patients with coronary artery disease.