Managing Patients with Psychosis in Residential Mental Health Settings: A Procedural Manual for Non-Clinical Staff
Dyar, Cole G.
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Abstract
There are significant challenges faced by direct-care staff in residential treatment settings when managing patients with active psychosis. The problem addressed was that staff often experience reluctance to engage in person-centered care due to a lack of training, guidance, or fear, exacerbating difficulties in managing patients who may pose a risk to themselves or others. This problem impacts both patients, who may not receive adequate care during psychotic episodes, and staff, who are not equipped with the skills needed to manage these complex situations. The purpose of this project was to develop a procedural manual providing direct-care staff with the tools, skills, and knowledge needed to effectively manage patients experiencing active psychosis. The theoretical framework for this project was human-centered systems theory, which views the treatment team as a relational system where each component contributes to the overall effectiveness of care. The research question guiding this project was to understand how to create a procedural manual that addresses the challenges staff face in managing patients with active psychosis, promotes person-centered care, and enhances staff preparedness. The scholar employed a qualitative exploratory design for this project, utilizing a systemic literature review to inform the creation of the procedural manual. Data were collected through focus groups with subject matter experts (SMEs) from the mental health field. The participant selection criteria focused on professionals with direct experience managing patients with psychosis in residential treatment settings. The analysis of the data was conducted using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA), which provided in-depth insights into key themes such as family involvement, the importance of continuous education, and creating a supportive work environment for staff. The key results revealed that a procedural manual emphasizing evidence-based interventions, staff training, and family systems integration could standardize care protocols across treatment facilities. Iterative feedback from the SMEs ensured the manual was both user-friendly and aligned with the best practices in psychosis management. The implications for positive change include improving both patient care and staff effectiveness by addressing the reluctance to engage in person-centered care. The project has the potential to enhance the well-being of both patients and staff, and future research should explore expanding the manual's applicability across various treatment settings and the integration of more comprehensive family systems training.
