Building Success on Strong Foundations - PNA

Psychiatric Nurses Association PNA - <strong>Building</strong> <strong>Success</strong> on Strong FoundationsRefocusing Acute PsychiatrySouth Lee Mental Health Services CorkAnn CoughlanNurse Practice Development Co-ordinator (NPDC)Unit 4a,South Ring Business Park,Kinsale Road CorkPhone: 021 – 4927288 - 087 2996018Refocusing Acute PsychiatryRefocusing Acute Psychiatry is a structured approachto practice development and project managementwithin an acute admission environment.It is based upon work strain theory and solutionfocused approaches in order to improve the quality ofworking lives of staff, to improve the quality of patientcare and to develop the “specialism” of acutepsychiatry. This Model was developed by Mr. NickBowles, based on his observation of best practice inBradford, West Yorkshire, his participation in thedevelopment of UK acute mental health policy and thematch between practice, policy and organisationalpsychology.Refocusing is a highly specific series of interventionsand is based upon psychological and organisationaltheory most importantly “the job strain” model(Karasek & Theorell). Two Cork sites have beeninvolved with this work since 2004, some of thepractice development themes include leadershipperson centred/recovery, purposeful admission, clearstructured and wellboundaried wards, engagement,therapeutic activity, audit and managerial support.The fundamental principles and some of the structuralelements of refocusing are in keeping with theemergent views of the mental Health Commission andour policy document “A Vision for Change”Solution Focused Therapy in Acute MH Care (partof the Irish “Refocusing” initiative)Preferred Futures (Nick Bowles)Nick Bowles1 Pecket Well Mill, Hebden Bridge, W Yorks, HX7 8QY EnglandPhone: 0044 7977 038302Email: preferredfutures@gmail.comDescription of training programme delivered in Ireland,defines SFT and role in acute MH care, in-pt andcommunity, summarises evidence base, shows howsix simple tools can be used in wards to performancemanage engagement.engagement, therapeutic activity,audit and managerial support.6