21 research outputs found
Staphylococcus argenteus transmission among healthy Royal Marines: a molecular epidemiology case-study
Objectives: During a prospective study of S. aureus carriage in Royal Marines recruits, six S. argenteus strains were identified in four recruits. As S. argenteus sepsis leads to mortality similar to S. aureus, we determined the potential for within same troop transmission, to evaluate future outbreak risk. Methods: We used whole-genome sequencing to characterise S. argenteus and investigate phylogenetic relationships between isolates. Results: S. argenteus strains (t5078, ST2250) were detected in 4/40 recruits in the same troop (training cohort) in weeks 1, 6 or 15 of training. No mec, tsst or LukPV genes were detected. We identified differences of 1-17 core SNPs between S. argenteus from different recruits. In two recruits, two S. argenteus strains were isolated; these could be distinguished by 2 and 15 core SNPs. Conclusions: The identification of S. argenteus within a single troop from the total recruit population suggests a common source for transmission, though high number of SNPs were identified, both within-host and within-cluster. The high number of SNPs between some isolates may indicate a common source of diverse isolates or a high level of S. argenteus mutation in carriage. S. argenteus is newly recognised species; and understanding of the frequency of genetic changes during transmission and transition from asymptomatic carriage to disease is required
Patientsâ Preference and Experiences of Forced Medication and Seclusion
This study examined patientsâ preferences for coercive methods and the extent to which patientsâ choices were determined by previous experience, demographic, clinical and intervention-setting variables. Before discharge from closed psychiatric units, 161 adult patients completed a questionnaire. The association between patientsâ preferences and the underlying variables was analyzed using logistic regression. We found that patientsâ preferences were mainly defined by earlier experiences: patients without coercive experiences or who had had experienced seclusion and forced medication, favoured forced medication. Those who had been secluded preferred seclusion in future emergencies, but only if they approved its duration. This suggests that seclusion, if it does not last too long, does not have to be abandoned from psychiatric practices. In an emergency, however, most patients prefer to be medicated. Our findings show that patientsâ preferences cannot guide the establishment of international uniform methods for managing violent behaviour. Therefore patientsâ individual choices should be considered
An integrative review exploring decision-making factors influencing mental health nurses in the use of restraint
Introduction: While mechanical and manual restraint as an institutional method of control within mental health settings may be perceived to seem necessary at times, there is emergent literature highlighting the potential counter-therapeutic impact of this practice for patients as well as staff. Nurses are the professional group who are most likely to use mechanical and manual restraint methods within mental health settings. In-depth insights to understand what factors influence nursesâ decision-making related to restraint use are therefore warranted.
Aim: To explore what influences mental health nursesâ decision-making in the use of restraint. Method: An integrative review using Cooperâs framework was undertaken. Results: Eight emerging themes were identified: âsafety for allâ, ârestraint as a necessary interventionâ, ârestraint as a last resortâ, ârole conflictâ, âmaintaining controlâ, âstaff compositionâ, âknowledge and perception of patient behavioursâ, and âpsychological impactâ. These themes highlight how mental health nursesâ decision-making is influenced by ethical and safety responsibilities, as well as, interpersonal and staff-related factors.
Conclusion: Research to further understand the experience and actualization of âlast resortâ in the use of restraint and to provide strategies to prevent restraint use in mental health settings are needed