https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/54844 2026-04-25T16:04:50Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/109330 Title: Nurses’ attitudes towards patients with substance use disorder Abstract: Background: Nursing is an ethical and caring discipline of practice. Yet there is evidence that nurses may have negative attitudes and behaviours toward people with substance use disorders. Few nurses realise that these undesirable attitudes and behaviours have a negative impact on the patients they care for. Aim: The aim of this research study was to explore, compare and critically analyse the attitudes of nurses toward patients with SUD in mental health care in Malta. Objectives: The objectives were to determine if differences existed between nurses’ attitudes toward patients with SUD as well as whether sociodemographic factors influenced the attitudes. Design and method: A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study design was used. 227 nurses from in-patients and community mental health settings completed the Substance Abuse Attitude Survey (SAAS), resulting in a response rate of 73%. Results: Foreign nurses had more positive attitudes towards treatment outcomes than their Maltese counterparts. However, foreign nurses showed ambivalence towards the early detection of substance use disorders. In addition, Maltese nurses showed more tolerance towards substance use than foreign nurses. Maltese nurses had the highest moralistic and stereotyping attitudes, suggesting that culture may influence attitudes. Female nurses showed more positive attitudes towards treatment interventions. Those who work in the in-patient setting showed to be more optimistic about treatment outcomes than community nurses. In addition, nurses with 11 to 20 years of experience had the most permissive attitudes. Nurses were satisfied when it came to treatment intervention when caring for patients with alcohol problems. Participants expressed low professional satisfaction in caring for patients with alcohol and drug problems in non-stereotyping. Finally, nurses expressed no professional satisfaction when caring for patients with drug problems regarding treatment outcomes and non-moralism. Conclusion: Understanding nurses’ attitudes in caring for patients with SUD is critical for optimal patient care. This study further expands the knowledge of nurses Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/109328 Title: The lived experiences of nurses working in general medical areas when caring for patients suffering from psychotic features : an interpretative phenomenological analysis Abstract: Background: Psychosis is described as a disorder where thinking and perception is impaired. This disorder manifests itself via both positive symptoms such as: delusions and hallucinations, and negative symptoms such as: apathy and reduced communication. There are many instances when patients suffering from psychotic features end up admitted in medical wards, as they present themselves with other medical comorbidities. Nurses working within medical wards may not be as accustomed to care for these patients as nurses who work in mental health settings. Studies have reported how nurses working in general wards find caring for these patients challenging and stressful. Studies are needed to determine and describe the experiences of general nurses when caring for patients suffering from psychotic features (Thompson et al., 2019). Objectives: The aim of this study was to gain insight on the experiences of nurses working in general areas when caring for patients suffering from psychotic features. The study aimed at exploring the attitudes of the nurses when caring for these patients, and how their work is affected. The challenges which these nurses face, as well as, any supporting needs which may be of benefit were discussed. Design: A study based on the principles of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) will be presented. Setting: The interviews took place via ZOOM at a day and time of the participants’ own choice. During every interview the participants and the researcher were at their respective homes. Participants: Five nurses working in general medical areas and have cared for patients exhibiting psychotic features. Methodology: The participants were recruited via purposeful sampling via an intermediary (a staff nurse as well), who provided them with a consent form and information letter detailing the required information about the study. Following approval, these nurses partook in a one-to-one interview with the researcher, via Zoom. The interview took no more than an hour. The questions asked were self-designed with the intent to gain an in-depth understanding about the perceptions of the participants. The interviews were then transcribed verbatim. Results: One superordinate theme, practicing with ambivalence was noted. Three subordinate themes were highlighted namely: deterrents to practice, ethical influences and supportive measures. Conclusions: The participants described how nurses require further training in the management of patients exhibiting psychotic features, and in other psychiatric illnesses. The nurses made reference to the incidence of burnout amongst themselves and the presence of stigma and discrimination within the healthcare system. The participants highlighted on the need for environmental, managerial and psychological assistance to nurses. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/109327 Title: Under a watchful eye : the lived experiences of clients under close observation during in-patient care : an interpretative phenomenological analysis Abstract: The lived experiences of individuals who have had close observation are generally underexplored, yet these reveal genuine insights developed through an intervention of controversial nature. This study aimed to explore these insights so that they guide change towards more therapeutic yield from close observation. Using a qualitative study method and the application of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), a cohort of consenting adults (n=6) who had experienced close observation during inpatient care, were interviewed, and the transcripts analysed into three superordinate themes: in shackles, the good, the bad and the ugly, and light at the end of the tunnel. Under close observation, participants recalled perceiving threatened freedom, misinterpretation and wrong judgement, intrusion of privacy and control, uncertainty, protection, appreciation for therapeutic engagement, together with quality expectations and an urge for things to be done better. Findings were in line with those in extant literature, and above all reaffirmed the need of a sound therapeutic bond throughout the whole duration of close observation. Suggestions from these findings reflect the true expectations of the recipients of close observation, hence their application to practise, in particular by the nursing profession, would be considered as an effort to solidify individualistic therapeutic approaches. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/109318 Title: The lived experience of family caregivers of persons with bipolar disorder Abstract: Background: A dearth of international literature recognises the stress and coping experiences of family caregivers of individuals with bipolar disorder (BD). However, no literature is available on a local aspect. The Theory of Transactional Stress and Coping (Lazarus and Folkman, 1984) and Family resilience Theory (Walsh, 1988, 2003, 2016) articulated and examined variables of this exploratory study. Aim, Objectives and Outcome: To understand deeply the experience of these family caregivers by exploring their stressors, coping strategies and evaluate their suggestions. To create awareness through understanding of their experiences and their suggestions for a healthier holistic family-centred care. Research Question: “What is the lived experience of family caregivers of persons with bipolar disorder?’’ Design and Method: A qualitative approach study based on interpretative phenomenological analysis focusing on a pragmatic outcome. Virtual semi-structured interviews were conducted and recorded due to Covid-19 measures. Data analysis process was done as described by Smith & Eatough (2007) to make sense of their personal and social world. Participants: Five family caregivers living within the same household participated in a purposeful sampling method for rich data and these were approached through an intermediary for ethical purposes. Results: Analyses revealed three major superordinate themes namely always on one’s toes, pulling on one’s forces and the way forward that included other subthemes that identified the stress and coping methods of these caregivers. Moreover, a mixture of problem and emotion focused coping strategies provided caregivers with an opportunity for self-growth and resilience to cope effectively especially during the pandemic of Covid-19. Also, suggestions by participants helped in providing views for improvement in care. Conclusion: There is a need for more information and education to be addressed to eliminate social isolation and stigma. Adequate services and support groups add in the teaching and learning process on how to enhance resilience in family caregivers of bipolar disorder. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z