The problems and the values of objective nursing observations in psychiatric nursing care

This paper describes a drug trial which illustrates the problems involved in objective nursing recordings to assess response to a specific treatment. It also highlights some difficulties in recording results. The paper briefly describes the history and diagnosis of a patient and the choice of treatment. The method of formulation of a checklist and the difficulties in completing a study are discussed. The results of the study and their value in planning future work are outlined. Conclusions are drawn about the feasibility of carrying out a controlled drug trial with a patient on a ward but the most important aspects are the ability of nurses to perform objective assessments and the value of this approach when assessing a patient and his response to treatment.