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Expressed emotion on long-stay wards
E J Finnema1, J W Louwerens, C J Slooff
1Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands.
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|September 1, 1996
Summary
This study on schizophrenia care found that an educational program for nurses did not change their expressed emotion (EE) levels. However, it improved patient social functioning and reduced restrictive ward rules, showing measurable benefits.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Nursing Education
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- High expressed emotion (EE) in nurses is linked to negative patient outcomes in schizophrenia.
- Educational programs aim to improve nursing care and patient well-being in psychiatric settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a nursing educational program on nurses' expressed emotion (EE).
- To assess the program's effects on ward climate, patient psychopathology, and social functioning.
- To examine changes in restrictive ward rules post-intervention.
Main Methods:
- Quasi-experimental design across six Dutch psychiatric hospitals.
- Utilized the Five Minute Speech Sample (FMSS) method to assess nurses' EE.
- Measured patient psychopathology and social functioning, alongside ward climate and rules.
Main Results:
- The educational program increased nurses' knowledge but did not significantly alter their EE levels.
- A notable portion of nurses exhibited high EE (criticism), a stable pattern.
- Patient social functioning improved and was correlated with nurses' EE.
- A significant reduction in restrictive ward rules was observed.
Conclusions:
- Educational interventions may not readily change nurses' EE levels but can yield positive patient outcomes.
- Improvements in patient social functioning and a decrease in restrictive practices suggest indirect benefits.
- Further research is needed to optimize interventions for modifying EE and enhancing care for schizophrenia patients.