Management of psychiatric symptoms in medically ill patients in the homecare setting

Nurses with critical care knowledge and experience increasingly provide technologically advanced care to patients at home who often present comorbid psychiatric symptoms. Failure to accurately recognize and provide appropriate intervention can be devastating for patients because these symptoms can exacerbate the medical condition and may lead to mortality. The Biopsychosocial Model and the Transactional Model of Stress were presented as guides for nursing practice. Practice is directed at 1) understanding the patient's perception of events, 2) involving the caregiver(s) in the patient's recovery, and 3) enhancing the individual's adaptive coping efforts and resources. The article attempts to guide nurses in making decisions on when to consult and collaborate with an APPN to achieve desired patient outcomes.