Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
Vol. 48 No. 1 January 2010
A Comparison of Multisensory and Traditional Interventions on Inpatient
Psychiatry and Geriatric Neuropsychiatry Units
Margaret Knight, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC; Lesley Adkison, MSN, RN; and Joan Stack
Kovach, RNPC, MS
ABSTRACT
Sensory rooms and the use of multisensory interventions are becoming popular
in inpatient psychiatry. The empirical data supporting their use are limited,
and there is only anecdotal evidence indicating effectiveness in psychiatric
populations. The specific aims of this observational pilot study were to
determine whether multisensory-based therapies were effective in managing
psychiatric symptoms and to evaluate how these interventions compared to
traditional ones used in the milieu. The study found that multisensory
interventions were as effective as traditional ones in managing symptoms, and
participants’ Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale scores significantly improved
following both kinds of intervention. Medication administration did not affect
symptom reduction. This article explores how multisensory interventions offer
choice in symptom management. Education regarding multisensory strategies
should become integral to inpatient and outpatient group programs, in that
additional symptom management strategies can only be an asset.
AUTHORS
Dr. Knight is Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts, Lowell,
Lowell, Massachusetts. Dr. Knight is also Clinical Specialist, Ms. Adkison is
Nurse Director, Geriatric Neuropsychiatry Unit, McLean Hospital, Belmont, and
Ms. Kovach is Nurse Director, McLean Southeast, Brockton, Massachusetts.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in
any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this
activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Margaret Knight, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC, PO Box 328,
West Groton, MA 01472; e-mail: Margaret_Knight@uml.edu.
doi:10.3928/02793695-20091204-03
Seven Habits of Highly Effective Psychiatric Nurse Authors
Teena M. McGuinness, PhD, CRNP, FAAN; and Ellen McElroy, DSN, RN
ABSTRACT
There is a pressing need for psychiatric nurse authors to write about their
professional image as well as issues they face in clinical practice. In this
article, two psychiatric nurses describe how using Covey’s The 7
Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
can serve as a framework for increasing writing productivity. In
addition, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® can increase
awareness of and appreciation for the strengths and differences in each
author’s writing style. Using these tools, writing can become a process of
discovery.
AUTHORS
Dr. McGuinness is Professor, and Dr. McElroy is Assistant Professor, School
of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in
any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this
activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Teena M. McGuinness, PhD, CRNP, FAAN, Professor,
School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, NB 320, 1530 3rd Avenue
South, Birmingham, AL 35294-1210; e-mail: tmcg@uab.edu.
doi:10.3928/02793695-20091204-05
Dissecting Dementia, Depression, and Drug Effects in Older Adults
Roy Ann Sherrod, DSN, RN, CNE, CNL; Angela Collins, DSN, RN, CNS; Stephanie
Wynn, MSN, RN; and Monika Gragg, MSN, RN
ABSTRACT
As adults age, many changes in functioning occur, and dementia and/or
depression may develop. Medications used to manage dementia and depression
include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The challenge for nurses is
recognizing which behaviors, signs, and symptoms are the result of the dementia
or depression and which are the result of the drug therapy. The purpose of this
article is to present information to increase awareness of the complexities of
care for older adults with dementia and/or depression and identify possible
implications for practicing nurses.
AUTHORS
Dr. Sherrod is Professor of Nursing, Dr. Collins is Clinical Professor, and
Ms. Wynn and Ms. Gragg are Instructors, The University of Alabama, Capstone
College of Nursing, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in
any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this
activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Roy Ann Sherrod, DSN, RN, CNE, CNL, Professor of
Nursing, The University of Alabama, Capstone College of Nursing, Box 870358,
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0358; e-mail: rsherrod@bama.ua.edu.
doi:10.3928/02793695-20091204-01
